LIBERAL ARTS OPTION
Interdisciplinary Studies in Aging and Health: Pathways to Careers Working with Older Adults
Robert Butler, the first director of The National Institute on Aging, said, "Human beings need the freedom to live with change, to invent and reinvent themselves a number of times through their lives."
The Liberal Arts Option in Aging and Health Studies prepares students with interdisciplinary and experiential learning opportunities to develop lifelong professional strategies to work, serve, support, and educate older adults.
The Option allows graduates to build a professional portfolio that prepares them for job opportunities in settings such as hospitals, nursing and rehabilitation centers, senior centers, adult day care programs, assisted living facilities, respite care, and home health care agencies.
While completing their Associate Degree, they may be employed as recreation leaders, therapy aides, care management assistants, activities and recreation specialists, and direct services as activities and outreach workers.
In addition, students who complete this Option can apply the course credits to a bachelor’s degree program to pursue careers such as Gerontology, Health Education, Nursing, Social Work, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, or Recreational Therapy.
The Requirements of Interdisciplinary Studies in Aging and Health: Pathways to Careers Working with Older Adults Option:
In addition to the courses taken as part of the Common/Flexible Core, students must take 12 credits from the offerings below:
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LIBERAL ARTS OPTION FOR
Interdisciplinary Studies in Aging and Health: Pathways to Careers Working with Older Adults
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12 Credit Option
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GERO 101 Introduction to Gerontology (REQUIRED)
3 credits, 3 hours
This course is an introduction to the major issues and concepts that deal with the study of the aging process. It will explore the demographic, social, and economic factors in aging as well as the effects of physical change and psychological behavior upon later life.
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Choose three out of the four courses below:
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GERO 102 Therapeutic Recreation in Long Term Care
3 credits, 3 hours
The student will discuss the organization, administration, and recreational programs for the aging. The course will include the principles and practices of therapeutic recreation services in settings serving the elderly, with emphasis on the role of the therapeutic recreation professional in client assessment, and documentation. The course will prepare students for entry level positions in
facilities that service elders. Field observations will be required.
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GERO 103 Health and Aging
3 credits, 3 hours
The course will focus on the physical changes that occur with age and discuss the health care alternatives that the aging may require. It will also explore other health topics but not be limited to chronic diseases, medication use, exercise, sexuality, elder abuse, long term care and death, dying and grief as they affect the older adult. It will equip future professionals in the field of aging with the knowledge that will provide skills in the service field.
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PSY 180 Psychology of Aging
3 credits, 3 hours (Recommend PSY 101)
Students will learn about healthy aging and the nature and causes of psychological problems in the elderly. They will also learn principles of evaluation, treatment, and prevention of these problems
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SW 101 Introduction to Social Work
3 credits, 3 hours
The student will develop a basic understanding of the principles and practice of social work through a historical perspective and through examining the sociological, political, economic, and psychological processes involved.
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