Gerontology
The Wayne County Community College District (WCCCD) Gerontology faculty provides students with in-depth knowledge about the aging process, the skills needed to work with older adults, and the ability to comprehend the psychological, social, economic, and health issues that older adults face.
Our program prepares students for direct service occupations in the care of seniors. The program also explores the normal processes of aging and related social, legal, and economic issues.
A certificate in Gerontology from WCCCD prepares you for work in/as:
- Case management
- Counseling
- Program Administration
- The social and human service assistant
What’s the Job Outlook for Social and Human Service Assistants?
Social and human service assistant employment is expected to grow by 9% from 2022 to 2032, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by an increasing demand for social services such as elder care and rehabilitation and more people seeking treatment for substance use disorders.
What’s Required to Complete the Gerontology Program?
A certificate in Gerontology from WCCCD requires 31 credits to complete.
As a Gerontology student at WCCCD, you’ll take courses required for a gerontology major.
Some students matriculate to other related majors to complete their degree and then transfer to a four-year college or university after earning their AAS. If that’s your goal, you might choose specific courses. Talk with your advisor about a personalized plan that meets your goals.
How Long Does it Take to Earn a Gerontology Certificate?
Most Gerontology students take three semesters (1.5 years) to complete the required courses for the certificate.
What Will I Learn as a Gerontology Student?
WCCCD Gerontology students will learn to sharpen their communication and critical thinking skills and graduate prepared to find and master a rewarding career working in the aging field. Courses cover a wide range of topics, including computer applications, health and physical processes of aging, and case documentation.
Recommended course sequencing
Semester 1 Total: 12 Credits
- GER 110 - Introduction to The Study of Aging 3 Credit(s)
- GER 115 - Programs/Services to the Aged 3 Credit(s)
- HUS 135 - Professionalism in Human Services 3 Credit(s)
- BUS 225 - Computer Applications in Business 3 Credit(s)
Semester 2 Total: 9 Credits
- GER 120 - Health and Physical Processes of Aging 3 Credit(s)
- SW 105 - Social Work Field Instruction I 4 Credit(s)
- SW 108 - Case Documentation 2 Credit(s)
Semester 3 Total: 10 Credits
- GER 125 - Mental Health and the Aging 3 Credit(s)
- SW 106 - Social Work Field Instruction II 4 Credit(s)
- SW 110 - Case Management and Service Care Navigation 3 Credit(s)
Where is WCCCD’s Gerontology Program Offered?
Our Northwest Campus offers the Gerontology program, as well as classes for other people-focused certificates and degrees. As a WCCCD student, you can take courses, use facilities, and get involved at any of our six locations.
It is the policy of WCCCD that no person, based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, height, weight, marital status, disability, or political affiliation or belief, shall be discriminated against, excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination in employment or in any program or activity for which it is responsible or for which it receives financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Education.
