Prospective Students | Gerontology

The Pacific University graduate certificate in gerontology program is designed for a student who meets the following criteria:

  • Has a license, degree, or is in the process of completing in a discipline such as one of the following (not exhaustive):
    • Dental hygienist
    • Exercise science
    • Music/art therapy (learn more about Pacific's music therapy degree)
    • Nurse (any level)
    • Occupational therapist
    • Pharmacologist
    • Physician assistant
    • Physical therapist
    • Psychologist
    • Social worker
    • Speech-language pathologist
  • Works directly with older adults (see examples below)
    • Director of aging services
    • Director of skilled nursing or long-term care facilities
    • Activity program directors and facilitators
    • Any professional providing direct care to frail, ill, or impaired older adults in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, or through adult daycare or home care programs
    • Counseling older persons and their families about issues of care giving, employment, death and dying, or mental health
    • Providing programs such as health promotion, senior theater groups, or intergenerational activities for older persons in senior centers, community agencies, or retirement communities
  • Is not up to date on research and best practice related to older adults
  • Is looking for a course of study that will be immediately applicable, and bring immediate benefits to aging patients/clients
  • Requires necessary continuing education requirements for licensure
  • Is seeking promotion
  • Is interested in creating and/or directing programs that serve older adults
  • Is looking to become a gerontologist