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