Holistic Perspective on Aging and Wellness Certificate

Purpose

The Holistic Perspective on Aging and Wellness certificate provides specialized education for students wanting to enter the healthcare profession or for those currently providing care or services for an aging population. The courses embedded in this certificate  provide healthcare professionals with the essential knowledge to meet the healthcare needs of the aging population.

Program of Study

This certificate consists of 15 undergraduate credits. All certificate courses are offered 100% online. Students should be comfortable with the online learning format.

Career Opportunities

The certificate is relevant for Registered Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, Licensed Vocational Nurses/Licensed Practical Nurses, Nursing Assistants, Social Workers, Occupational Therapists, Recreation Therapists, Physical Therapists, Respiratory Therapists, Administrators, Psychologists, Marriage and Family Therapists, Dieticians, Educators, Personal Care Assistants, and other interested individuals.

Certificate Competencies

In addition to the University’s undergraduate graduation competencies, students will be able to:

1. Improve understanding of behavioral and mental health issues specific to the aging adult.

2. Describe specific aspects of aging, including the impact of nutrition and physical activity on the aging process.

3. Identify local, regional, and national resources available to the elder population in relation to terms of medical coverage, types of providers, and access to care.

General Requirements/ Pre-Requisites

The certificate is open to the following prospective students with an interest in Holistic Perspective on Aging and Wellness:

•    High School graduate and/or;

•    Associate Degree graduate and/or;

•    Wilmington University undergraduate students in a degree-seeking program upon advisement from a program chair and/or an academic advisor.

Students must complete an undergraduate application for admission accompanied by a non-refundable admission fee.

Due to prerequisite course requirements, some students may require more than 5 courses to complete the certificate.

Curriculum

Core Requirements (9 credits)

HLT 366 End-of-Life Considerations

HLT 372 Issues in Aging

PSY 401 Adult Development and Aging

Electives (6 credits)

Choose two (2) electives, depending on degree or interests, from the following:

CRJ 476 Topics in CRJ: Elder Abuse

HLT 326 Nutrition for Healthy Living

HLT 362 Topics in Palliative and End-of-Life Care

HSC 380 Health Care Policy

SOC 312 Community Health & Social Issues

Total credits for the Holistic Perspective on Aging and Wellness Certificate: 15

This information applies to students who enter this degree program during the 2024-2025 Academic Year. If you entered this degree program before the Fall 2023 semester, please refer to the academic catalog for the year you began your degree program.