Aging Studies

Program Overview

Barton College's Aging Studies program, established in 2003, prepares students for careers in the aging network through a multi-disciplinary curriculum and a 300-hour internship. Graduates pursue careers in various settings, including assisted living facilities, healthcare organizations, and government agencies.

Program Outline

Barton College Aging Studies Program

Degree Overview:

• Program Established: 2003
• Goal: Prepare students for careers in the aging network by providing a solid theoretical and applied foundation in aging studies while instilling a sense of respect and compassion for older adults.
• Aspirations: Be one of the best programs in North Carolina and the premiere liberal arts college program in the nation.
• Program Type: Multi-disciplinary major with courses in several departments.
• Additional Courses: Students take courses in philosophy and religion, social work, psychology, and nursing.
• Faculty: Students receive instruction from a variety of professors within these academic programs.

Outline:

• Courses:
• Aging, the Individual, and Society
• Ethnic and Cross-Cultural Perspectives in Aging
• The Aging Network
• Family Caregiving and Dementias
• Health Needs of Older Adults
• Legal and Ethical Issues in Healthcare
• Living with Dying
• Psychology of Aging
• Internship: 300-hour internship during the senior year.
• Internship Agencies:
• Longleaf Neuro-Medical Treatment Center
• Elm Croft Assisted Living
• Dementia Alliance of North Carolina
• AARP – North Carolina
• The Upper Coastal Plains Area Agency on Aging
• Parkwood Village Assisted Living Residence
• Alterra Sterling House
• WilMed Hospice

Careers:

• Career Opportunities:
• Growing elderly population in the U.S. creates a wide variety of employment opportunities.
• Recent Graduate Employment:
• Assisted-Living Memory-Deficit Residences
• Rehabilitation Health Care Facilities
• Local Offices on Aging
• Area Agencies on Aging
• Positions:
• MedLink Coordinator
• Coordinator of Memory-Deficit Assisted-Living Residences
• Long-Term Care Ombudsman
• Health Promotions Specialist
• Caregiver Support Coordinator
• Care Planner

Other:

• Student Involvement:
• Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk
• Caregiver Education Conference
• Presentations:
• Southern Gerontological Society