What is Gerontology?
Gerontology is the study of the process of aging. It is multi-disciplinary. It includes studies of the physical body, family relations, personality, economics of later life, ethical issues, mental health, housing, employment and retirement. At this point in time gerontology is an exciting field to work in.

Demographics

In 2006 the baby boomers turn 60. In the year 2011, these same people will be sixty-five years old.

In 2020, the 60 and over population will make up 24.6% of the total population.

North Carolina is considered the fifth most popular retirement destination in the United States.

The National Institutions on Aging predicted that by the year 2000 there would be a great increase in the demand for health professionals specifically prepared to serve older people.

Career Opportunities
Entry level jobs are available with an Associates Degree in Human Services together with a Certificate in Aging Studies, which can lead to experience and an opportunity for further education in gerontology. * Counseling older persons and their families about issues of care giving, employment, mental health, and services available in the community. *Providing care to frail, ill or impaired older persons in adult day care, in-home, or long term care. * Providing health promotion programs and intergenerational activities at nursing homes, assisted living facilities, senior centers. * Assistant to social workers and case managers. *Program coordination for community based services for older adults.

With a Health Care Activity Director training, you can be an activities director in a skilled nursing facility or assisted living. This training is approved by the State.

Assisted Living Administrator training will give you the state-required training to apply for certification as an Assisted Living Administrator in North Carolina.

Gerontology Offerings at CPCC

1. Certificate in Aging Studies

The Certificate in Aging Studies will be offered for the first time in January -Spring Semester, 2006. The certificate will consist of a number of relevant and current courses in the field of gerontology, and will require a learner to complete 100 classroom hours of instruction and a 40 hour internship. Course material is currently being developed and will be available on this website by the end of May, 2005.

2. Assisted Living Administrator Training

This certificate involves an internship and course work. Applicants need to have 30 college credits + 2 years of experience as supervisors in assisted living, or have 60 college credits to be eligible for this training. Course work will be offered once a month on Friday and Saturdays, and 10 hours a week of internship hours are completed at an assisted living site. For more information about Assisted Living Training, please click here. For Frequently Asked Questions please click here.

3. Health Care Activities Director Training

This is 60 classroom hours of training that is required by the State of North Carolina in order to be hired as an Activities Director in an assisted living or skilled nursing facility. For more information about Health Care Activity Director Training, please click here. For Frequently Asked Questions please click here.

For More Information:

Kathie Cox (704-330-6508) at kathie.cox@cpcc.edu or Teraisa Tucker (704-330-6162) at Teraisa.tucker@cpcc.edu