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University of Maine

Specialized Structure: Certificate

The University of Maine School of Social Work, in conjunction with the University of Maine Center on Aging, offers a Certificate in Leadership in Rural Gerontological Practice. This program consists of specialized preparation for graduate level social work students and advanced undergraduates preparing for careers as leaders in gerontological practice in Maine and beyond. It maintains a special focus on the challenges and opportunities for gerontological social workers in small towns and rural communities. Certificate components and requirements include:

  • Demonstration of a basic understanding of gerontological practice and aging issues in foundation-level courses
  • Participation in geriatric field rotations in the foundation year
  • Completion of selected assignments informed by geriatric practice competencies in advanced practice, policy, and research courses
  • Completion of an advanced internship at an approved Hartford Partnership Program for Aging Education (HPPAE) Consortium member agency
  • Participation in the Community Geriatric Leadership Mentor Program
  • Participation in an ongoing, electronic gerontological practice bulletin board with students, faculty, and practitioners
  • Completion of a specialty course, Advanced Gerontological Practice and Leadership in Rural Communities, designed especially for the Certificate Program
  • Working with a faculty gerontologist serving as a field liaison/academic advisor during the advanced year

Since its inception in 2009, approximately 15 students have enrolled in the certificate program each year, with the first cohort of 6 graduating students completing all the requirements at the end of the 2009-10 academic year.