A certificate program in geriatric care management offers information on caring for the elderly population. Colleges and universities across the United States offer both undergraduate and graduate certificates in geriatric care management.
Geriatric Care Management Certificate Programs
A geriatric care management certificate program comprises approximately 15-18 credit hours of specialized courses in planning and coordinating health care for the elderly. These programs are often designed for those who hold a degree in nursing, gerontology or social work and who are already working in health or human services.
If you do not have a related degree, you may seek an undergraduate certificate program. While rare, undergraduate programs provide many of the same courses offered by the more common graduate-level programs.
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutThisFieldOfStudy">Important Facts About This Field of Study</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td> Prerequisites </td><td> Students must be a sophomore or higher for an undergraduate certificate, bachelor's degree required for graduate certificate</td></tr>
<tr><td> Online Availability </td><td> Graduate and undergraduate programs available online and onsite</td></tr>
<tr><td> Continuing Education </td><td> 15 hours of continuing education per year required for NACCM recertification every three years</td></tr>
<tr><td> Key Skills </td><td> Coordination and planning skills, critical thinking, leadership</td></tr>
<tr><td>Job Outlook (2021-2031) </td><td>6% growth (<i>for all registered nurses</i>)*</td></tr>
<tr><td>Median Salary (2021)</td><td>$77,600 (<i>for all registered nurses</i>)*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---Curriculum">Curriculum</h3><p>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:
</p><ul><li>Fundamentals of geriatric care
</li><li>The aging process
</li><li>Interpersonal communication
</li><li>Institution and home care for the elderly
</li><li>Diseases of the aged
</li><li>Ethical and legal issues in elder care planning
</li><li>Geriatric management business planning
</li><li>Financial aspects of geriatric care
</li><li>Business management
</li><li>Assessing geriatric health
</li></ul><h3 id="section---CareerAndCertificationInformation">Career and Certification Information</h3><p>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.</p>
