The GWEP has introduced "bOLD" changes to the USI gerontology curriculum. Did you know that by year 2030, all baby boomers will be 65 and older? That’s approximately 73 million people, roughly 22% of the U.S. population!
There is a workforce need in the areas of gerontology and geriatrics. USI is poised to offer students academic programs in response to this need. Students can engage in gerontology curriculum through multiple avenues.
GERO 215 Introduction to Global Aging and Health Care, a course that opens your eyes to an interconnected global perspective. This course is approved as a core curriculum class in the areas of Global Embedded Experience and Ways of Knowing: World Languages and Culture.
Health administration students engage in both acute and post-acute care which prepares students for administrative positions in leadership areas such as nursing homes, assisted living, hospice and community-based organizations supporting older adults. Health Services students can choose a gerontology specialty, and there are many gerontology electives open to all students.
Graduate and undergraduate Health Administration students can also complete a 1040-hour Administrator-in-Training (AIT) Residency program, which is the required experience prior to sitting for the Indiana Health Facility Licensure exam and the National Nursing home license.
The Activity Professionals Certificate Program prepares students for a career working with older adults in nursing homes as activity professionals. The certification increases knowledge and marketability while supporting the workforce needs in the state of Indiana. This program is in full alignment with the Activity Professionals certification requirements of the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH).
In addition, students can boost their major with an 18-hour interdisplinary gerontology minor.
Be "bOLD" and explore our options in gerontology!
