Interprofessional Graduate Certificate in Gerontology

University of Maine

The Interprofessional Graduate Certificate in Gerontology is designed to increase the knowledge, skills, and abilities of health and human service professionals who provide care to older adults in a variety of settings.The goals of the UMaine Interprofessional Graduate Certificate Program in Gerontology are to:Strengthen the knowledge, skills, and abilities of health and human service professionals for the provision of effective, comprehensive care and services for older adults and their caregivers.Increase the number of individuals who select a career in the health and human service fields with specialization in the delivery of services for older adults.Prepare professionals from a variety of fields to function as members of interprofessional teams in the provision of services that enhance the lives of older adults and those who care for them.The following principles are reflected in the course material and in the teaching-learning activities of the Interprofessional Graduate Certificate in Gerontology:Focus on the opportunities and challenges of aging and in working with older adults/caregivers.Maintain a balance between wellness and illness.Appreciate diversity in the aging population in terms of age, race, gender, sexuality, culture/ethnicity, abilities, and differences in life experiences.Emphasize ethical principles in the care of older adults/caregivers.Demonstrate interprofessional team approaches.Recognize similarities and differences in gerontological practice in rural versus urban communities.Enhance cross-generational learning between inexperienced students and those who have professional experience in the care of older adults (enrollment will include current graduate students combined with seasoned practitioners).Acknowledge the strengths and assets that the older adult brings to their relationships with others.Include the voices and the lived experiences of older adults and caregivers in the learning experience.What You’ll LearnGraduates of the certificate program will be prepared to function as members of interprofessional teams to effectively address the health and human service needs of an increasingly diverse aging population.Upon completion of the Interprofessional Graduate Certificate in Gerontology, the graduate will:Demonstrate knowledge of social, behavioral, cultural, and health-related issues experienced by the growing population of older adults and their caregivers.Promote health, functionality, and quality of life of older adults through education of individuals and families and through appropriate referrals to service providers.Incorporate ethical principles in the provision of services for older adults and their caregivers.Incorporate evidence-based strategies in assessing health and service needs and in designing care management plans for older adults and caregivers.Demonstrate understanding of an interprofessional team approach for efficient, innovative, and effective service delivery.Advocate for improved health and human services for older adults and their caregivers, grounded in knowledge of aging-related health policy and effective programs.

College of Natural Sciences, Forestry, and Agriculture