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Gerontology (3476)

Allied Health
Allied Health

Gerontology - Associate in Applied Science (AAS) (3476)

Do you feel strongly about working with older adults and have an interest in learning more about their specific needs and resources? Can you envision yourself making a difference in the life of an older person? Or, do you currently work with older adults and wish to further your career in aging field? If so, then our Gerontology associate degree is the educational path for you to achieve your goals!

Following graduation from our program, you will be ready to pursue an entry-level position in aging services, such as:

  • Long-term care and healthcare administration
  • Activities/recreation social services
  • Allied health marketing and business
  • Volunteerism
  • Community and human services
  • Government
  • Professional organizations

Explore YOUR career with Career Coach! Career Coach is a helpful tool that will assist you in developing a path from your education to the job market. With Career Coach, you can find:

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Begin exploring your options now!

Conveniently YOURS, our program is offered entirely online and provides you with an in-depth study in global aging, long-term care leadership and management. Your coursework will involve topics, such as:

  • Gender and aging
  • Global aging
  • Long-term care leadership and management
  • Nutrition
  • Life-cycle development
  • Psychology
  • Sociology
  • Communication skills

You will have the opportunity to work with an older adult and explore various careers in aging.

As a graduate of our program, you will have the foundation you need to:

  • Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills
  • Utilize current technologies, tools, and applications
  • Explore opportunities for further study and workforce development in gerontology fields
  • Discuss the basic demographics of aging 
  • Apply basic principles of gerontology to social and health issues, such as health behavior and health promotion
  • Summarize the physical, mental, social and psychological aspects of aging
  • Obtain an in-depth understanding of legal and ethical issues related to aging and end of life issues
  • Identify the changing landscape of long-term care as well as issues and trends that impact the administration and management of long-term care settings
  • Explain gender by identifying the status, roles and experiences of aging men and women in society
  • Discuss major topics in gerontology worldwide as well as across cultures and nations
  • Articulate effective communication skills and perspectives necessary to develop an empathetic relationship with an older adult person
  • View summaries of every course at HACC by browsing our class schedules database.
  • Review our program guide (pdf) to view a list of required courses, recommended course sequencing and program competencies.

Yes! Though this program is designed to lead you directly into the workforce.

Our various transfer options may include:

Our program may be completed entirely online through virtual learning.

Yes! We offer many scholarships through the HACC Foundation. Each scholarship has specific eligibility requirements. To learn how to apply, please visit hacc.edu/Scholarships.

You can enroll in the spring, summer and fall by visiting our website. When you apply, please make sure you include program code 3476. This unique program code ensures you apply to the correct one.

Future students, we are excited to connect with you and answer your questions. Please choose the option that works best for you to meet with us.

Current HACC students, please contact our Advising Department with any questions.