Program:
Community Health

Degree Awarded:
Certificate in Gerontology

Length of Program:
Students with associate’s degree: 3 semesters
First-time college students: 3–4 semesters

Application Deadlines:
Accepted year-round
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Degree Overview

The Clarkson College online Gerontology certificate program that educates students about the physical, psychological, social and cultural aspects of the lifelong aging process.

The 21-credit hour Gerontology certificate is ideal for individuals interested in the many issues facing our aging population and how professionals of various backgrounds can play an integral role in enhancing the quality of life of older adults.

Coursework will cover health and physical aspects of aging, psychological and social aspects of aging, long term care and how to manage care for the older adult. In your final semester of the program, students will complete either a fieldwork experience or an EA (ethics, empathy and advocacy) core course. Those who already have work experience in the field will have the option to take an EA core course; students who do not yet have work experience in the field will be required to take the fieldwork course. This flexibility prevents experienced students from having to take time off work to fulfill fieldwork requirements, and instead provides instruction in an area specific to their career interests and life experience. It also provides a valuable, hands-on learning opportunity for students new to the field. This hands-on experience provides you with opportunities for observation and participation that are not available in traditional classroom work. 

Courses are offered year-round and on a part- or full-time basis. Students entering the program with little or no college experience may complete their prerequisite courses at Clarkson College.

After successful completion of the Gerontology certificate program, you will be knowledgeable of the important role the health care professional serves in providing end of life care for geriatric patients and emotional support for their loved ones.

Required Courses for Gerontology Certificate

General Education courses

These courses are available at Clarkson College or qualifying courses may transfer. Students with an associate’s degree or higher in a health care-related field may have the prerequisites waived after review by the admitting program director.

Courses Semester Hours
EN 101 (ENG 101) - English Composition I 3
EN 102 (ENG 102) - English Composition II 3
MA 130 (MAT 130) - College Algebra 3
ST 310 (MAT 310) - Statistics 3
HM 224 (HIM 224) - Anatomy and Physiology OR
BI 211 (BIO 211) - Human Anatomy - Lecture and Lab AND
BI 213 (BIO 213) - Human Physiology - Lecture and Lab
4
4
4
Total Semester Hours 16
Required courses
Courses Semester Hours
CHL 241 - Programs, Services and Policies in Aging 3
CHL 330 - Health and Physical Aspects of Aging 3
CHL 333 - Psychological and Social Aspects of Aging 3
EA 205 (EEA 205) - Death and Dying 3
◊ CHL 400 - Community Health Fieldwork (concentration related) OR
EA Core (EEA Core) - Ethics, Empathy, and Advocacy OR
CHL 244 - Vulnerable Populations
2
3
3

Students choose 6 credits from the following:

Courses Semester Hours
CHL 334 - Managing Care of the Older Adult 3
HC 220 (GEN 220) - Gerontology 2
CHL 335 - Seminar in Gerontology 1
PTA 330 - Advanced Neurological & Cardiopulmonary Interventions 3
PTA 370 - Acute to Chronic Care in Physical Therapy 3

Total Semester Hours: 20-21

Tuition and Fees

Estimated rates for the 2023-24 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Find out more information about costs, tuition, and fees.

Scholarships

Learn which scholarships you are eligible for as an in-coming or current student.
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Financial Aid

Explore the various loan and grant opportunities available to help fund your education.
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Undergraduate Tuition

Cost per Credit Hour
$651


Cost per Semester
$7,962 - Full-time (12 hrs)
$3,981 - Part-time (6 hrs)

Tuition
Undergraduate Tuition$651 / credit-hour
Fees - Included in cost per semester
Enrollment Fee for first time students $150/ each
Degree Specific Fees - Not included in cost per semester
Lab Fee - General Education $40/ class

Career Overview

Median Salary

$47,000
Payscale.com, 2019

Job Outlook

Job growth in several occupations related to gerontology is anticipated, with a growth rate of more than 17% in the areas of medical and health service managers (Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Career Options

  • Administration
  • Health & wellness centers
  • Home health, palliative care & hospice agencies
  • Independent, Assisted Living & Skilled Nursing Facilities
  • Non-profit organizations
  • Public policy & government
  • Research
  • Senior centers
  • Social service agencies
  • Social Services Director
  • Program Director
  • Admissions Coordinator
  • Senior Center Director
  • Activities Director
  • Life Enrichment Coordinator

This page includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license.