Aging Services - Certificate Program
Eastern Florida's Aging Services Certificate program will prepare you to work with senior citizens and retired individuals in a variety of different settings, such as retirement homes, senior citizen centers, and aging agencies.
EFSC developed the Aging Services curriculum to meet unique local needs along the Space Coast and was the first college in the state of Florida to offer a senior care certificate program.
Elder care also has an excellent career outlook, as social work jobs are projected to grow exponentially, and Brevard County has a higher-than-average concentration of older people. According to the Brevard County Commission on Aging:
- By 2026, the population of Americans over the age of 65 will double to 71.5 million.
- Approximately 25% of Brevard County’s total population is currently 60 or older.
- As medical science increases the length of our lives, we'll see a corresponding increase in the need for long-term care.
Aging Services Certificate - Course Curriculum
You can complete the Aging Services College Credit Certificate (CCC) as a standalone program or as a specialization under EFSC's Social and Human Services A.S. degree. The program consists of academic coursework specifically related to geriatric care and a three-credit practicum that enables you to gain experience in the field.
Whether you're employed at a human services office or in an elder care position and wish to expand your knowledge through credit coursework, or you're seeking to enter a senior care profession without experience, Eastern Florida State College's Aging Services Certificate can help you further your career.
Aging Services - Certificate Program
Program Overview
- Certificate Type
- College Credit Certificate (CCC)
- Delivery Method
- Online Only
- Total Credit Hours
- 18
- Academic Community
- Social & Behavioral Sciences & Human Services
- Contact Information
-
Email Program Advisor
321-632-1111Advising Appointments
Aging Services Certificate - Admissions Information
The Aging Services Certificate is an open-access program with rolling admissions. You can submit your application via Eastern Florida's standard enrollment process. As you plan your next steps, we encourage you to contact the program advisor with any questions.
Brief Costs and Financial Aid Eligibility
In-state tuition and fees for EFSC’s Aging Services Certificate total approximately $1,900 — an excellent value. You may also be eligible to receive financial aid and scholarships that can decrease your out-of-pocket expenses as you work through the program.
College Courses You Would Take
With the exception of the online practicum course, which involves hands-on experience in addition to the online coursework, EFSC's Aging Services Certificate courses are 100% online.
Here are a few of the courses you'll take:
Examine the psychological, physical, and social aspects of the aging process while reflecting on values and attitudes toward aging.
Learn how factors such as health, finances, and social roles affect the elderly and influence family role changes and independence.
Prep for an entry-level practitioner position as you learn from observation and hands-on experience in human services or a community agency.
Why Study Aging Services at EFSC?
Hands-On Training
During your practicum, you'll work under the guidance of social workers, psychologists, sociologists, geriatricians, and other trained professionals in a professional setting, such as a hospital, aging agency, mental health clinic, retirement home, or community service agency. As you learn different techniques to assess clients, you'll not only prepare for future employment opportunities, but you'll also have a positive impact on your community.
Experienced Faculty
In addition to their experience working with the elderly, EFSC's Aging Services faculty have run nonprofit organizations, worked as private practice therapists, and served in child and family services positions around the country. Throughout your studies, their knowledge and expertise will provide you with a practical foundation in elder care that complements your hands-on training.
Bachelor's Degree option
If you complete EFSC's Aging Services certificate as part of our Social and Human Services A.S. degree, you'll be eligible to apply for transfer into the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program at Florida State University (FSU). If this option interests you, reach out to the FSU admissions team and work with an EFSC advisor to ensure you meet all of the transfer requirements.
Related Programs
If you're interested in Aging Services, we have several other related degrees and certificates that might also catch your eye! Our academic advisors can help you identify prerequisite courses for these and any programs that Eastern Florida State College offers: