Sylvania Campus
Social Science (SS), Room 1
971-722-4077
Career and Program Description
Careers in aging are among the fastest growing and exciting opportunities in the 21st century workplace, and PCC’s gerontology program is on the cutting edge of this opportunity. This program is 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 or enterprise development in response to new opportunities created by an aging society. Graduates of this program will develop problem-solving and research skills through interdisciplinary core courses and electives tailored toward their career goals. Internships, mentorships and career coaching will prepare students to create individualized career paths in service industries responding to a longer living and healthier population. 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.
Students may earn one or more gerontology career pathway certificates alone or in conjunction with the gerontology AAS. Students may also earn the degree or certificates in conjunction with a certificate or degree in other PCC programs such as fitness technology, interior design, the allied health field, nursing, business, management, paralegal studies, or alcohol and drug counseling. Program articulation and block transfer agreements are signed or in process with Portland State University Health Studies, Western Oregon University Psychology and Gerontology, Oregon State University Family Studies and Human Development, Eastern Oregon University Gerontology, Concordia University, and other colleges and universities. 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. Certificates and the degree can be completed through an online option.
Degrees and Certificates Offered
Associate of Applied Science Degree
Gerontology
Less than One-Year: Career Pathway Certificate
Activity Assistant
Activity Consultant
Activity Director
Advanced Behavioral and Cognitive Care
End of Life Care and Support
Gerontology Advocacy
Therapeutic Horticulture Activity Specialist
Academic Prerequisites
- Candidates should be ready to enter WR 121 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 sixteen credits 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 | 2 |
| GRN 201 | Understanding and Ending Ageism | 2 |
| Choose one of the following options: 1 | 10 | |
| CE: Gerontology Internship | ||
| Exercise Science Internship I and CE: Gerontology Internship | ||
| GRN 280B | Gerontology Internship Seminar | 1 |
| 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 Aging * | 4 |
| SOC 230 | Introduction to Gerontology * | 4 |
| SOC 231 | Sociology of Health & Aging * | 4 |
| SOC 232 | Death and Dying: Culture and Issues * | 4 |
| or SOC 234 | Death: Crosscultural Perspectives | |
| Gerontology Program Electives | 39 | |
| Remaining General Education | 8 | |
| Total Credits | 90 | |
| * | Could be used as General Education |
| 1 | Students may choose to take GRN 280A for 10 credits or FT 280 for 8 credits and GRN 280A for 2 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. |
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 | 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 | 4 |
| COMM 105 | Listening | 4 |
| COMM 111 | Public Speaking | 4 |
| COMM 111H | Public Speaking: Honors | 4 |
| COMM 140 | Introduction to Intercultural Communication | 4 |
| COMM 214 | Interpersonal Communication: Process and Theory | 4 |
| COMM 215 | Small Group Communication: Process and Theory | 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 155 | 1 | |
| GRN 165 | Basic Activity Director Training | 2 |
| GRN 166 | Therapeutic Horticulture: An Introduction | 1 |
| GRN 172 | Adult Care Home Training | 2 |
| GRN 176 | Cognitive Activity Design | 2 |
| GRN 233 | Supporting End of Life | 4 |
| GRN 234 | Introduction to Dementia Care & Practice | 4 |
| GRN 237 | End of Life Therapies | 1 |
| GRN 239 | End of Life Practices | 1 |
| GRN 240 | Care and Service Coordination | 3 |
| GRN 245 | Introduction to Guardianship in Oregon | 1 |
| GRN 247 | Applied Legal and Policy Issues in Aging | 2 |
| GRN 264 | Advanced Activity Professional Training | 3 |
| GRN 267 | Introduction to Professional Therapeutic Horticulture | 3 |
| GRN 268 | Techniques & Adaptive Strategies in Therapeutic Horticulture | 2 |
| GRN 269 | Therapeutic Horticulture Skills I | 2 |
| GRN 270 | Therapeutic Horticulture Programming for Adults & Children | 2 |
| GRN 271 | Therapeutic Horticulture Skills II | 2 |
| GRN 272 | Therapeutic Garden Design, Maintenance & Programming | 3 |
| GRN 273 | Interior Plants | 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 | Film and Public Health | 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 Diseases, Insects and Weed Identification | 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 |
| PHL 207 | Ethics and Aging | 4 |
| PSY 101 | Psychology and Human Relations * | 4 |
| PSY 201A | Introduction to Psychology - Part 1 * | 4 |
| PSY 202A | Introduction to Psychology - Part 2 * | 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 | Human Sexuality * | 4 |
| PSY 232 | Human Sexuality * | 4 |
| PSY 236 | Psychology of Adult Development and Aging | 4 |
| PSY 239 | Introduction to Abnormal Psychology | 4 |
| PSY 240 | Personal Awareness and Growth | 4 |
| SOC 204 | Sociology in Everyday Life * | 4 |
| SOC 205 | Social Change in Societies * | 4 |
| SOC 206 | Social Problems * | 4 |
| SOC 211 | Peace and Conflict | 4 |
| SOC 213 | Diversity in the United States * | 4 |
| SOC 214A | Illumination Project: Tools for Creative Social Activism 1 | 4 |
| SOC 214B | Illumination Project: Tools for Creative Social Activism 2 | 4 |
| SOC 214C | Illumination Project: Tools for Creative Social Activism 3 | 4 |
| SOC 215 | Social Issues and 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. |
Less than One-Year: Career Pathway Certificate
Activity Assistant
Activity Consultant
Activity Director
Advanced Behavioral and Cognitive Care
End of Life Care and Support
Gerontology Advocacy
Therapeutic Horticultural Activity Specialist
Activity Assistant Career Pathway Certificate
Minimum 26 credits. Students must meet all certificate requirements. The Gerontology Activity Assistant Certificate is a Career Pathway. All courses are contained in the Gerontology AAS Degree.
Activity Assistant Certificate Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GRN 165 | Basic Activity Director Training | 2 |
| GRN 176 | Cognitive Activity Design | 2 |
| GRN 181 | Exploring the Field of Aging | 2 |
| GRN 265 | 2 | |
| GRN 280A | CE: Gerontology Internship 1 | 4 |
| or FT 280 | Exercise Science Internship I | |
| GRN 280B | Gerontology Internship Seminar | 1 |
| GRN 282 | Gerontology Professional Seminar | 2 |
| HE 250 | Personal Health | 3 |
| or HE 295 & PE 295 | Health and Fitness for Life and Health and Fitness for Life Lab | |
| SOC 223 | Sociology of Aging | 4 |
| WR 121 | English Composition (Or any writing course with WR121 as a prerequisite) | 4 |
| Total Credits | 26 | |
| 1 | Certificate 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, up to a total of three credits. |
Activity Consultant Career Pathway Certificate
Minimum 23 credits. Students must meet all certificate requirements. The Gerontology Activity Consultant Certificate is a Career Pathway. All courses are contained in the Gerontology AAS Degree.
Activity Consultant Certificate Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GRN 165 | Basic Activity Director Training | 2 |
| GRN 176 | Cognitive Activity Design | 2 |
| GRN 177 | 1 | |
| GRN 265 | 2 | |
| GRN 266 | 2 | |
| GRN 280A | CE: Gerontology Internship 1 | 4 |
| or FT 280 | Exercise Science Internship I | |
| GRN 282 | Gerontology Professional Seminar | 2 |
| SOC 223 | Sociology of Aging | 4 |
| SOC 230 | Introduction to Gerontology | 4 |
| Total Credits | 23 | |
| 1 | Certificate 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, up to a total of three credits. |
Activity Director Career Pathway Certificate
Minimum 38 credits. Students must meet all certificate requirements. The Gerontology Activity Director Certificate is a Career Pathway. All courses are contained in the Gerontology AAS Degree.
Activity Director Certificate Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GRN 165 | Basic Activity Director Training | 2 |
| GRN 176 | Cognitive Activity Design | 2 |
| GRN 177 | 1 | |
| GRN 181 | Exploring the Field of Aging | 2 |
| GRN 265 | 2 | |
| GRN 266 | 2 | |
| GRN 280A | CE: Gerontology Internship 1 | 5 |
| or FT 280 | Exercise Science Internship I | |
| GRN 280B | Gerontology Internship Seminar | 1 |
| GRN 282 | Gerontology Professional Seminar | 2 |
| HE 250 | Personal Health | 3 |
| or HE 295 & PE 295 | Health and Fitness for Life and Health and Fitness for Life Lab | |
| SOC 223 | Sociology of Aging | 4 |
| SOC 231 | Sociology of Health & Aging | 4 |
| SOC 232 | Death and Dying: Culture and Issues | 4 |
| or SOC 234 | Death: Crosscultural Perspectives | |
| WR 121 | English Composition (Or any writing course with WR121 as a prerequisite) | 4 |
| Total Credits | 38 | |
| 1 | Certificate 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, up to a total of three credits. |
Advanced Behavioral and Cognitive Care Career Pathway Certificate
Minimum 35 credits. Students must meet all certificate requirements. The Gerontology Advanced Behavioral and Cognitive Care Certificate is a Career Pathway. All courses are contained in the Gerontology AAS Degree.
Advanced Behavioral and Cognitive Care Certificate Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GRN 175 | The Aging Mind | 2 |
| GRN 176 | Cognitive Activity Design | 2 |
| GRN 181 | Exploring the Field of Aging | 2 |
| GRN 234 | Introduction to Dementia Care & Practice | 4 |
| GRN 240 | Care and Service Coordination | 3 |
| GRN 245 | Introduction to Guardianship in Oregon | 1 |
| GRN 247 | Applied Legal and Policy Issues in Aging | 2 |
| GRN 280A | CE: Gerontology Internship 1 | 4 |
| GRN 280B | Gerontology Internship Seminar | 1 |
| GRN 282 | Gerontology Professional Seminar | 2 |
| PSY 236 | Psychology of Adult Development and Aging | 4 |
| SOC 223 | Sociology of Aging | 4 |
| SOC 231 | Sociology of Health & Aging | 4 |
| Total Credits | 35 | |
| 1 | Certificate 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, up to a total of three credits. |
End of Life Care and Support Career Pathway Certificate
Minimum 36 credits. Students must meet all certificate requirements. The Gerontology End of Life Care and Support Certificate is a Career Pathway. All courses are contained in the Gerontology AAS Degree.
End of Life Care and Support Certificate Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GRN 181 | Exploring the Field of Aging | 2 |
| GRN 233 | Supporting End of Life | 4 |
| GRN 237 | End of Life Therapies | 1 |
| or GRN 239 | End of Life Practices | |
| GRN 240 | Care and Service Coordination | 3 |
| GRN 245 | Introduction to Guardianship in Oregon | 1 |
| GRN 247 | Applied Legal and Policy Issues in Aging | 2 |
| GRN 280A | CE: Gerontology Internship 1 | 4 |
| GRN 280B | Gerontology Internship Seminar | 1 |
| GRN 282 | Gerontology Professional Seminar | 2 |
| PHL 207 | Ethics and Aging | 4 |
| SOC 223 | Sociology of Aging | 4 |
| SOC 231 | Sociology of Health & Aging | 4 |
| SOC 232 | Death and Dying: Culture and Issues | 4 |
| or SOC 234 | Death: Crosscultural Perspectives | |
| Total Credits | 36 | |
| 1 | Certificate 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, up to a total of three credits. |
Gerontology Advocacy Career Pathway Certificate
Minimum 39 credits. Students must meet all certificate requirements. The Gerontology Advocacy Certificate is a Career Pathway. All courses are contained in the Gerontology AAS Degree.
Gerontology Advocacy Certificate Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GRN 175 | The Aging Mind | 2 |
| GRN 181 | Exploring the Field of Aging | 2 |
| GRN 201 | Understanding and Ending Ageism | 2 |
| GRN 240 | Care and Service Coordination | 3 |
| GRN 245 | Introduction to Guardianship in Oregon | 1 |
| GRN 247 | Applied Legal and Policy Issues in Aging | 2 |
| GRN 280A | CE: Gerontology Internship | 4 |
| GRN 280B | Gerontology Internship Seminar | 1 |
| GRN 282 | Gerontology Professional Seminar | 2 |
| PSY 236 | Psychology of Adult Development and Aging | 4 |
| SOC 223 | Sociology of Aging | 4 |
| SOC 230 | Introduction to Gerontology | 4 |
| SOC 231 | Sociology of Health & Aging | 4 |
| SOC 232 | Death and Dying: Culture and Issues | 4 |
| or SOC 234 | Death: Crosscultural Perspectives | |
| Total Credits | 39 | |
Therapeutic Horticultural Activity Specialist Career Pathway Certificate
Minimum 39 credits. Students must meet all certificate requirements. The Horticultural Therapy Certificate is a Career Pathway. All courses are contained in the Gerontology AAS Degree
Therapeutic Horticultural Activity Specialist Certificate Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GRN 165 | Basic Activity Director Training | 2 |
| GRN 166 | Therapeutic Horticulture: An Introduction | 1 |
| GRN 234 | Introduction to Dementia Care & Practice | 4 |
| GRN 267 | Introduction to Professional Therapeutic Horticulture | 3 |
| GRN 268 | Techniques & Adaptive Strategies in Therapeutic Horticulture | 2 |
| GRN 269 | Therapeutic Horticulture Skills I | 2 |
| GRN 270 | Therapeutic Horticulture Programming for Adults & Children | 2 |
| GRN 271 | Therapeutic Horticulture Skills II | 2 |
| GRN 272 | Therapeutic Garden Design, Maintenance & Programming | 3 |
| GRN 273 | Interior Plants | 3 |
| GRN 280A | CE: Gerontology Internship 1 | 4 |
| GRN 280B | Gerontology Internship Seminar | 1 |
| GRN 282 | Gerontology Professional Seminar | 2 |
| PSY 236 | Psychology of Adult Development and Aging | 4 |
| SOC 223 | Sociology of Aging | 4 |
| Total Credits | 39 | |
| 1 | Certificate 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, up to a total of three credits. |
GRN 165. Basic Activity Director Training. 2 Credits.
Covers skills and knowledge necessary for managing an activity department. Includes documenting residents' abilities and intended outcomes and recognizing resident communication and behavior patterns. Also includes planning and implementing activity programs appropriately designed for different populations integrating person-centered programming and culture change, facilitating resident council meetings, and managing scheduling, resources, adaptive equipment, and personnel. Audit available.
GRN 166. Therapeutic Horticulture: An Introduction. 1 Credit.
Introduces the application of therapeutic horticulture incorporating the four seasons for persons of all ages and abilities in a wide variety of service settings, including community centers, parks and recreation programs, day care programs, long-term care communities, rehabilitation, education, and corrections. Audit available.
GRN 172. Adult Care Home Training. 2 Credits.
Includes the issues prospective operators and resident managers of Adult Care Home (ACH) will face providing care and services to residents who live in adult care homes. The course uses State of Oregon Adult Care Home Program curriculum and includes demonstrations and practice in the social model of care giving. Audit available.
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 176. Cognitive Activity Design. 2 Credits.
Explores the challenges of applying emerging, evidence-based research in memory and aging to address real-life cognitive challenges. Includes the design and demonstration of innovative cognitive activities that are supported by recent brain science findings. Prerequisite/concurrent: GRN 175. Audit available.
GRN 181. Exploring the Field of Aging. 2 Credits.
Introduces the range of emerging professional opportunities in the field of aging. Explores and prioritizes potential career pathways. Includes career and labor market research; assessment of passions, interests, experiences and transferable skills; informational interviews, site visits, and networking; career and educational/training goal setting and planning. Audit available.
GRN 201. Understanding and Ending Ageism. 2 Credits.
Explores ageism as a form of prejudice and discrimination that intersects with other systems of oppression. Investigates 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 237. End of Life Therapies. 1 Credit.
Focuses on a specific therapeutic approach appropriate for end of life care and explores a variety of strategies and activities designed to augment end of life and palliative care goals and enhance the quality of life for the dying person and their caregivers. Audit available.
GRN 239. End of Life Practices. 1 Credit.
Focuses on specific approaches or practices appropriate for end of life care and explores a variety of strategies and activities designed to augment end of life and palliative care goals and to enhance the quality of life for the dying person and their caregivers. 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 245. Introduction to Guardianship in Oregon. 1 Credit.
Introduces guardianship in Oregon. Includes a review of the court process, who qualifies for guardianship, and responsibilities of individuals serving as guardians. Presents basic information about how to be a guardian for a family member, and an overview of resources for guardians. Audit available.
GRN 247. Applied Legal and Policy Issues in Aging. 2 Credits.
Introduces legal and policy issues affecting older adults and their families, as well as care providers. Introduces both national and state policies that impact the services and care available to older adults and access points for these services. Includes presentations from a variety of experts within the field of social services. Provides information on 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 and powers of attorney; and advocacy and the legal process in Oregon. Focuses on how each program contributes to a web of services for older adults, as well as areas in which services may be lacking. Prerequisite: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 and MTH 20 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
GRN 264. Advanced Activity Professional Training. 3 Credits.
Covers activity programming implemented within long-term care and memory care facilities, community and day programs, which meet state and federal standards of practice and enhances quality of life for older persons and persons with disabilities. Covers the knowledge requirements for certification through the National Association of Activity Professionals Credentialing Center (NAAPCC). Prerequisite: GRN 165 or instructor permission. Audit available.
GRN 267. Introduction to Professional Therapeutic Horticulture. 3 Credits.
Introduces the horticultural therapy profession to health and human service providers desiring to add therapeutic horticulture to programming and treatment planning. Provides an overview of program models for clinical and non-clinical settings. Explores working within an interdisciplinary treatment team in a healthcare setting. Covers basic medical terminology and core concepts of group therapy. Introduces community health and wellness connections, diversity, and stress reduction into the practice of therapeutic horticulture. Audit available.
GRN 268. Techniques & Adaptive Strategies in Therapeutic Horticulture. 2 Credits.
Covers the design and development of wellness activities associated with therapeutic horticulture gardens and programs incorporating indoor, outdoor, and seasonal adaptations, strategies, and techniques. Focuses on special needs populations in retirement and long term care communities, vocational and medical rehabilitation facilities, and developmental disabilities settings. Prerequisite: GRN 267. Audit available.
GRN 269. Therapeutic Horticulture Skills I. 2 Credits.
Introduces therapeutic models and skills, task analysis of treatment issues, medical terminology, goal setting, activity planning, assessment, documentation and evaluation, and safety as applied in a therapeutic horticulture milieu. Covers professional and therapeutic topics including learning styles, motivational management, group dynamics, therapeutic use of self, counseling basics, roles within an interdisciplinary team, the leadership role of the therapist, professional ethics, and writing, listening and communication skills. Prerequisite: GRN 268. Audit available.
GRN 270. Therapeutic Horticulture Programming for Adults & Children. 2 Credits.
Introduces therapeutic horticulture, human development, and intergenerational program models. Covers issues in aging, frailty, dementia, the continuum of care, assessment, documentation, and treatment planning. Includes thematic and seasonal planning; programming for children and seniors; case study writing; marketing and public relations; examples of therapeutic horticulture programs; and characteristics of therapeutic garden design and maintenance. Prerequisite: GRN 269. Audit available.
GRN 271. Therapeutic Horticulture Skills II. 2 Credits.
Builds therapeutic and professional skills to work in pediatric, geriatric, developmental disabilities, psychiatric, and offender programs. Includes advanced skills in designing and evaluating 12-month therapeutic activities and programming for frail elderly, pediatric, developmentally disabled, neurologically impaired, and other special needs populations. Focuses on professional skill mastery and continuing education planning. Prerequisite: GRN 270. Audit available.
GRN 272. Therapeutic Garden Design, Maintenance & Programming. 3 Credits.
Focuses on the design, maintenance and programming of natural and horticultural therapeutic gardens. Includes working with an interdisciplinary team, garden assessment using therapeutic gardening standards, designing restorative settings, planning and conducting group and seasonal sessions, and sensory goals programming for dementia clients. Covers patio and strolling gardens for assisted living facility programs and special needs gardens. Prerequisite: GRN 271. Audit available.
GRN 273. Interior Plants. 3 Credits.
Focuses on identification of interior plants commonly used in therapeutic horticulture programming, houseplants as leisure/hobby, and interior plantscaping. Covers plant culture requirements, pests, diseases, propagation and interior use. 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 280B. Gerontology Internship Seminar. 1 Credit.
Develops the essential skills for successful internship. Focuses on work-based learning outcomes, working under supervision, effective communication and teamwork in organizations, professional networking, stress and conflict management, professional ethics, boundary setting, and burnout prevention. Prerequisite: GRN 181. Audit available.
GRN 282. Gerontology Professional Seminar. 2 Credits.
Focuses on reviewing and modifying career and educational/training goals; reassessing the occupational outlook and labor market; building a professional network; formulating mission and vision statements and other branding tools; developing master portfolios and resumes, job specific resumes, websites, brochures, cards, and other job tools; preparing for behavioral job interviews; and creating Degree and Certificate presentations in ePortfolios that assess learning outcomes. Prerequisite: GRN 280B. Audit available.