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Academics & Training / Programs & Degrees / Fields of Interest / Health Sciences / Gerontology

Gerontology Associate Degree

Program Code: 105441

Graduates of the Gerontology program have the knowledge and skills needed to provide seamless quality service to older adults and their families. Gerontology career pathways include a wide variety of service and leadership opportunities related to business and finances; housing options; entertainment and travel; health and wellness; case coordination; public policy and advocacy; and consumer service.

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Program Costs & Financial Aid

Employment Potential

Direct Service Provider: Works "one-on-one" with older adults and their families to provide services, assess needs, educate, and facilitate coordination of resources and delivery of services.

  • Program Planner and Evaluator: Surveys the community to gauge the interests and needs of older adults, designing and implementing programs to meet these needs, and evaluating the programs' effectiveness.
  • Manager/Coordinator/Administrator: Supervises and directs the daily operation of facilities, agencies, or programs that serve the aging population.
  • Marketing and Product Development Professional: Targets unmet product and service needs of older adults and their care partners. Develops and implements solutions to enhance productivity, independence, and safety. Educates and refers older adults to creative technologies that may allow them to "age in place."
  • Advocate: Fosters policies and programs to benefit the older adult population based on knowledge of unmet needs and the ability to communicate in public and private forums.
  • Educator/Trainer: Develops and delivers educational programming responsive to the needs of the community, older adults and those who serve them, including informal caregivers.
  • Life Enrichment Provider: Works in small groups or "one-on-one" with older adults to engage and promote fulfillment of life.
  • Environmental Designer: Designs safe living environments for the elderly population.
  • Financial Management/Legal Support Service Provider/Guardian: Serves as primary contact person for management of financial and legal issues for aging clients and their families.
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Requirements for Program Entry

  • Completed application.
  • High school transcript or equivalent. (For a list of equivalents, go to www.nwtc.edu/gettingstarted.)
  • To be admitted to this program, learners must achieve a prior cumulative high school or college grade point average of 2.6 or higher OR a satisfactory academic skills assessment score. College grade point average must be based on 15 credits or more. To learn more about starting this program, please contact an academic advisor at (920) 498-5444 or (888) 385-6982.
  • Attend mandatory program orientation..
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Curriculum
Curriculum: Students following the study plan below will complete the Gerontology associate degree program in the number of semesters shown.
First Semester
Semester Total
17
Second Semester
Semester Total
17
Third Semester
Semester Total
15
Fourth Semester
Semester Total
16
Total Credits
65

Curriculum Note: No final grade lower than a "C" is acceptable in any of the (10-544-xxx) courses. A student who withdraws or receives a grade lower than a "C" in a program course may apply for re-entry into the program.

The credit for 10-890-101, College 101 is an Institutional Requirement for graduation. Consequently, it is not part of the program credit requirements, but must be passed with a "C" or better.

Flexible Learning Option

The entire Gerontology program is offered online WITH THE EXCEPTION of the internship in 4th semester. | The program may be completed in a part-time or full-time format.

Program Outcomes

  • Provide recommendations for successful aging and optimal quality of life.
  • Evaluate physical, social, psychological and spiritual aspects of aging.
  • Identify and refer older adults to needed services.
  • Exhibit behaviors and conduct that reflect safe, legal, and ethical gerontological practices.
  • Evaluate and advocate in the area of aging public policy.
  • Exhibit professional communication.
  • Develop ethical and cultural awareness related to aging.
  • Plan, develop, implement and deliver appropriate activities to meet physical, social, psychological needs of the aging population.
  • Create a personal professional development plan.
  • Incorporate evidence-based gerontology practices into delivery of services.
  • Implement activities to meet the needs of the aging population.
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Start here. Finish at a four-year.

NWTC transfer programs are offered through collaborative agreements with our four-year college and university partners. See where your associate degree credits will transfer >> EXCLUDEEND

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Internship

Students will be required to provide their own transportation to internship sites, and cover any other expenses related to internship experiences. Students may be expected to travel distances to internships. | Dependent on the site, students may be required to submit immunization documentation. A fee is charged for this service. Additional information will be provided upon acceptance into the program. Dependent on site, students may be required to complete a background check. A fee is charged for this service. Additional information will be provided upon acceptance into the program. | Students will be required to show proof of an annual flu vaccine. Students may be required to complete drug testing by clinical agencies. | The International Programs staff continually seeks opportunities for students to travel abroad for educational experiences that may be offered in association with program courses. To find out more about which of your program courses may offer an opportunity during this academic year, contact your academic advisor or visit nwtc.edu/studyabroad..

Wisconsin Caregiver Law

NWTC is required to comply with the Wisconsin Caregiver Law (1997 WISCONSIN ACT 27). The completion of a caregiver background check includes the review of criminal records for convictions of serious crimes or a history of improper behavior. Students accepted into this program must complete a background check through www.castlebranch.com AND complete a Background Information Disclosure (BID) form disclosing any acts, crimes, or convictions prior to program entry. The information provided in the BID form must be truthful and match any findings on the criminal record check. Information regarding this process is provided to students immediately upon acceptance into the program. Students with a criminal history may be denied access to placement at the discretion of the clinical or practicum site. Consequently, should a student have a history of convictions of serious crimes or a history of improper behaviors, NWTC cannot guarantee clinical/practicum placement or guarantee graduation within typical program timing.

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8 week icon

8-Week Advantage

This program will transition to 8–week courses in Fall of 2021.

FlexEd Available

Flexible formats are available for this program.

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