Interprofessional Healthy Aging (Graduate Certificate)

Program Overview

The Interprofessional Healthy Aging Graduate Certificate equips professionals with expertise in addressing the complex needs of aging populations. Through interdisciplinary knowledge and collaboration, graduates can design and implement programs that promote healthy aging and well-being for older adults and their caregivers. The program offers a blend of online and on-campus options, preparing graduates for careers in healthcare, long-term care, and community settings.

Program Outline

It provides interdisciplinary knowledge to enhance the well-being of diverse older persons in the context of their families and communities.

Program Objectives:

• Apply interprofessional principles to improve the well-being of older adults and their caregivers.
• Understand and address the complex needs of aging populations across the lifespan.
• Design, implement, and evaluate programs and interventions that promote healthy aging.
• Collaborate effectively within interprofessional teams to deliver high-quality care to older adults.

Program Description:

• The curriculum focuses on improving the well-being of diverse older persons, considering their family and community context.
• It aligns with the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education's Competencies for Graduate Education.
• It addresses the multidimensional aspects of aging, population-specific needs and potential contributions, national health initiatives, and interprofessional and community collaborations.
• Graduates can pursue recognition as a gerontological coordinator by the National Association for Professional Gerontologists.

Outline:

Program Content:

The program consists of 15 credit hours, divided into 3 credit hours of required core courses and 12 credit hours of restricted elective courses.

Required Core Courses (3 credit hours):

• HCA 501: Perspectives on Aging and the Life Course

Restricted Elective Courses (12 credit hours):

• HCA 502: Research and Program Evaluation Issues in Aging
• HCA 503: Diversity in Aging
• HCA 504: Caregiving Issues for Families and Professionals
• HCA 505: Interdisciplinary and Community Collaboration in Aging
• HCA 507: Care Coordination across the Continuum of Care
• HCA 508: Mental Health Assessment and Intervention
• HCA 510: Innovations in Program Development and Policy
• NUR 628: Research, Theory and Principles for Palliative Care in the Older Adult
• SWG 571: Mental Health Aspects of Aging
• SWG 573: Policies to Promote Healthy Aging
• SWG 623: Program Evaluation
However, the program likely utilizes various methods, including:
• Lectures: Providing foundational knowledge on aging-related topics.
• Discussions: Encouraging critical thinking and analysis of issues related to aging.
• Case Studies: Examining real-world scenarios to apply knowledge and develop problem-solving skills.
However, it can be assumed that the program is led by experts in gerontology, aging research, and related fields, with experience in interprofessional collaboration.

Careers:

Potential Career Paths:

• Gerontological Coordinator
• Life Enrichment Coordinator
• Life Enrichment Director
• Program Manager
• Research Coordinator

Career Opportunities:

The program prepares graduates to work in various settings such as:

• Healthcare organizations
• Long-term care facilities
• Community agencies
• Government
• Research institutions

Other:

Program Location:

• The program can be completed in an online format or on-campus at the Downtown Phoenix location.

Admission Requirements:

• Bachelor's or master's degree from an accredited institution.
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 in relevant coursework.
• Official transcripts.