Important Facts About This Field of Study
| Prerequisites | Students must be a sophomore or higher for an undergraduate certificate, bachelor's degree required for graduate certificate |
| Online Availability | Graduate and undergraduate programs available online and onsite |
| Continuing Education | 15 hours of continuing education per year required for NACCM recertification every three years |
| Key Skills | Coordination and planning skills, critical thinking, leadership |
| Job Outlook (2021-2031) | 6% growth (for all registered nurses)* |
| Median Salary (2021) | $77,600 (for all registered nurses)* |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Curriculum
Typical certificate programs in this field can be completed in two years or less. Some programs may require you to complete a practicum. In many cases, you'll be able to waive this requirement if you are currently working with the elderly in hospitals, retirement homes or long-term care facilities. Required and elective courses in geriatric care management certificate programs may include:
- Fundamentals of geriatric care
- The aging process
- Interpersonal communication
- Institution and home care for the elderly
- Diseases of the aged
- Ethical and legal issues in elder care planning
- Geriatric management business planning
- Financial aspects of geriatric care
- Business management
- Assessing geriatric health
After completing a geriatric care management certificate, you may choose to work for a home health business, an agency on aging or a health care facility, such as a nursing home. You may decide to start your own care management business. The National Association of Geriatric Care Managers (NAGCM) and the International Commission on Health Care Certification (ICHCC) both offer certification opportunities for geriatric care managers. To be eligible for both professional certifications, you must have a combination of education and experience.
