Gerontology - Aging Services Professional
Unique in the State
Associate Degree
61 Credits | 2 Years
Multiple Start Dates | Financial Aid-Eligible
Ashland*, New Richmond*, Rice Lake*, Superior*
Outreach Centers: Balsam Lake*, Hayward*, Ladysmith*
*Combination of Online and Your Choice instruction.
Career Cluster: Health Sciences
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The Gerontology-Aging Services Professional program is designed to meet the emerging and rapidly growing demand for service providers needed to work with the aging population. It is ideal for people entering the job market or choosing to enhance their current careers in service delivery or leadership roles within the gerontology field.
The Gerontology-Aging Services Professional program is now the second associate degree program in the United States to achieve national accreditation through the Accreditation for Gerontology Education Council. (AGEC)
Program Overview
You will acquire comprehensive and interdisciplinary training to prepare you to work with older adults in a variety of positions and in diverse settings such as community, non-profit, and government agencies, counseling centers, adult care, memory care, senior centers, home health care, assisted living, long-term care, nursing homes, group homes, hospitals, hospice, and business and industry. This innovative and flexible program blends online and experiential learning with community-based fieldwork (135 hours) and is designed to fit into busy life schedules. You can choose part-time or full-time program options and mix and match coursework.
Program Outcomes
Gerontology - Aging Services Professional graduates will be able to:
- Evaluate the physical, social, psychological, and spiritual aspects of aging throughout the lifespan
- Exhibit ethical and legal practice consistent with a gerontology professional
- Distinguish the role of the gerontology professional in the coordination of service delivery
- Cultivate an age-friendly community
Technical Standards
In this program, students should be able to meet specific technical standards, which are the essential skills and abilities needed to be successful in a program, with or without reasonable accommodation. It is important to review and understand these standards before applying to the program.
This program blends online and live experiential learning and community-based fieldwork, ideal for pursuing or enhancing your career. Choose part-time or full-time program options. Mix and match coursework. Take one course, earn a short-term credential or the full associate degree.
High-future demand.
Flexible and innovative.
Designed to fit a busy life.
Academics
This program nationally trains and prepares the up-and-coming and existing workforce for the expanding population of older adults.
Enhance your education and marketability by double-majoring in any of the following programs: Nursing – Associate Degree, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Medical Assistant, Paramedic Technician, EMT-Paramedic, Nursing Assistant, Human Services Associate, Human Resource Management, and other business programs. Now offering a career pathway from nursing assistant to the associate degree in gerontology.
Gerontology – Aging Services Professional classes are offered fully online, at all four campuses (Ashland, New Richmond, Rice Lake, Superior), and the three outreach centers (Balsam Lake, Hayward, Ladysmith).
Flexible Learning Options
Accelerated, 8-week evening courses offered through convenient virtual and in-person options. Maintain a work/life balance with part-time and full-time schedule options.
Cutting Edge & Interactive
Simulation equipment builds empathy through virtual aging experiences such as dementia, vision/hearing loss, and mobility impairments.
Stackable, Career-Enhancing Credentials
Start or enhance your career through embedded credentials in Dementia Care and Gerontology for Professionals. Single courses and pathways certificates are eligible for Start College Now.
Required Courses
Coursework addresses physical, social, psychological, legal, emotional, ethical and spiritual aspects of aging throughout the lifespan. Program specific subjects explore the wide spectrum of services available and how to work with older adults and caregivers in your community.
Featured Gerontology - Aging Services Professional Courses
Gerontology - Aging Services Professional is Part of a Career Pathway
As a Gerontology - Aging Services Professional student at Northwood Tech, you can earn credentials each step of the way!
You could take this first and get a credential.
This is the program you’re looking at.
Continue your education to earn a bachelor's degree.
Admissions and Tuition
Northwood Tech has an easy admission process that can be completed in one visit. Please see the details under the "Requirements and Application" section to get started.
Tuition and Fees
Northwood Tech breaks down the cost of education, so you'll have a good idea of how much your education will cost.
Financial Aid
Financial aid is available to help you pay for your education. It can come in the form of grants, loans, federal work-study, military and veterans benefits, division of vocational rehabilitation benefits, and scholarships.
Learn More About Paying for College
Cost of Attendance
The Cost of Attendance (COA) is an estimate of the costs that you may incur while attending Northwood Technical College.
Estimated Total Program Tuition 2024-25*
Gerontology - Aging Services Professional
61 Credits | 2 Years
$10,092
*Tuition is an estimate and does not include any miscellaneous fees for various courses, tools, books, supplies or uniforms. Program book costs are in addition to tuition and fees and vary depending on course selection and where the books are purchased or rented.
After the Northwood Tech Gerontology - Aging Services Professional Program
Upon completion of the program, you will earn certificates in Dementia Care and Gerontology for Healthcare Professionals, and an associate degree in Gerontology - Aging Services Professional.
Transfer Center
Transfer your Northwood Tech credits to a four-year college to earn your bachelor's degree and beyond.
Career Outlooks
Northwood Tech's graduates experience success. Learn more about the types of careers you can get after graduation.
Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education
The Northwood Tech Gerontology - Aging Services Professional program is a member of the Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education. The purpose of the AGHE is to foster the commitment of higher education to the field of aging through education, research and public service.
Get the Northwood Tech experience
Attend an event or schedule a campus tour/program shadow.
Download the Catalog
Learn more about programs, courses, tuition and fees, services and more.
Finding the class you want to take has never been easier.
