The certificate in Aging and Older Adults is for students who may be currently employed or interested in working with the aging or elderly populations. The program introduces students to the Human Services profession, focusing on the study of Aging and Older Adults. The Aging and Older Adults Certificate is designed to assist students in learning the foundations of adult development and aging, including longevity, health, functioning, and understanding social problems such as ageism, discrimination, cultural issues, and care services. Students develop an awareness of the multidisciplinary supports necessary to care for aging and older adults.

Note: All courses must be completed with a grade of C or better. Many courses require prerequisites, corequisites and/or testing. See course descriptions for details.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, a student will be able to:

1. Understand the history and foundations for best practices in working with the aging population.
2. Understand best practices for meeting older clients and assessing their strengths and needs.
3. Understand a person- and family-centered treatment plan
4. Discuss multicultural dimensions of helping, ethical and other professional responsibilities for human service workers when working with the aging population.
5. Identify effective communication, useful clarification, and attitude related to effective skills when working with older adults.
6. Apply professional interpersonal skills, including attitudes, active listening, boundaries, and self-care.
7. Demonstrate the ability to advocate and connect individuals to services, supports, and work within a system for aging adults.

Certificate Requirements

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
HMNS 1010	Introduction to Helping and Human Services	3
HMNS 1040	Drugs and Human Behavior	4
HMNS 1090	Foundations of Aging, Older Adults, and Caregiving	3
HMNS 1200	Practicum I: Service Learning^	5
Choose ONE of the following:		3
HMNS 2130	Therapeutic Interventions I: Working with Individuals
HMNS 2135	Therapeutic Interventions II: Group Process and Practice
HMNS 2200	Assessment Interviewing for Treatment Planning	3
Subtotal		21
Total Hours		21

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Work-based learning course

Recommended Course Sequence

Plan of Study Grid

Year 1
Semester 1		Hours
HMNS 1010	Introduction to Helping and Human Services	3
HMNS 1040	Drugs and Human Behavior	4
HMNS 2200	Assessment Interviewing for Treatment Planning	3
	Hours	10
Semester 2
HMNS 1090	Foundations of Gerontology and Elder Care	3
HMNS 1200	Practicum I: Service Learning^	5
Choose ONE of the following:		3
HMNS 2130	Therapeutic Interventions I: Working with Individuals
HMNS 2135	Therapeutic Interventions II: Group Process and Practice
	Hours	11
	Total Hours	21

^

Work-based learning course