La Salle University’s Gerontology (GERO) Certificate Program prepares registered nurses and other health care professionals for informed comprehensive care of elders via didactic and clinical instruction in the social, interpersonal, psychological, physical, physiological, spiritual, and functional issues of aging.
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The School of Nursing offers a 10-credit certificate program in gerontology that is open to applicants of all care-giving professions and occupations. |
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All but one of the courses may be taken for either undergraduate or graduate credit. |
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In addition to earning a certificate in gerontology, registered and licensed practical nurses who complete courses may apply them to the La Salle University School of Nursing RN-BSN, LPN-BSN, or MSN programs. |
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The certificate program allows RN-BSN and LPN-BSN students to focus their studies on older adults. |
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Other students who complete courses may earn a certificate in gerontology. Since the courses carry university credit, they may apply the courses toward undergraduate or graduate degrees in any field. |
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The School of Nursing has significant faculty expertise in gerontology and urban health care. |
Standards for Admission
For the Pre-Baccalaureate Certificate:
- The Application for Admission to the Certificate Program in Gerontology.
- Associate’s degree in any discipline OR a diploma in nursing OR current enrollment in a baccalaureate program in any field.
- A minimum college GPA of 3.0
- Work experience with older adults preferred.
- Two professional references (preferably one academic and one work-related).
- A statement of philosophy.
For the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate:
- The Application for Admission to the Certificate Program in Gerontology.
- A bachelor’s degree in any discipline.
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 earned at the baccalaureate level.
- Minimum of one-year work experience with older adults.
- Two professional references (preferably one academic and one work-related).
- A statement of philosophy.
Please note: Interested students who do not meet the stated criteria and who are in special circumstances are encouraged to speak to the program director.
| Learning Goals of the Program | |
| Students who complete the program will be able to: | |
1. |
Determine the impact of social, interpersonal, psychological, physical, physiological, spiritual, and functional changes on elders and caregivers; |
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Critique gerontological research studies; |
3. |
Apply gerontology research and expert practice knowledge to the care of vulnerable, aged people; |
4. |
Evaluate policies and laws that influence services provided to the aged; |
5. |
Analyze community-based resources for elders and caregivers; |
6. |
Advocate for the well being of older persons requiring health care and human services. |
Required Core Courses and Course Credits (CARITAS) |
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| Course Number | Credits | Program | |
GERO 410/510 |
Caring for the Elderly: Theories, Practice, and Social Policy | 3 Credits | Gerontology |
| GERO 422/522 | Theories, Principles, and Assessment in Biological, Psychological, and Pathophysiological Aging |
3 Credits | Gerontology |
| GERO 591 | Geriatric Psychopharmacology | 1 Credit | Gerontology |
| GERO 480/580 | Final Practicum – Field Study in Gerontology | 3 Credits | Gerontology |
Patricia M. Dillon
Director
Graduate Nursing, and RN-BSN and RN-MSN Programs
La Salle University
1900 West Olney Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19141 USA
Phone: 215.951.1322
Fax: 215.951.1896
E-mail: msnapn@lasalle.edu
La Salle University reserves the right to alter or change this information
at any time, without notice.