The Gerontology Health Care Certificate program is designed to provide you with a foundation for understanding the physical effects of growing older as well as society's role in the aging process. Read more about this University of Phoenix graduate certificate program here.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What Kind of Program Is It?

    If you enroll in the Gerontology Health Care Certificate program, you will have the opportunity to gain an overview of issues affecting individuals who are coming into or are already in retirement. The program is designed to touch on topics such as public policies, long-term care, disabilities, health care maintenance and cultural diversity. Additionally, you will have the chance to gain theoretical knowledge of how to develop and carry out programs for aging groups. This series of courses is available in an online format.

    What Are the Prerequisites?

    You may be a human services or health care professional seeking focused knowledge of elderly and aging populations. Applicants are required to have an undergraduate degree from a regionally or approved nationally accredited institution with a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 on the undergraduate degree posted transcript, a minimum of one year of full-time post high school work experience or volunteer experience with exposure to organizational systems and management processes, and must be currently employed in a suitable health/health related environment or have access to a suitable health/health related work environment.

    What Are the Course Requirements?

    If you enroll in this program, you will be required to complete 12 credit hours. This curriculum could provide a strong base for students seeking an overview of the field.

    • HCS 548: Foundations of Gerontology
    • HCS 551: Biological and Psychological Aspects of Aging
    • HCS 557: Social and Cultural Aspects of Aging
    • HCS 565: Organization and Management of Aging Services

    Advanced Degrees

    Individuals who have completed the Gerontology Health Care Certificate program may decide to pursue a master's degree. Participating in a graduate degree program could provide you with advanced theories and practical skills in human and gerontological services administration. It could also qualify you to take on additional workplace duties.

    Specific degrees that can be pursued include, but are not limited to:

    • Master of Health Administration
    • Master of Health Administration/Gerontology
    • Master of Public Administration