Graduate Certificate
Now accepting registrations for
Fall 2008. Classes begin August 25th!
The Graduate Certificate requires the successful
completion of 5 graduate level courses with a
grade of B or higher as well as a 50-hour supervised clinical experience to be completed
in your area.
All courses are taught utilizing the web, including audio and PowerPoint presentations. Class assignments and quizzes are submitted by students through the course website. Discussion boards and virtual classrooms are also utilized for interaction between students and the instructor.
Courses
The Certificate in Geriatric Care Management uses a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach consisting of five, three-credit courses developed and taught by University of Florida faculty. Each course will need to be completed to obtain graduate credit. In addition, a supervised clinical experience is required upon completion of the course work to obtain your certificate. You must follow the specified order listed below in taking and completing the courses.
Issues & Concepts in Gerontology
In a lecture series format via the Internet, UF faculty will present overviews on aging issues, as well as insights into the latest research on these issues. Faculty from the UF Center for Gerontological Studies recognized for their expertise in psychology, sociology, nursing, and education will be continually updating this course with their unique perspectives. Topics include:
- Physiological, Sociological, & Psychological Aspects of Normal Aging
- Aging & Public Policy Issues
- Demography of Aging
- Aging vs. Disease in Later Life
- Aging and Exercise
- Elder Abuse and Neglect
- Cognition in Adulthood and Later Life
- Personality Across Adulthood and Late Life
- Death and Bereavement
Medical & Health Management Issues in Aging
The focus of this course is on health promotion as a person ages. Common health problems of the aging will be identified along with a critical analysis of the current health environment. The course will also identify strategies for health promotion and disease control. Topics include:
- Healthy Nutrition & Nutritional Problems
- Maximizing Function & Health
- Pharmacology/Drugs & The Elderly
- Pain Management
- Cognitive Dysfunction: Dementia
- Failure to Thrive
- Safety: Home Assessment, Prevention of Falls
- Emergency Management
- Recognizing Depression
- When is Medical Intervention Needed?
Assessing for Significant Changes in Health Status
Social Services & Aging
This course will introduce students to the philosophical and legislative foundations for aging programs and services. Visits to local agencies serving older adults and their families will enrich the student's Internet learning experiences. Students will also learn to identify the challenges inherent in providing services through the use of case studies and best practices models. Topics include:
- Identifying and Accessing Community Resources
- Aging Networks
- Hospice
- Wellness Programs
- Recreation and Leisure
- Housing and Environment
- Elder Abuse Programs
- When to Institutionalize
- Using the Internet to Identify Resources
Interpersonal Communication within the Aging Network
This course will emphasize the importance of effective communication with clients, care givers, and members of the care team. Special emphasis is placed on dealing with conflict, developing therapeutic relationships, and empowerment for self-care. Topics include:
- Interviewing the Older Client/Taking an Effective Client History
- Communication Barriers with the Older Client
- Effective Communication with Peers
- Developing Therapeutic Relationships
- Dealing with Conflict
- Teams: Multidisciplinary vs. Interdisciplinary
- Family Systems
- Empowerment for Self-Care
Geriatric Care Management
This course will provide the student a foundation for establishing and growing a successful geriatric care management business. The content will include development of a business plan including marketing and promotion. Special emphasis is placed on the legal and ethical issue involved in care, as well as the importance of cultural competency in a care manager. Topics include:
- End-of-Life Issues
- Elder Abuse Policy
- Advance Directives
- Power of Attorney
- Money Management
- Institutionalization
- Health Care Financing - Public & Private Insurance
- Business Planning & Management
- Keys to Developing a Successful Care Management Business
- Employment Law
- Liability Issues
- Fiscal Responsibility
Clinical Experience
The final requirement for the Graduate level certificate is the supervised clinical experience. This hands-on, clinical experience enables one to gain clinical practice in the field. Students are required to complete 50 hours of clinical experience. For more information, please review the requirements for completion.
