Yeshiva University

Specialized Structure: Certificate

Yeshiva University is in the process of developing a Certificate in Aging. A Working Committee composed of four faculty members meets bi-weekly to monitor and accelerate the developing Certificate program. The development of the Certificate option has led to the creation of two new courses, Social Gerontology Practice II with a focus on practice only and Palliative Care with Older Persons. The challenges have been to:

• increase the number of students in the program
• include all gero competencies in new, required, and elective courses and to
• include gero competencies in skill development in Field work experiences

To combat these challenges, the Certificate courses have been opened to MSW students and also to alumni interested in working with older persons. This policy has received positive responses from both alumni and current students. A rigorous marketing approach has also been adopted to motivate faculty to teach and to encourage students to enroll in aging courses. A strict evaluation process also ensures that gero competencies are included and that gero knowledge expands.