In 1974, Madonna University established one of the first undergraduate Gerontology programs in the country. Currently, it is the only undergraduate Department of Gerontology in the State of Michigan and is one of few in the nation. The mission of the Department of Gerontology is to prepare students to address the concerns of an aging population and to promote the potential of persons in their later years.
Unique Features
• Quality program with an innovative curriculum
• Faculty involvement; supportive staff
• The practical combined with the theoretical
• Ethical, professional, and humanistic approach
• Non-traditional, adaptable, and unique
• Accessible to student and community
• Individualized plans of study
• Small, personalized classes
• Flexible scheduling
• Student diversity
The program encourages an interdisciplinary approach and often students combine gerontology studies with business, criminal justice, nursing, education, hospice, psychology, religious studies, pastoral ministry, sign language, sociology, or social work.
Program Specifics
Students may pursue a Certificate of Achievement or Completion, associate or bachelor of science degree. Students can specialize in Case Management, Activity and Program Planning, Dementia Care, Eldercare Practice, or Nursing Home Administration.
Note:
All courses have been approved for continuing education credit in the renewal of the Nursing Home Administrator License.
Program Goals The program's goals are to prepare individuals who: -
Understand the physical, social, psychological and spiritual aspects of aging
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Demonstrate writing and research skills
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Advocate for and with older adults from a variety of backgrounds and functional abilities
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Access appropriate community resources
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Create, monitor and administer different environments
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Evaluate aging public policy
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Integrate personal values with professional responsibilities
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Promote the ideals of gerontology by assisting older people
Career Options
The curriculum prepares students for employment in a new career area or for specialization within a current profession, including:
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Residential management
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Nursing home administration
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Home health management
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Special care units management
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Entrepreneurial gerontology
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Consulting and teaching
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Marketing and financial planning
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Leisure activities
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Case management
Where Our Grads Are Found Our graduates are employed in a variety of career settings within Michigan and across the nation in long-term care, public policy, advocacy, private industry, public/government agencies and case management.
