Louisiana State University
Specialized Structure: Graduate Certificate
Louisiana State University School of Social Work (LSU SSW) has instituted a Graduate Certificate in Gerontology Program (GCGP), which is designed to prepare students to carry out professional roles in planning, administration, and service provision for older adults. Students can opt to complete a thesis or non-thesis option in the social work curriculum. Nine advanced (2nd year) students were enrolled in the GCGP in Academic Year 2009-10.
As part of their field experience, students participated in a rotation model under the Hartford Partnership for Aging Education (HPPAE) guidelines and provide pre- and post-test measures related to learning objectives. The field rotation included such agencies/organizations as Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area, AARP, Department of Health and Hospitals Aging and Adult Services, Senior Centers and Councils on Aging. Several of these partnerships are new and LSU SSW is delighted in the work that has occurred to forge new relationships with the aging network across the state.
Our students’ interest in taking on challenges and opportunities in the GCGP have exceeded our initial goals and expectations, and partnerships between our faculty and administration have shown an encouraging interest in providing hands-on experiences for our students. Students are encouraged to participate in the university’s Life Course and Aging Center: the students serve as informal ambassadors about the rich opportunities that gero-social work provides.