Human Services, Aging and Older Adults - Certificate
- Education
GERN
This program may be completed at the Knight (Warwick) Campus.
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:
- Understand the history and foundations for best practices in working with the aging population.
- Understand best practices for meeting older clients and assessing their strengths and needs.
- Understand a person- and family-centered treatment plan
- Discuss multicultural dimensions of helping, ethical and other professional responsibilities for human service workers when working with the aging population.
- Identify effective communication, useful clarification, and attitude related to effective skills when working with older adults.
- Apply professional interpersonal skills, including attitudes, active listening, boundaries, and self-care.
- Demonstrate the ability to advocate and connect individuals to services, supports, and work within a system for aging adults.
Certificate Requirements
| 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^ (Work-Based Learning Course) | 5 |
| Choose ONE of the following: | 3 | |
| Therapeutic Interventions I: Working with Individuals | ||
| Therapeutic Interventions II: Group Process and Practice | ||
| HMNS 2200 | Assessment Interviewing for Treatment Planning | 3 |
| Subtotal | 21 | |
| Total Hours | 21 | |
Recommended Course Sequence
| 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^ (Work-Based Learning Course) | 5 |
| Choose ONE of the following: | 3 | |
| Therapeutic Interventions I: Working with Individuals | ||
| Therapeutic Interventions II: Group Process and Practice | ||
| Hours | 11 | |
| Total Hours | 21 | |