Gerontology
The Gerontology Associate Degree
A.S. in Gerontology
The Gerontology program at Sacramento City College will provide students with an overview of the biological, physiological, psychological, and sociological factors involved in aging. Students will be able to apply this knowledge within a variety of careers to better serve and care for our aging population.
Students who are planning to continue their study in gerontology by transferring to a four-year college should consult the "Requirements for Transfer Institutions" section of this catalog. Consultation with a Sacramento City College counselor is also advised.
Catalog Date: January 1, 2024
Degree Requirements
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| GERON 300 | Sociology of Aging (3) | 3 |
| or SOC 335 | Sociology of Aging (3) | |
| GERON 301 | The Biology and Physiology of Aging | 3 |
| GERON 302 | Psychology of Aging: Adult Development and Aging (3) | 3 |
| or PSYC 374 | Psychology of Aging: Adult Development and Aging (3) | |
| or EDUC 300 | Human Development: A Life Span (3) | |
| or PSYC 370 | Human Development: A Life Span (3) | |
| NUTRI 300 | Nutrition (3) | 3 |
| or NUTRI 480 | Nutrition Honors (3) | |
| PSYC 390 | Psychology of Death and Dying | 3 |
| A minimum of 3 units from the following: | 3 | |
| GERON 498 | Work Experience in Gerontology (0.5 - 4) | |
| Total Units: | 18 | |
The Gerontology Associate in Science (A.S.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus general education requirements, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See SCC graduation requirements.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- demonstrate skill, ease, confidence, rapport, and listening skills when communicating with the elderly at different cognitive levels.
- evaluate and discuss similarities and differences surrounding diverse aging populations as they relate to life expectancy, mortality, mobility, family, work, retirement, mental health, death, lifestyles, sexuality, and use of services.
- discuss the impact of language and other cultural factors that influence drug education, drug use, and treatment options with the elderly.
- evaluate common methods of care for the dying including hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and hospice care.
- recognize and identify risk of caregiver stress in cases of Alzheimer's and other dementia.
- identify and evaluate elder abuse causes, prevention strategies, and resources.
- identify strategies for meeting the challenges of aging within a sociocultural framework.
- recognize and evaluate demographic, socioeconomic, legal, and physiologic aspects of aging.
- develop practical workplace skills and knowledge needed for employment.
Career Information
As our population ages, almost every industry is serving the growing population of older adults. Research has demonstrated that, regardless of career path, having training in gerontology is beneficial for those seeking employment. Some possible career opportunities may include but are not limited to: elder care, program aide or assistant, geriatric aide, home care specialist, home health aide, inter-generational care provider, and professional caregiver.
Certificates of Achievement
Gerontology Level 2 (Intermediate) Certificate
This "Gerontology Level 2 (Intermediate)" certificate builds upon the level 1 certificate and encourages the student to continue on to the full Gerontology Certificate of Achievement and/or Associate’s Degree in Gerontology. This certificate includes the 6 units from level 1 (Gerontology 300 + Gerontology 498) plus a Psychology of Aging (3 units) and a Death and Dying course (3 units) for a total of 12 units. This level 2 certificate will deepen the student's knowledge and understanding of Gerontology and allow them to display their knowledge and experience when applying for jobs.
Catalog Date: January 1, 2024
Certificate Requirements
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| GERON 300 | Sociology of Aging (3) | 3 |
| or SOC 335 | Sociology of Aging (3) | |
| GERON 302 | Psychology of Aging: Adult Development and Aging (3) | 3 |
| or PSYC 374 | Psychology of Aging: Adult Development and Aging (3) | |
| GERON 498 | Work Experience in Gerontology (0.5 -4) | 0.5 - 4 |
| or WEXP 498 | Work Experience in (Subject) (0.5 -4) | |
| PSYC 390 | Psychology of Death and Dying | 3 |
| Total Units: | 9.5 - 13 |
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- evaluate thanatology as an interdisciplinary subject with psychological, spiritual, philosophical social, cultural, and historical aspects of death and dying.
- analyze the values of different cohorts and how those values impact the aging experience.
- compile a diversity of resources, local and otherwise, available to support successful aging.
- explain normal age related changes and how they are influenced by lifestyle.
Career Information
Labor market analysis has revealed that jobs/careers working with elders are increasing rapidly and that we, at the California community colleges, need to be notifying students of these trends so they can fill future positions. In addition, we learned that experience in Gerontology is valued in most every career path. For example, gymnasiums, hiring personal trainers, are now seeking to hire individuals who have a desire to work with elders. Some specific careers include: Advocate, Caseworker, Community Coordinator, Family Support Worker, Home Based Assistant, Program Specialist, Outreach Specialist, Social Services Assistant, Social Work Associate, and Human Service Assistant.
Gerontology Certificate
The Gerontology Program will prepare students to manage the health, psychological, and social needs of the elderly population. The need for specialization in gerontology is clearly shown in population trends and documented in literature citing the lack of adequately prepared geriatric caregivers.
Students who are planning to continue their studies in gerontology by transferring to a four-year college should consult the "requirements for transfer institutions" section of this catalog. Consultation with a Sacramento City College counselor is also advised.
Catalog Date: January 1, 2024
Certificate Requirements
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| GERON 300 | Sociology of Aging (3) | 3 |
| or SOC 335 | Sociology of Aging (3) | |
| GERON 301 | The Biology and Physiology of Aging | 3 |
| GERON 302 | Psychology of Aging: Adult Development and Aging (3) | 3 |
| or PSYC 374 | Psychology of Aging: Adult Development and Aging (3) | |
| or EDUC 300 | Human Development: A Life Span (3) | |
| or PSYC 370 | Human Development: A Life Span (3) | |
| NUTRI 300 | Nutrition (3) | 3 |
| or NUTRI 480 | Nutrition Honors (3) | |
| PSYC 390 | Psychology of Death and Dying | 3 |
| A minimum of 3 units from the following: | 3 | |
| GERON 498 | Work Experience in Gerontology (0.5 - 4) | |
| Total Units: | 18 | |
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- demonstrate skill, ease, confidence, rapport, and listening skills when communicating with the elderly at different cognitive levels.
- evaluate and discuss similarities and differences surrounding diverse aging populations as they relate to life expectancy, mortality, mobility, family, work, retirement, mental health, death, lifestyles, sexuality, and use of services.
- discuss the impact of language and other cultural factors that influence drug education, drug use, and treatment options with the elderly.
- evaluate common methods of care for the dying including hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and hospice care.
- recognize and identify risk of caregiver stress in cases of Alzheimer's and other dementia.
- identify and evaluate elder abuse causes, prevention strategies, and resources.
- identify strategies for meeting the challenges of aging within a sociocultural framework.
- recognize and evaluate demographic, socioeconomic, legal, and physiologic aspects of aging.
- develop practical workplace skills and knowledge needed for employment.
Career Information
Possible career opportunities for a student with an Associate's Degree in Gerontology may include: Care/Case Aide, Registry Coordinator, Volunteer Services, Elder Care Provider, Program Aide or Assistant, Geriatric Aide, Home Care Specialist, Home Health Aide, Intergenerational Care Provider, and Professional Caregiver.
Certificate
Gerontology Level 1 (Beginning) Certificate
This Gerontology Level 1 (Beginning) certificate is the first of a 3-level stackable certificate program which will encourage the student to continue on to the full Gerontology Certificate of Achievement and/or Associate’s Degree in Gerontology. This certificate includes a Sociology of Aging course and 0.5-4.0 units of work experience in a setting where the student will gain experience working with elders. This certificate will help expose students to the rewards of serving the needs of elders and allow them to display this knowledge and experience when applying for jobs.
Catalog Date: January 1, 2024
Certificate Requirements
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| GERON 300 | Sociology of Aging (3) | 3 |
| or SOC 335 | Sociology of Aging (3) | |
| GERON 498 | Work Experience in Gerontology (0.5 -4) | 0.5 - 41 |
| or WEXP 498 | Work Experience in (Subject) (0.5 -4) | |
| Total Units: | 3.5 - 7 |
1The work experience placement must be working with elders in some capacity.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- describe the field of social gerontology and population trends in the U.S. and worldwide.
- analyze and interpret the diversity of social experiences for older adults using a sociological perspective, especially in relation to race, class, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, and ethnicity.
- apply academic knowledge in Gerontology through the application of a structured, supervised, and on-the-job experience.
Career Information
Labor market analysis has revealed that jobs/careers working with elders are increasing rapidly and that we, at the California community colleges, need to be notifying students of these trends so they can fill future positions. In addition, we learned that experience in Gerontology is valued in most every career path. For example, gymnasiums, hiring personal trainers, are now seeking to hire individuals who have a desire to work with elders. Some specific careers include the following: Advocate, Caseworker, Community Coordinator, Family Support Worker, Home Based Assistant, Program Specialist, Outreach Specialist, Social Services Assistant, Social Work Associate, and Human Service Assistant.
