Professional Certificate

The Professional Advancement Certificate in Gerontology is designed specifically for those who:

• Work with older adults
• Desire to change careers to work with older adults
• Are involved personally with the care of an older adult
• Have an interest in current and upcoming aging issues

This program provides an opportunity to gain new knowledge related to specific career, professional, and personal responsibilities and interests. The program is designed to enhance the understanding of aging-related issues by providing the most recent information and research findings in the field of gerontology.

The course features a faculty of academic researchers, experienced practitioners, and professionals involved in fields related to aging. The presenters include members of the University of Colorado faculty, professionals, and experts from the areas of health, law, and government, representing the public, nonprofit, and private sectors. The program is facilitated by Joe Urban.

The topics covered over the two semester sequence include, but are not limited to, the following themes:

• A cross-cultural look at aging
• Physiological, biological, sociological, and psychological aspects of aging
• Government's role and policy issues
• Trends and changes in long-term care
• Legal issues and the elderly
• Medical and end-life ethical issues
• Community based resources
• International and national demographics
• Intergenerational programs
• Alzheimer's disease and care
• Medicare and Medicaid programs
• Social Security perspectives
• Coping with losses due to aging
• Health and medical issues
• Aging in the 21st century
• Spirituality and wellness

The full course extends over two semesters taken in sequence. New enrollees are accepted each semester. Successful completion of the program requires:

• Class attendance in-person or online
• Participation and completion of weekly topics/speaker evaluation surveys
• A maximum of six class absences are allowed during the two semesters
• No tests or papers are required
• Grading is on a Pass/Fail basis

Cost is $495 per semester. Tuition is paied online via a UCCS Student portal. 

Tuition is used exclusively to cover costs of instruction, administration, and to support the operation of the Gerontology Center at UCCS.
Note: Registration fees have been approved by some employers for employee tuition benefits.

Course Dates

*Classes can also be attended remotely via webinar.

• Email the Gerontology Center to request an Interest Form or download here
• Email or mail the completed interest form to the UCCS Gerontology Center.
• Once the interest form is received, instructions will be provided to enroll in the course through the UCCS portal.
• Payments must be completed through the UCCS portal. Instructions for payment will be provided at the time of registration.

Interest Forms are accepted year-round! Sending an Interest Form ensures you receive the most up to date information regarding upcoming semesters. 

Students may drop the course (written notice required) any time BEFORE the course begins without penalty. A full refund will be provided if the course is canceled. 

Gerontology Center
4863 North Nevada Ave. Ste. 350
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
Phone: 719-255-8005
Email: geron@uccs.edu