Gerontology Level 2 (Intermediate)

This "Gerontology Level 2 (Intermediate)" certificate builds upon the level 1 certificate and encourages the student to continue on to the full Gerontology Certificate of Achievement and/or Associate’s Degree in Gerontology. This certificate includes the 6 units from level 1 (Gerontology 300 + Gerontology 498) plus a Psychology of Aging (3 units) and a Death and Dying course (3 units) for a total of 12 units. This level 2 certificate will deepen the student's knowledge and understanding of Gerontology and allow them to display their knowledge and experience when applying for jobs.

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

·      evaluate thanatology as an interdisciplinary subject with psychological, spiritual, philosophical social, cultural and historical aspects of death and dying.

·      analyze the values of different cohorts and how those values impact the aging experience

·      compile a diversity of resources, local and otherwise, available to support successful aging.

·      explain normal age-related changes and how they are influenced by lifestyle.

Labor market analysis has revealed that jobs/careers working with elders are increasing rapidly and that we, at the California community colleges, need to be notifying students of these trends so they can fill future positions. In addition, we learned that experience in Gerontology is valued in most every career path. For example, gymnasiums, hiring personal trainers, are now seeking to hire individuals who have a desire to work with elders. Some specific careers include: Advocate, Caseworker, Community Coordinator, Family Support Worker, Home Based Assistant, Program Specialist, Outreach Specialist, Social Services Assistant, Social Work Associate, and Human Service Assistant.