Overview

About the program

The Gerontology Certificate prepares students to meet the growing demand for professionals who can support the complex needs of older adults. Through a blend of theory and applied learning, students build a strong foundation in aging, dementia, care management, and the ways that environment, mental health, trauma, and family dynamics impact later life. Emphasis is placed on developing effective assessment, treatment, and communication skills, understanding cognitive, physical, and emotional changes, and learning strategies to guide individuals and families through transitions, including end-of-life care. Students also gain an appreciation for the experiences of aging and the importance of providing person-centered, ethical, and culturally responsive services in diverse care settings.

This certificate is ideal for students entering health care, social work, behavioral health, or psychology, as well as professionals already working with older adults who want to strengthen their expertise.

As a stand-alone credential, it offers a focused, efficient pathway for working professionals and career-changers to build specialized gerontology - an increasingly valuable distinction as Ohio's aging population expands demand across health care, long-term care, and community services.

Students in the SWA degree program can also stack the Gerontology Certificate to earn both the certificate and SWA degree simultaneously.

What graduates can do:

• Support older adults and families through care management, rehabilitation, counseling, and community services.
• Promote healthy aging and navigate complex issues such as dementia, trauma, mental health, family dynamics, disability, and end-of-life decision making.
• Pursue careers in health care, social services, long-term care, and community-based programs—or continue to advanced study in related fields.

With an aging population driving workforce needs, this certificate equips graduates with applied knowledge and practical skills to help older adults live with dignity, resilience, and meaning.

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Learning Outcomes

• Analyze aging as a interdisciplinary and biopsychosocial process, integrating perspectives from health sciences, social work, psychology, sociology, and community systems to address the complex needs of older adults.
• Evaluate societal and cultural factors influencing the experience of aging, including demographics, ageism, stereotypes, identities, financial and living environments, and public policy.
• Apply evidence-based interventions and care management strategies to support older adults and families in areas such as dementia care, trauma, mental health, physical health, retirement, leisure, and end-of-life planning.
• Demonstrate effective communication and interpersonal skills for engaging with older adults, families, caregivers, and interdisciplinary teams, including those experiencing cognitive or physical limitations.
• Assess the impact of relationships, environment, and social determinants of health on the well-being of older adults, and design strategies to strengthen support systems and resiliency.
• Integrate ethical reasoning and culturally responsive practices into decision-making and professional interactions across the continuum of aging, including health care, social services, and end-of-life contexts.

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Career Opportunities

A certificate in gerontology prepares individuals for diverse careers supporting older adults in healthcare, social services, and community settings. Graduates may work in direct care as home health aides, personal care aides, or nursing assistants, or in supportive healthcare roles such as rehabilitation aides, and facility activity coordinators. Community and social service opportunities include case management, senior center coordinators, social services aides, and outreach workers. Some may focus on mental health and caregiving support as behavioral health aides or support group facilitators. Others pursue administrative or advocacy positions, such as program coordinators, patient navigators, or volunteer coordinators with nonprofits and government agencies. For those already working in healthcare or social services, the certificate enhances credentials and provides specialized knowledge in aging, leading to advancement or preparation for further study in nursing, social work, counseling, or healthcare administration.

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Application Requirements

Students applying for the Gerontology Certificate will be required to have:

• Completed MTC Application for Admission.
• Final high school transcript (or GED results) and college transcripts (if applicable).
• Per program policy, a minimum grade of "C" is required to pass all SWA and GER courses and courses for approved electives.
• Minimum 2.0 GPA for entry and to remain in good standing in the program.
• Demonstration of college-readiness by achieving the required minimum score on a placement test, successfully completing any required college foundation courses, or satisfying other measures including but not limited to high school coursework, previous college coursework, samples of work, etc.