Gerontology Certificate (Career)
Demographics have demanded the explosion of careers in the field of gerontology. Modern medicine keeps us alive longer, but gerontology addresses the needs and desires of older adults to promote healthy aging and a positive quality of life in the later years.
As the region’s premier institution for workforce development and career
preparation, Frederick Community College offers specific training opportunities for
people who are interested in expanding their knowledge of aging and lifespan development.
Our Program
Program Objectives
Growth Potential & Job Opportunities
Financial Assistance
Faculty
Gainful Employment Reporting
Please refer to the catalog for curriculum requirements.
Our Program
Opportunities in gerontology studies at FCC are available in four configurations:
- Associate of Arts Degree in Human Services – an option through the Arts and Sciences program that prepares students to transfer to a four-year college for further study. This degree requires a minimum of 61 credits and introduces the student to social and rehabilitation services and human development concepts designed to deal with the problems of specific populations, including older adults. After completing the first year of academic work, the student may elect to pursue the 15-hour gerontology track of specific courses related to understanding and working with older adults. See the back cover of this brochure for courses available.
- Gerontology Certificate – a 23-credit option for students with or without an undergraduate degree. The certificate prepares students for new careers in the gerontology field, or augments previous training or credentials to facilitate advancement in one’s current career by adding professional education.
- Gerontology Letter of Recognition – a 9-credit introduction to the core material in the field of gerontology.
- Continuing Education Non-credit Certificate – requires 90 hours of in-class instruction and introduces students to aging studies for personal interests or for professional development.
Program Objectives
- To acquaint students with the field of lifespan development and aging studies with an emphasis on the later years,
- To share knowledge and understanding that may be applied to a variety of workplace settings or to further education in the field of gerontology,
- To introduce career opportunities that incorporate gerontology studies,
- To provide continuing education and professional development for people who work with older adults.
Growth Potential and Job Opportunities
Frederick has been identified as a community attractive to older adults and, therefore, a place that will provide increasing opportunities for careers that address the lifestyles of active older adults. Within the larger community, gerontology studies are helpful to any service industry whose customers include older adults, for example, education, recreation, retirement and financial planning, real estate, health and mental health care fields, and assisted living.
Today’s older adults want to be as active as possible for as long as possible. As the number of older adults in our community increases, so, too, will the demand for expertise in gerontology.
Financial Assistance
FCC’s tuition and fees are about half the cost of those at four-year public colleges in Maryland. Payment plans are available for students who wish to segment their tuition payments. Scholarships and loans are also available for eligible students.
Faculty
All FCC faculty are credentialed at the master’s or doctorate level. All are experts in their field who take a personal interest in preparing students to meet the challenges of serving older adults. Expect small classes, extensive hands-on instruction and flexible class schedules.
For information on credit gerontology programs, contact: Bruce Thompson, 301.846.2535.
For information on non-credit programs, contact: Sue Adams, 301.624.2732.
Register for classes online at www.frederick.edu or call 301.846.2431.
