Professionals in AgingInstitute on Aging Graduate Certificate in GerontologyCertificate Requirements In response to current and anticipated educational needs in the field of aging, the University Center for Social and Urban Research and the University of Pittsburgh Institute on Aging's Council on Aging established the Graduate Certificate in Gerontology. Sponsored by Pitt Learning Solutions through the School of General Studies, the graduate certificate program offers a broad range of coursework to appeal to professionals of diverse disciplines and from a variety of industries. The certificate program is for any professional who has obtained a bachelor’s degree and offers the opportunity to gain an enhanced understanding of gerontology theory and research.
Note: Courses marked with an * are available during evenings, on weekends, and/or through the Internet.
For additional information on the program or how to register, sign up for a registration information session or contact: University
Center for Social and Urban Research
Students must obtain 6-7 credits by completing a combination of the following required courses offered through the University of Pittsburgh Graduate Schools of Public Health and Arts and Sciences: Perspectives in Aging* (DENHYG2111Gerontology, 3 credits): This course provides the student with an introduction to the aging process in our society. It examines aging phenomena by focusing on life span development, person-environment interaction, optimal quality of life, cross-cultural considerations, how aging is studied, and access to resources in a new age. OR Dimensions of Aging, Culture, and Health (BCHS 2532, 2 credits): This course provides an overview of the aging experience from a cross-cultural and public health perspective. The major theme is how people cope with and adapt to the aging process. OR Adult Development and Aging (SWBEH 2077, 3 credits): This class educates students about the biological, social, and psychological changes that occur in people as they progress through the second half of life. The course also reviews the reasons for the increasing need to study and understand these changes, as well as research designs and research-related problems commonly seen in this area. AND Bioethics Seminar* (BIOETH 2774, 3 credits): This course is a survey of major topics and methods in bioethics, including informed consent, treatment refusal, transplantation, resource allocation, genetics, and public health. Additional aging-related issues include competence assessment, advance directives, and health disparities. AND Seminar Series on Aging* (ANAHS 2150, 1 credit): This course provides students with the opportunity to conduct an independent, detailed study on any aspect of aging.
Additional Credits by Specialization Students must obtain 8-9 credits by selecting from a pool of elective courses within the following specializations: Dentistry Specialization Dentistry Specialization (Choose a total of 9 credits from the courses below.) Medical and Therapeutic Considerations of Geriatric Dental Patients (REST 5921, 3 credits): This course provides clinical experiences to senior dental students in treating the geriatric population in nontraditional settings such as long term care facilities or in the patient’s home. Aging and Oral Health (ANAHS 5913, 1 credit): This is a seminar in gerodontology featuring presentations and discussions with geriatric dentistry researchers and practitioners. Medical and Therapeutic Considerations of Geriatric Dental Patients (OMP 5916, 1 credit): This course provides a comprehensive review of oral medicine, dental therapeutics, and general physiologic pharmacology applicable to an older population of dental patients. Clinical Geriatric Dentistry Clinical (PROSTH 5918, 3 credits): This course provides experience in complete denture treatment for nursing home residents. Age-related Changes in the Tissues of the Oral Cavity (ANAHS 5942, 1 credit): This course identifies the age-related changes that occur in the oral cavity of human and other mammalian species. Structural changes are described in both hard and soft tissues. The functional properties of these affected tissues are considered, and the clinical implications of such changes for older adults are emphasized. The effect of pharmacological agents, disease states, and behavioral modifications associated with aging are considered to demonstrate their potential impact on the tissues of the oral cavity.
Law Specialization (Choose a total of 9 credits from the courses below.) Torts (LAW 5028, 4 credits): This course deals with a basic building block of personal injury law. It addresses the relationship between the theories of redress that provide the substantive basis for a victim’s recovery of damages for injury. Estates and Trusts (LAW 5110, 3 credits): This course surveys the law relating to the transfer and inheritance of wealth, including the creation, execution, alteration, and interpretation of wills and the creation, revocation, and interpretation of trusts and trust instruments. Administrative Law (LAW 5201, 3 credits): Administrative Law chiefly comprises the procedural law that regulates how government agencies implement statutory programs, such as those relating to environmental protection, workplace safety regulation, securities regulation, the regulation of collective bargaining, veterans’ benefits administration, and social security administration. This course focuses almost entirely on federal constitutional law as applicable to federal and state agencies, and on federal statutory and judge-made law as applied to federal agencies. Estate and Gift Tax (LAW 5259, 3 credits): This course primarily involves a study of the unified system of federal gift and estate transfer taxes imposed by Chapters 11 and 12 of the Internal Revenue Code. Employee Benefits (LAW 5330, 3 credits): This course examines the federal regulation of private pension plans and other employment-related benefit plans. Elderly and the Law (LAW 5347, 3 credits): This course examines the areas related to aging that have particularly impacted law and public policy, including Social Security, private pensions, Medicare, Medicaid, long-term care, financing, guardianship and mental capacity, health care decision making, housing, and the abuse and neglect of the elderly. Health Law and Policy (LAW 5395, 3 credits): This is a broad survey course of the legal regulation of the health care industry. In general, it examines how concerns by patients, health care providers, and health care payers about cost, quality and access affect the way in which health care is provided. The topics covered are the legal regulation of the quality of health care through mechanisms such as professional licensure, hospital privileges, and institutional licensure; common-law and statutory obligations to provide care; state and federal regulation of insurance and managed care; healthcare fraud and abuse; and healthcare antitrust.
Nursing Specialization (Choose a total of 8 credits from the courses below.) Biology and Physiology of Aging (EPIDEM 2980, 1 credit): This provides current concepts and theories of the biology and physiology of normal human aging, contrasted with disease and disability. It complements the course Epidemiology of Aging (EPIDEM 2990). Epidemiology of Aging (EPIDEM 2990, 2 credits): This course examines epidemiological methods pertinent to research on aging individuals and state-of-the-art knowledge of epidemiology of diseases that primarily affect aging individuals. Psychopharmacology (NURNP 2325, 2 credits): This course builds on the conceptual principles developed in advanced pharmacology to prepare students to manage the pharmacological aspects of treatment in patients with psychiatric disorders. Content covers major classes of psychotropic medications and anti-Parkinsonian agents, structure and mechanism of action, indications and contraindications, acute and maintenance dosages with guidelines for discontinuation, common and life-threatening side effects, and clinically significant drug interactions and toxicity. Management of Geriatric Health (NURNP 2526, 3 credits): This course focuses on the theories and principles from the sciences central to the delivery of health care to the elderly. Emphasis is on assessment and health promotion, management of common health problems, nutrition and aging, geriatric pharmacology, psychosociology and psychopathology of aging, and geriatric health issues. Contemporary Issues in Cross-cultural Health Care (NUR 1829, 2 credits): This course is designed to increase awareness of how health care delivery and patients’ acceptance of it may be influenced by social, cultural, and environmental factors. It provides an overview of how these factors influence a person’s response to stressors, daily health, and living needs. Students can increase their understanding of culturally congruent care by utilizing cultural concepts, theories, and research. Students analyze factors that facilitate or hinder communication about health needs, acceptance of the health care regimen, and access to health care systems. Approved Elective (2 credits): Students work with the Graduate School of Nursing faculty to select a course that addresses the student’s specific area of interest.
Public Health Specialization (Choose a total of 8 credits from the courses below.) Biology and Physiology of Aging (EPIDEM 2980, 1 credit): This course explains current concepts and theories of the biology and physiology of normal human aging, contrasted with disease and disability. Complements EPIDEM 2990, Epidemiology of Aging Epidemiology of Aging (EPIDEM 2990, 2 credits): This course examines epidemiological methods pertinent to research on aging individuals and state-of-the art knowledge of epidemiology of diseases that primarily affect aging individuals. Financing & Regulation of Long Term Care* (HSADM 2203, 1.5 credits): This course provides an overview of the financing and regulation of long-term care services. It includes the interrelationship between the methods chosen to finance health care services, state regulations about quality and quantity, and the evolved structure of long-term care. The course also discusses the role of demonstrations as a method to inform policy makers on how to change long-term care policy. Students examine the traditional role of insurance and characteristics that inhibit growth of insurance programs for long-term care. Issues in Long Term Care (HSADM 2533, 3 credits): Long-term care is a system of institutional and community-based services for the aging population. Using this framework, services and delivery systems are analyzed for adequacy and appropriateness, system-wide issues identified and discussed, and selected components of the delivery system are examined for administrative problems. Clinical Aspects of Dementia Care (HSADM 2534, 2 credits): This course is designed as an independent study for students in the public health and aging program. It focuses on the methods and technology for diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Research Methods on Aging (HSADM 2541, 2 credits): This course is designed to familiarize students with methods for conducting research on aging populations. Through lecture, discussion, and examples of current research, the instructors provide a basic understanding of the appropriate methods for data collection and the problems and issues related to conducting research on older adults. Students are required to have taken some courses in aging or be familiar with the basic concepts on aging theory and research design.
Social Work Specialization (Choose a total of 9 credits from the courses below.) Direct Practice/Interpersonal Skills with the Elderly (required, SWINT 2030, 3 credits): This course defines the range of interpersonal practice with and for the elderly in terms of primary, secondary, and tertiary levels of intervention. A broad range of clinical practice roles addresses the broad spectrum of settings. All established social work practice approaches are detailed for treatment procedures that can be applied to work with the elderly. An eclectic perspective to practice with the elderly is stressed. Social Policy and Gerontology* (required, SWWEL 2039, 3 credits): This course examines the dynamics and procedural steps in social policymaking and implementation, first in a general context and then more specifically in relation to the older population. The course also identifies major issues in social policy for the aged and intensive analysis of selected policy decisions. Death and Dying* (SWINT 2004, 3 credits): This course discusses methods of intervention with the suicidal and terminally ill patient and his family, covering ethical problems related to right-to-life and right-to-death issues, explanation of Kubler-Ross’ five stages of dying, religious orientations to death and dying, and pathological and normal grief reactions. Interpersonal Skills with the Elderly (SWINT 2030, 3 credits): This course defines the range of interpersonal practice with and for the elderly in terms of primary, secondary, and tertiary levels of intervention. A broad range of clinical practice roles is addressed regarding practice across a broad spectrum of settings. Established social work practice approaches are looked at in detail for treatment procedures that can be applied to work with the elderly. An eclectic perspective to practice with the elderly is stressed. Elderly and the Law (LAW 5347, 3 credits): This course examines the areas related to aging that have particularly impacted on law and public policy, including Social Security, private pensions, Medicare, Medicaid, long-term care, financing, guardianship and mental capacity, health care decision making, housing, and the abuse and neglect of the elderly. Introduction to Psychopharmacology & Social Work Practice (SWINT 2007, 3 credits): This course is designed to familiarize students with the basic terminology and models of pharmacokinetics and the role of social workers in medication management. It addresses the development of psychopharmacology from historical and sociological perspectives; it provides an overview of neurochemistry and biological-psychological functioning. Emphasis is placed on developing a range of techniques and strategies in collaboration with clients, families, and other providers so social workers can be responsive to the comprehensive needs of their clients. Issues in Long Term Care (HSADM 2533, 3 credits): Long-term care is a system of institutional and community-based services for the aging population. Using this framework, services and delivery systems are analyzed for adequacy and appropriateness, system-wide issues identified and discussed, and selected components of the delivery system are examined for administrative problems.
Occupational Therapy/Rehabilitation Specialization (Choose a total of 8 credits from the courses below.) Issues in Long-Term Care for the Elderly (HRS 2484, 3 credits): This course introduces students to the patterns and modes of health care delivery in the long-term care setting, including nursing homes, home health care, hospice, ambulatory long-term care, rehabilitation, and mental health. The work of the accrediting, licensing, and certifying agencies is examined in relation to financial reimbursement, legal and ethical issues, personnel administration, medical record policies, and quality of care. Dimensions in Aging: Culture & Health (HRS 2480, 2 credits): Provides an overview of the aging process from a cross-cultural and a public health prospective. The ways in which people cope with and adept to the aging process is the major theme. Functional Assessment* (HRS 2501, 3 credits): This course focuses on diagnostic decision making from the perspective of evidence for the validity and reliability of selected functional assessment instruments. It reviews instruments that focus on the consequences of pathologies at the levels of impairment, activity limitation, and participation restriction. Human Performance: Analysis* (HRS 2502, 3 credits): This course focuses on diagnostic decision-making from the perspective of diagnostic reasoning and the relative validities of various functional (disability) assessment methodologies: self-report, proxy-report, clinical judgment, and performance testing. Human Performance: Adaptation* (HRS 2503, 3 credits): This course focuses on the evidence supporting compensatory occupational therapy interventions, including task and environmental adaptations, job modifications, and assistive technology. Specialized Preceptorship: Research* (HRS 2594, 1-6 credits): This course provides experiential learning in coordinating occupational therapy research, including obtaining IRB approval, getting informed consent, participating in data collection, and managing data quality.
Multidisciplinary Specialization (Choose a total of 9 credits from the courses below) Contemporary Issues in Cross-cultural Health Care (NURS 1829, 3 credits): The purpose of the course is to increase awareness of how delivery and acceptance of health care may be influenced by social, cultural, and environmental factors. It will provide an overview of how these factors influence a person’s response to stressors, daily health, and living needs. The goal is to help students increase their understanding of culturally congruent care by utilizing cultural concepts, theories, and research. Students will analyze factors that facilitate/hinder communication about health needs, acceptance of the healthcare regimen, and access to healthcare systems. Death and Dying (SWINT 2004, 3 credits): Methods of intervention with the suicidal and terminally ill patient and his or her family, covering ethical problems related to right-to-life and right-to-death issues, explication of Kubler-Ross’ five stages of dying, religious orientations to death and dying, and pathological and normal grief reactions. Social Policy and Gerontology (SWWEL 2039, 3 credits): This course is designed to examine the dynamics and procedural steps in social policymaking and implementation first in a general context and them more specifically in relation to the older population. The last half of the course is devoted to the identification of major issues in social policy for the aged and intensive analysis of selected policy decisions. Directed Study (GERON 2000, 3 credits, Prerequisite: all core courses) : A student-initiated educational experience, guided by a faculty member, that significantly supplements the core curriculum of the certificate and provides specialized, focused training in aging. Other electives upon approval of advisor
Multidisciplinary—Prevention and Healthy Aging Specialization (Choose a total of 8 or 9 credits from the courses below) Prevention and Healthy Aging (GERON 2002--Required course; 2 credits) : Prevention and Healthy Aging is an online course that provides the guidance and rationale for promoting health, prevention, and effective risk factor management in the adult population (50+) in respect to rising healthcare costs, decreasing benefits, and the aging of our population. This course offers a general overview of various aging issues (physical, cognitive, social, cultural, and economic) that impact the individual, community, and society. This course will prepare students to integrate optimal preventive practice into their professional context and translate evidence-based strategies into community outreach services that are designed to prevent or delay the common conditions of aging and ones that emphasize the importance of healthy behaviors throughout the life span. Aging and Oral Health (ORBIOL 5913; 1 credit): Seminar in gerodontology featuring presentations and discussions with geriatric dentistry researchers and practitioners. Dimensions of Aging: Culture and Health (BCHS2532; 2 credits): Provides an overview of the aging process from a cross-cultural and a public health perspective. The ways in which people copy with and adapt to the aging process is the major theme. Research Methods on Aging (BCHS 2541; 2 credits): This course is designed to familiarize students with methods for conducting research on aging populations. Through lectures, discussion, and examples of current research, the instructors will provide a basic understanding of the appropriate methods for data collection and the problems and issues related to the conduct of research on older adults. Students are required to have taken some courses in aging, or be familiar with the basic concepts of aging theory and research design. Principles of Epidemiology (EPIDEM 2110; 2 credits) Epidemiological Basis for Disease Control (EPIDEM 2260, 2 credits; Prerequisites: EPIDEM 2110, EPIDEM 2160, EPIDEM 2170) : This course provides the student with an introduction to the epidemiological basis for designing and evaluating prevention programs in the community, the epidemiological basis of evaluating health services, and analysis of health care and design of community programs. Biology and Physiology of Aging (EPIDEM 2980; 1 credit): Course objective is to learn current concepts and theories of the biology and physiology of normal human aging , contrasted with disease and disability. Complements EPIDEM 2900, Epidemiology of Aging. Epidemiology of Aging (EPIDEM 2900; 2 credits): Teaches epidemiological methods pertinent to research on aging individuals and the current state-of-the-art knowledge of epidemiology of diseases that primarily affect aging individuals. Complements EPIDEM 2900, Epidemiology of Aging. Epidemiology of Aging—Methods (EPIDEM 2981; 2 credits; Prerequisite: EPIDEM 2110—may be taken concurrently): Teaches epidemiological methods pertinent to research on aging individuals and the current state-of-the-art knowledge of epidemiology of diseases that primarily affect aging individuals. Directed Study (GERON 2000, 3 credits, Prerequisite: all core courses) : A student-initiated educational experience, guided by a faculty member, that significantly supplements the core curriculum of the certificate and provides specialized, focused training in aging. Management of Geriatric Health (NURNP 2526; 3 credits): Focus is on the theories and principles from the sciences central to the delivery of health care to the elderly. Emphasis is on assessment and health promotion, management of common health problems, nutrition and aging, geriatric pharmacology, psychosociology and psychopathology of aging, and geriatric health issues.
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