March 21, 2002

La Salle University Offering Gerontology
Certification Program

Starting this fall, La Salle University's School of Nursing is offering a certification program in gerontology. Courses will be offered at Immaculate Mary Home, 2990 Holme Ave., and at Friends Hospital, 4641 Roosevelt Blvd., both in Philadelphia, on Wednesday nights. Courses will alternate by semester between locations. The program will take 15 months to complete.

"Anyone who considers themselves to be a member of the care-giving professions may apply for the certificate," said Program Director Dr. Tamara Zurakowski. "It is not for nurses only." Students must complete 16 credits of course work, including the required courses "Caring for the Elderly: Theories, Practice and Social Policy," and "Theories, Principles and Assessment in Social and Psychological Gerontology." The certificate program will culminate in a field study of six hours per week of supervised practice in a gerontological setting. Students may complete the field setting in their place of employment, but the field study must be different from regular job duties.

Electives may include courses in psychology, philosophy, health care administration, religion and social work that deal with aging issues. Dr. Zurakowski said that as America's "Baby Boomers" become seniors, more and more of them will require care geared toward the changes brought about by aging. "It's an emerging field that will require more and more specialists," she said. She points out that as the population ages, women will spend more time caring for their elderly parents than for their children. This will create a demand for specialized services, high-quality professional assistance, and support systems those caregivers can turn to, says Zurakowski.

La Salle University School of Nursing is one of 20 schools nationwide that have received grants from the John A. Hartford Foundation and American Association of Colleges of Nursing to develop and implement programs that provide professionals with the background to deal with an aging population. The grant was for $90,000 over 3 years, with matching university funds in years two and three. Current tuition rates are: $350 per credit for undergraduates and $550 per credit for graduate students. For more information, call 215-951-1430.