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