Gerontology for Professionals
Unique in the State
Pathway Certificate
12 Credits | 2 Semesters
Multiple Start Dates
Ashland*, New Richmond*, Rice Lake*, Superior*, Online
Outreach Centers: Balsam Lake*, Hayward*, Ladysmith*
*Combination of Online and Your Choice instruction
Career Cluster: Health Sciences
Ready to join Northwood Tech's successful graduates? Easily apply today.
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.
The Gerontology for Professionals pathway certificate is designed to meet the needs of individuals working in a variety of nonprofit and for-profit industries who are working with increasing numbers of older adults and caregivers in our communities. It is ideal for people entering the job market or choosing to enhance their current careers in service delivery or leadership roles within a variety of settings.
Program Overview
You will be able to directly apply your acquired theory, knowledge and practical skills within a variety of professional settings. This pathway certificate is designed to enhance the education and experience of practitioners who work directly with older adults in healthcare and clinical settings, community-based programs, residential facilities, and private or for-profit business and industry.
Program Outcomes
The Gerontology for Professionals certificate will prepare you to:
- Analyze the physical, social, psychological, and spiritual aspects of aging throughout the lifespan
- Apply ethical and legal practice consistent with a gerontology professional
- Identify the role of the gerontology professional in the connection of service delivery
- Identify strategies to 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.
Meet the emerging and rapidly growing career prospects for individuals understanding the needs of our aging population who work in a variety of nonprofit and for-profit industries. This short-term credential can be earned in a year or less and is offered in flexible 8-week course offerings.
High-future demand.
Flexible and innovative.
Designed to fit a busy life.
Academics
This pathways certificate nationally trains and prepares the up-and-coming and existing workforce for the expanding population of older adults.
Enhance your education and marketability with 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, or other business programs.
Gerontology for Professionals pathways certificate classes are offered fully online, at all four campuses (Ashland, New Richmond, Rice Lake, Superior, Online), 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 for Professionals Courses
Gerontology for Professionals is Part of a Career Pathway
As a Gerontology for Professionals student at Northwood Tech, you can earn credentials each step of the way!
You could take this first and get a credential.
You can continue your education to earn an associate degree.
Continue your education to earn a bachelor's degree.
Admissions and Tuition
Northwood Tech has an easy admission process. Complete the application and register for classes today!
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.
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 for Professionals
12 Credits | 2 Semesters
$1,936
*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 for Professionals Program
Upon completion of the program, you will earn a Gerontology for Professionals certificate. Continue your education at Northwood Tech in the Gerontology - Aging Services Professional associate degree.
_260x148_FY25.jpg?no-cache=1737747395974)
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.
_260x148_FY25.jpg?no-cache=1737747418146)
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 (AGHE) Group of the Gerontological Society of America. The purpose of the AGHE is to foster the commitment of higher education to the field of aging through education, research and public service.
Ready to join Northwood Tech's successful graduates? Easily apply today.
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.
