Graduate Certificate
Now Accepting Applications
for Fall 2009
The Geriatric Care Management Graduate Certificate program is designed to meet the
needs of today's working professionals. The program requires the successful completion of four graduate level courses with a grade of B or higher as well as a 50-hour supervised clinical experience to be completed in the area in which the student resides. The courses associated with this program are offered on a semester basis (Spring, Summer and Fall) and each semester is thirteen weeks in length.
All courses are taught utilizing a web based e-learning system. The courses are organized in weekly modules which include audio power point presentations, video lectures, assigned reading and on-line discussion forums. The material is designed to be completed in self paced / flexible format. Each course utilizes an electronic discussion board that provides an in depth interactive experience while at the same time offering individual flexibility to the working professional student.
Required Courses
- GEY 6646 - Issues & Concepts in Gerontology
(Community Resources for Geriatric Care)
This introductory course provides an overview of the multidisciplinary field of gerontology, aging services, and community resources for geriatric care management. Material will be covered that informs students about the basic biology, psychology, and sociology of the aging process. Patterns of service use and public and private resources to meet the individual needs of geriatric clients are examined. Principles of case management and the role and function of the private geriatric care manager are presented.
- GEY 6220 - Overview of Geriatric Care Management
This course presents the basic elements and procedures for conducting a comprehensive geriatric assessment and care plan report. The content of the course covers the fundamentals of a psychosocial and functional assessment. Current issues in dementia and depression are discussed. Emphasis is placed on conducting the client interview, gathering all necessary information, and incorporating that information into a cohesive written care plan.
- GEY 6206 - Communication in the Aging Network
(Family Systems & Care Planning)
This course examines the role of communication in successful care plan implementation and coordination. Students will explore the impact of family systems on the provision of care for individuals and aging families. Topics include caregiver assessment, care monitoring, helping midlife children work together to care for aging parents, preparing for and facilitating family meetings, forgiveness and effective use of technology.
- GEY 5935 - Ethical, Legal and Business Aspects
of Geriatric Care Management
This course explores the ethical and legal issues encountered in the practice of geriatric care management including informed consent, decision making capacity, advanced directives and the regulation and financing of long term care. The course will also address issues associated with starting a business in Geriatric Care Management including entrepreneurial risk, marketing, fee for service billing, and human resources. Emphasis is placed on creating a business plan.
Clinical Experience
The final requirement for the Graduate level certificate is the supervised clinical experience. Depending upon the individual professional background most students are required to complete a supervised clinical experience under the supervision of a professional practicing in the field of geriatric care management.
If you are already employed as a professional geriatric care manager you may be able (based on your individual background) to waive out of this requirement. If you think you may be eligible to waive out of this experience you should provide a letter from you current employer indicating that you are currently practicing in the areas required as a part of the clinical experience. The letter can be addressed to UF - GCM Program and submitted to gcm@dce.ufl.edu.
For more information, please review the a) preceptor agreement form; b) time log and summary form; and c) preceptor evaluation form.
