Career and Program Description
Note: The GRN degree and Career Pathway certificate are not accepting students for 25-26.
Careers in the field of aging are among the fastest growing and exciting opportunities in the 21st century workplace. Exponential growth is expected in all service-providing industries related to aging, particularly in the health care services continuum, financial and legal services, leisure, life-long learning, hospitality, fitness, and wellness areas.
PCC’s Gerontology program is offered fully online and designed for individuals who wish to develop careers in the field of aging, those already employed or active in gerontology or related fields who wish to enhance their career paths, and those seeking challenging and meaningful career changes in response to new opportunities created by an aging society. Students participating in this program will develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and research skills through multi-disciplinary core courses and electives tailored toward their career goals. Internships, mentorships, and career coaching will prepare students to create individualized career paths.
Students may earn a Gerontology Professional Career Pathway Certificate alone or in conjunction with the Gerontology AAS. Students may also earn the degree or certificate in conjunction with a certificate or degree in other PCC programs such as exercise science, interior design, human services, the allied health field, nursing, business, management, paralegal studies, or alcohol and drug counseling. In most cases, students earning the Gerontology AAS can enter human services, social work, social sciences, community health and similar Bachelor level programs as juniors.
Degrees and Certificates Offered
Associate of Applied Science Degree
Gerontology
Less than One-Year: Career Pathway Certificate
Gerontology Professional
Academic Prerequisites
- Candidates should be ready to enter WR 121Z and MTH 20 for any certificate and MTH 58/MTH 65 for the degree (demonstrated through placement tests or documented previous college level work.) Those candidates with insufficient background to enter at this level may need to extend the time it takes to complete the program. Faculty advisors will provide information regarding preparatory course work options.
Academic Requirements
- Career pathway certificate credits count toward the AAS degree requirements. Students earning the AAS degree in gerontology must meet college graduation requirements including general education, math and English competencies. The core courses provide basic knowledge about aging in several important domains.
- Students should take GRN 181 in their first or second term in the program.
- GRN 280A provides a unique opportunity for students to work directly with older adults in their career interest area.
- Degree and certificate candidates who have related work experience with aging adults may petition to waive one credit for every 70 hours worked toward the required internship credits, typically up to a total of three credits.
Non-Academic Prerequisites
- None
Non-Academic Requirements
- None
Gerontology AAS Degree
Minimum 90 credits. Students must also meet Associate Degree Comprehensive Requirements and Associate of Applied Science Requirements. Students must complete a total of four courses of General Education. Some courses specified within the program may be used as General Education. In addition to required courses in the program of study, students must satisfy MTH 58/65 competency. Students should consult with program advisors for course planning.
Gerontology Degree Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GRN 175 | The Aging Mind | 2 |
| GRN 181 | Exploring the Field of Aging | 3 |
| GRN 201 | Understanding and Ending Ageism | 3 |
| GRN 280A | CE: Gerontology Internship 1,2 | 6 |
| or FT 280 | Exercise Science Internship I | |
| GRN 282 | Gerontology Professional Seminar | 2 |
| PHL 207 | Ethics and Aging * | 4 |
| PSY 236 | Psychology of Adult Development and Aging | 4 |
| SOC 223 | Sociology of the Life Course * | 4 |
| SOC 230 | Introduction to Gerontology * | 4 |
| SOC 231 | Sociology of Healthy Aging * | 4 |
| SOC 232 | Death and Dying: Culture and Issues * | 4 |
| or SOC 234 | Death: Crosscultural Perspectives | |
| Gerontology Program Electives | 40 | |
| General Education: 2 courses | ||
| WR 121 | Composition I (WR121=WR121Z) (or any WR course for which WR 121 is a prerequisite) Z | 4 |
| Total Credits | 90 | |
- *
Could be used as General Education
- 1
Students may choose to take GRN 280A for 6 credits or FT 280 for 8 credits
- 2
Degree candidates who have related work experience with aging adults may petition to substitute one credit for every 70 hours worked toward the required internship credits.
- Z
This course is part of Oregon Common Course Numbering. WR 121 and WR 121Z are equivalent.
Gerontology Program Electives*
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AD 101 | Addiction | 3 |
| AD 102 | Drug Use and Addiction | 3 |
| AD 105 | Aging & Addiction | 3 |
| AD 154 | Client Record Management and Addiction | 3 |
| AD 156 | Professional Ethics and Issues in Addiction Counseling | 3 |
| BA 101 | Introduction to Business (BA101=BA101Z) Z | 4 |
| BA 150 | Intro to Entrepreneurship | 4 |
| BA 208 | Introduction to Nonprofits & Philanthropy | 4 |
| BA 209 | Introduction to Grant Writing | 4 |
| BI 120 | Survey of Body Systems | 5 |
| COMM 100 | Introduction to Communication (COMM100=COMM100Z) Z | 4 |
| COMM 105 | Listening | 4 |
| COMM 111 | Public Speaking (COMM111=COMM111Z) Z | 4 |
| COMM 111H | Public Speaking: Honors (COMM111H=COMM111HZ) Z | 4 |
| COMM 140 | Introduction to Intercultural Communication | 4 |
| COMM 215 | Communicating in Teams and Small Groups | 4 |
| COMM 218 | Interpersonal Communication (COMM214=COMM218=COMM218Z) Z | 4 |
| FN 110 | Personal Nutrition | 3 |
| FN 211 | Personal & Social Frameworks for Nutrition & Healthy Aging | 3 |
| FT 100 | Emergency Response for Fitness Professionals 1 | 1 |
| FT 106 | Analysis of Movement | 3 |
| FT 110 | Injury Prevention & Management 1 | 2 |
| FT 131 | Structure & Function of the Human Body | 4 |
| FT 202 | Fitness and Aging | 3 |
| GRN 233 | Supporting End of Life | 4 |
| GRN 234 | Introduction to Dementia Care & Practice | 4 |
| GRN 240 | Care and Service Coordination | 3 |
| GRN 247 | Applied Legal and Policy Issues in Aging | 3 |
| GRN 280A | CE: Gerontology Internship (credits earned above the required 6 can count as Gerontology Elective credits) | 1-3 |
| HE 112 | Standard First Aid and Emergency Care | 1 |
| HE 207 | Seminar in Biomedical, Behavioral and Health Sciences | 1 |
| HE 212 | Women's Health | 4 |
| HE 213 | Men's Health | 4 |
| HE 242 | Stress and Human Health | 4 |
| HE 250 | Personal Health | 3 |
| HE 251 | Community and Public Health | 4 |
| HE 252 | First Aid - Basics and Beyond | 4 |
| HE 254 | Weight Management and Personal Health | 3 |
| HE 255 | Health, Film, and Media | 4 |
| HE 264 | Food Systems and Public Health | 4 |
| HE 278 | Human Health and the Environment | 3 |
| HE 295 & PE 295 | Health and Fitness for Life and Health and Fitness for Life Lab | 3 |
| HIM 182 | Healthcare Delivery Systems | 3 |
| HUS 101 | Introduction to Human Services | 3 |
| HUS 102 | Mental Health First Aid: Adult | 1 |
| HUS 107 | Mental Health First Aid: Older Adult | 1 |
| HUS 121 | Family and Human Systems | 3 |
| HUS 131 | Models and Systems of Human Service Delivery | 3 |
| HUS 141 | Direct Service Methods | 3 |
| LAT 106 | Plant Anatomy and Physiology | 4 |
| LAT 109 | Plant Propagation | 3 |
| LAT 250 | Plant Health Care | 3 |
| MP 108 | Healthcare Career Essentials | 3 |
| MP 111 | Medical Terminology | 4 |
| MP 135 | Pharmacology for Allied Health | 3 |
| MP 140 | Introduction to Health Law and Ethics | 3 |
| PSY 101 | Psychology and Human Relations * | 4 |
| PSY 201A | Introduction to Psychology I (PSY201A=PSY201AZ) *,Z | 4 |
| PSY 202A | Introduction to Psychology II (PSY202A=PSY202AZ) *,Z | 4 |
| PSY 213 | Introduction to Behavioral Neuroscience | 4 |
| PSY 214 | Introduction to Personality * | 4 |
| PSY 215 | Human Development * | 4 |
| PSY 216 | Social Psychology | 4 |
| PSY 222 | Family & Intimate Relationships * | 4 |
| PSY 231 | Foundations of Human Sexuality * | 4 |
| PSY 232 | Human Sexuality in Social Context * | 4 |
| PSY 239 | Introduction to Abnormal Psychology | 4 |
| PSY 240 | Personal Awareness and Growth | 4 |
| SOC 204 | Introduction to Sociology (SOC 204=SOC 204Z) *,Z | 4 |
| SOC 205 | Social Change and Institutions (SOC 205=SOC 205Z) *,Z | 4 |
| SOC 206 | Social Problems (SOC 206=SOC 206Z) *,Z | 4 |
| SOC 211 | Peace and Conflict Studies | 4 |
| SOC 213 | Diversity in the United States * | 4 |
| SOC 214A | Illumination Project I: Interactive Social Justice Theater | 4 |
| SOC 214B | Illumination Project II: Interactive Social Justice Theater | 4 |
| SOC 214C | Illumination Project III: Interactive Social Justice Theater | 4 |
| SOC 215 | Social Movements | 4 |
| SOC 218 | Sociology of Gender * | 4 |
| SOC 219 | Introduction to Sociology of Religion | 4 |
| SOC 221 | Globalization and International Relations | 4 |
| SOC 228 | Introduction to Environmental Sociology | 4 |
- *
In order to meet the credit minimum for the degree requirements, some courses may count toward electives or General Education, but not both.
- 1
FT 100 and FT 110 requirement can be met by the completion of FT 102.
- Z
This course is part of Oregon Common Course Numbering. The following courses are equivalent:
BA 101 and BA 101Z
COMM 100 and COMM 100Z
COMM 111 and COMM 111Z
COMM 111H and COMM 111HZ
COMM 214, COMM 218, and COMM 218Z
PSY 201A and PSY 201AZ
PSY 202A and PSY 202AZSOC 204 and SOC 204Z
SOC 205 and SOC 205Z
SOC 206 and SOC 206Z
Less than One-Year: Career Pathway Certificate
Gerontology Professional Career Pathway Certificate
Minimum 39 credits. Students must meet all certificate requirements. The Gerontology Professional Certificate is a Career Pathway. All courses are contained in the Gerontology AAS Degree.
Gerontology Professional Certificate Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GRN 175 | The Aging Mind | 2 |
| GRN 181 | Exploring the Field of Aging | 3 |
| GRN 201 | Understanding and Ending Ageism | 3 |
| GRN 233 | Supporting End of Life | 4 |
| GRN 234 | Introduction to Dementia Care & Practice | 4 |
| GRN 240 | Care and Service Coordination | 3 |
| GRN 280A | CE: Gerontology Internship (2 credits total) | 2 |
| GRN 247 | Applied Legal and Policy Issues in Aging | 3 |
| GRN 282 | Gerontology Professional Seminar | 2 |
| HUS 107 | Mental Health First Aid: Older Adult | 1 |
| or HUS 102 | Mental Health First Aid: Adult | |
| SOC 223 | Sociology of the Life Course | 4 |
| SOC 230 | Introduction to Gerontology | 4 |
| SOC 231 | Sociology of Healthy Aging | 4 |
| Total Credits | 39 | |
GRN 175. The Aging Mind. 2 Credits.
Explores the convergence of gerontology and recent brain science. Presents novel and combinatorial interventions based on recent research on aging brains. Introduces the emerging array of sustainable approaches to engage, stimulate, and enhance older minds. Audit available.
GRN 181. Exploring the Field of Aging. 3 Credits.
Introduces the multidisciplinary academic area of gerontology and the broad field of aging, including potential career pathways, as well as professional development, volunteer, and internship opportunities. Audit available.
GRN 201. Understanding and Ending Ageism. 3 Credits.
Explores ageism as a form of prejudice and discrimination that intersects with other systems of oppression. Examines the different levels at which ageism operates and the negative impact that internalized and institutionalized ageism has on individuals and society. Introduces perspectives and practices for addressing and ending ageism and creating age-inclusive and age-equitable policies, programs and communities. Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
GRN 233. Supporting End of Life. 4 Credits.
Provides health care workers, caregivers, religious and spiritual counselors, social workers, fiduciaries, and family members the knowledge and skills to support the end of life process with dying persons and their families. Explores the physical, emotional, spiritual, legal, and financial aspects of dying, as well as grief and bereavement. Audit available.
GRN 234. Introduction to Dementia Care & Practice. 4 Credits.
Focuses on issues related to the care of older persons presenting behavioral and cognitive challenges using a person-centered approach. Introduces assessment, treatment and care of persons experiencing dementia, problematic mental health conditions, and the dying process. Includes assessing appropriate long term care options for memory care, problem solving, functional levels and other challenges, responding to deficiencies, creating repetitive incident reports, implementing fall prevention programs, and developing family education and support programs. Recommended: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115. Audit available.
GRN 240. Care and Service Coordination. 3 Credits.
Provides an overview of professional standards, responsibilities, and skills required for care managers, information and resource specialists, advocates, and service coordinators working with older adults, persons with disabilities, and their families. Includes the assessment process, care planning, resource management, service provider and financial coordination, documentation and accountability, ethics and confidentiality, advocacy, and evaluation. Introduces strength-based, person-centered, and empowerment models. Audit available.
GRN 247. Applied Legal and Policy Issues in Aging. 3 Credits.
Introduces legal and policy issues affecting older persons, their families, and care providers. Covers both national and state policies that impact the services and care available to older adults and access points for these services. Examines long-term care facility types and how they are licensed, Medicare and Medicaid services and coverage, mental health and Veteran’s services, abuse and protective services, legal planning for aging, including health care directives, powers of attorney, guardianship/conservatorship, advocacy and the legal process in Oregon. Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
GRN 280A. CE: Gerontology Internship. 1-3 Credit.
Develops practical experience, skill development and professional direction in achieving their career goals, working under supervision in an approved worksite through an intentional internship. Prerequisite: Submission of Training Agreement and Learning Objectives Forms, signed by the student and worksite supervisor to Gerontology office. Cooperative Education office requests registration. Audit available.
GRN 282. Gerontology Professional Seminar. 2 Credits.
Identifies the essential resources, skills, and support needed to continue the educational and professional pathway through both individual and collective learning activities. Uses emergent interests and reflective exercises to develop an educational and professional action plan. Designed to be highly participatory and collaborative. Prerequisite: GRN 181, GRN 280A. Audit available.