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Gerontology Center

Professional Advancement Certificate in Gerontology 

The Professional Advancement Certificate in Gerontology is designed specifically for those who:

  • Work with older adults
  • Desire to change careers to work with older adults
  • Are involved personally with the care and responsibility of an older adult
  • Want to learn about current issues related to aging and gerontology

This program provides an opportunity to gain new knowledge related to specific career, professional, and personal responsibilities and interests. The program is designed to enhance the understanding of aging-related issues by providing the most recent information and research findings in the field of gerontology.

Faculty

The course features a faculty of academic researchers, experienced practitioners, and professionals involved in fields related to aging. The presenters include members of the UCCS faculty, professionals, and experts from the areas of health, law, and government, representing the public, nonprofit, and private sectors. The program is coordinated by Stephen M. Bender, MSW, Associate Director of the Gerontology Center, and Sandy Clark, Lead Instructor.

Topics Covered

The topics covered over the two semester sequence include, but are not limited to, the following themes:

  • A cross-cultural look at aging
  • Physiological, biological, sociological, and psychological aspects of aging
  • Government's role and policy issues
  • Trends and changes in long-term care
  • Legal issues and the elderly
  • Medical and end-life ethical issues
  • Community based resources
  • International and national demographics
  • Intergenerational programs
  • Alzheimer's disease and care
  • Medicare and Medicaid programs
  • Social Security perspectives
  • Coping with losses due to aging
  • Health and medical issues
  • Aging in the 21st century
  • Spirituality and wellness

How to earn the Certificate

The full course extends over two semesters taken in sequence. The sequence can be started in either the fall or spring. Successful completion of the program requires:

  • Class attendance
  • Participation and completion of weekly topics/speaker evaluation

A maximum of six class absences are allowed during the two semesters. No tests or papers are required. Grading is on a Pass/Fail basis.

Course Schedule

Tuesdays, 5:15 -7:15 p.m.

Registration Fees/Tuition

Cost is $425 per semester. Payment requires a minimum payment of $212.50 per semester at the time of registration, with the remaining balance due by the end October (fall) or mid April (spring).

Tuition is used exclusively to cover costs of instruction, administration, and to support the operation of the Gerontology Center at UCCS.

Note: Registration fees have been approved by some employers for employee tuition benefits.

Course Location

Colorado Springs Senior Center
1514 North Hancock Avenue
Colorado Springs, CO 80903

How to register

  • Call 719-667-0187, fax 719-471-2800 or email the Gerontology Center and request a brochure
  • Mail or bring the completed brochure with a minimum payment of $212.50 to
    Gerontology Center
    1434 North Hancock Avenue
    Colorado Springs, CO 80903

Registration Deadline

Fall semester: September 8th
Spring semester: December 31st

Drops and Refunds

Students can drop from the course anytime BEFORE the course begins without any penalty. A full refund will be provided if the course is cancelled. No refunds will be granted once the SECOND CLASS SESSION has begun.

For further information contact:

Gerontology Center
1434 North Hancock Avenue
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Phone: 719-667-0187
Email: geron@uccs.edu