Gerontology Certificate Programs in Virginia Schools
Approximately 12.2 percent of Virginia's more than 7.8 million residents were aged 65 or older as of 2009, estimates the U.S. Census Bureau. Social workers and other human services professionals in Virginia can benefit from post-secondary education in gerontology, the scientific field related to health problems and other issues that affect the elderly. Post-secondary schools in Virginia offer gerontology programs, some of which culminate in a professional certificate rather than a formal degree.
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Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
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Commonly called Virginia Tech, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is a public institution located in Blacksburg, a community 40 miles southwest of Roanoke. Home to more than 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students, the university features a gerontology certificate program that has won a Program of Merit award from the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education. Open to students who have a bachelor's degree in any major, the program requires students to complete five courses in topics like adult development, nutrition and aging and research on aging. All students participate in an internship prior to graduation.
Norfolk State University
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A public institution, Norfolk State University serves as home to more than 6,000 undergraduate and graduate students. The university sponsors a certificate program in gerontology that is open to the general public for registration. Students complete six courses, which cover a general overview of gerontology, biological and physiological aspects of aging, cultural and legal issues and ethics in relation to senior care. Classes meet only on Saturdays to accommodate the schedules of working adults.
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James Madison University
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With nearly 19,000 undergraduate and graduate students, James Madison University is a public institution in Harrisonburg, a rural area 120 miles southwest of Washington, D.C. Through its community education outreach unit, the university offers a gerontology certificate program for individuals with an associate or bachelor's degree who are currently employed, preferably in a position that involves working with the elderly. The program includes four classroom-based courses: social gerontology, social programs for the elderly, gerontological assessment and an elective course. Students complete a field work internship in order to receive the certificate.
Virginia Commonwealth University
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Located in Richmond, Virginia Commonwealth University is a public institution with more than 32,000 undergraduate and graduate students. The university offers a certificate in aging studies for students who are enrolled in the college's Master of Social Work degree program. The certificate involves classes in biological and psychological effects of aging, research methods and social gerontology. Students also complete an independent study research project or paper. A field placement internship is featured in the required curriculum.
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References
- "2009 Barron's Profiles of American Colleges, 28th edition"; 2008
- U.S. Census Bureau: Virginia QuickFacts
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University: Gerontology Certificate
- Norfolk State University: Gerontology Certificate Program
- James Madison University: Gerontology Program
- Virginia Commonwealth University: Combined Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) and Certificate in Aging Studies (Post-baccalaureate graduate certificate)
