Certificate in Applied Gerontology

Fulfilling the Need for Aging and Health Care Professionals

As the aging population increases, so too does the need for well-trained health professionals, service providers, planners and policy workers who understand the unique issues of the older adult.

In our fully online certificate program, students gain a strong foundation in specialized courses in aging and health, and administration. Our graduates make an impact working directly with older adults, influencing elder health care policy and challenging stereotypes related to the aging population.
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Program Highlights

The 15-credit Graduate Certificate in Applied Gerontology is shorter than the master’s program and is designed for working health care professionals who want to develop or expand their skill set to work with the aging population.

The program is unique in offering:

  • A digital micro-credential in Applied Gerontology
  • The convenience of entirely online course offerings
  • A rich academic environment with a vast array of aging-related resources
  • Enrollment in a university ranked #1 of 582 schools nationwide in health professions education by College Factual

 

Learning Outcomes are aligned with the School of Health Professions Outcomes and include outcomes related to major competencies for aging.

While in the program, learners will: 

  • Describe the psychological, , social, and biological processes that occur with aging;
  • Analyze diverse and complex aging issues and outcomes such as elder care and social and healthcare policy for older adults, families, and society from an interdisciplinary perspective;
  • Explain major concepts, theories, and approaches to research in the study of the aging process, including the knowledge of an interdisciplinary approach and the use of multi methods in the study of the aging process;
  • Evaluate how the aging population can iinfluence social policy when applied in the public and private sector;
  • Identify methods of effective communication with older adults and professionals in the field of aging;
  • Evaluate the need for adaptive devices to maximize functional abilities in the the older population;
  • Utilize the principles of evidence-based practice when providing service to older adult;

The population of Americans 65 and older is projected to double by mid-century, rising from 42 million today to 89 million in 2050. The aging population requires specialized health care by an inter-professional team trained to focused on the physical and mental well-being of older Americans.

Our program prepares graduates to fill a critical demand for highly qualified health professionals, service providers, planners, educators, and policy workers who understand the issues of aging and the aging population.

Rutgers is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), a voluntary, nongovernmental, peer-based membership association dedicated to promoting standards of excellence and improvement in higher education.

Questions?

Please contact the Office of Admissions at 973-972-5454 or Dr. Vaishali Singhal in the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies at singhava@shp.rutgers.edu.

Admissions Criteria

To apply to the Graduate Certificate Program in Applied Gerontology you must meet the following requirements and provide the following documents:

  • Currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences (BSHS) Program at SHP. Students enrolled in the customized track in the BSHS have an option to enroll in the Graduate Certificate in Applied Gerontology provided that they earn a minimum of a B grade in Introduction to Gerontology (IDST5300) in Fall 1 and have an overall GPA of 3.0 at the end of the first semester. Students completing the Graduate Certificate in Applied Gerontology may also receive the digital micro-credential.
  • Or have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree with an overall GPA of 3.0 or greater

Tuition & Fees

SHP Tuition and Fees

For Tuition and Fees, please see the Graduate Tuition and Fees.
(Scroll down to 2023-2024 Rutgers Health Tuition and Fee Rates and click on School of Health Professions)
Cost of Attendance

Curriculum

The coursework for the Graduate Certificate in Applied Gerontology is fully online and can be completed at times that are best for the professional.
Required Gerontology Core (9 Credits)      
Course Number Course Name Credits Semester Offered
IDST 5300 Introduction to Gerontology 3 FALL
IDST 5320 Social and Health Care Policy for the Older Adult 3 SPRING
IDST 5400 Perspectives on Death and Dying 3 FALL

Electives credits (6) Select one from each category

Health Care Related Electives (6 credits – Select 2 courses)      
Course Number Course Name Credits Semester Offered
IDST 5110 Health Service Issues and Trends 3 SPRING
IDST 5600 Management and Leadership in Health Professions 3 SPRING
IDST 5650 Quality Management in Health Care 3 FALL
IDST 5700 Law and Ethics for Healthcare Providers 3 SPRING
IDST 6500 Independent Study 3 SUMMER

Total Credits: 15

FAQs

The 15-credit fully online certificate program is for students currently enrolled in the BSHS or the School of Public Health or working healthcare professionals who want to develop or expand their skill set to work with the aging population.

The program is for those who are currently enrolled in the BSHS at SHP or are students at the Rutgers School of Public Health or who have established health care careers and those who desire to become teachers in aging education programs, continuing education programs, or provide staff development and in-service training.

The program prepares graduates to assume rewarding and high-demand careers within the health care industry with a focus on caring for the aging population. Graduates may work in government and private agencies, hospitals, community agencies and residential facilities.

Applicants do not need to take any standardized test such as the GRE and an interview is not required. However, applicants must be enrolled in the BSHS at SHP or have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree with an overall GPA of 3.0 or greater.

You may apply online here   for the Master’s program and here for the certificate program. Along with the application, the following should be submitted:

  • Statement of career interest and why the Aging program meets career goals
  • Official transcripts from all academic institutions attended
  • Resume/CV

Non-matriculants must follow the course sequence as delineated in the curriculum sequence. The student must take 2 classes each during the spring and fall and complete the Independent Study course during the summer session. The application for the certificate and courses can be found here.

The best source for financial aid information is at the Rutgers Student Financial Aid Office.  They can be contacted 973-972-4376 or by clicking here.

There are limited scholarships available for SHP students.