This 13-credit hour graduate certificate program provides a theoretical framework and practical grounding in working with families and persons with dementia in the home, community-based programs and 24-hour care settings including assisted living, adult foster care homes, nursing homes and hospitals.  Our Certificate in Dementia  is believed to be the first of its kind in the U.S. and is intended for healthcare professionals and students who want to pursue a specialized career in working with people who have dementia. 

No other educational opportunity will better prepare you to become a leader in dementia care.

SPECIAL FEATURES OF THE CERTIFICATE

• Person-Centered Philosophy
• Evidence-Based Practice
• Field-Based Learning
• Innovative Models in Programming 
• Work Based Experiences
• Flexible Admission Requirements
• Enrollment in Dementia Care Courses
  
• Interdisciplinary Team Teaching
  
• Flexible Class Schedule
  

Scholarships
Several scholarships are available to help underwrite tuition expenses.  Further information is here.

Certificate in Dementia Curriculum (12-13 credit hours)

Course #	Course Title	Credit Hours
GERT 518	Introduction to Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias	2
GERT 523	Designing Programs for People with Dementia	2
GERT 524	Families and Dementia	2
GERT 526	Behaviors in Dementia	2
GERT 528	Advanced Issues in Dementia Care	2
GERT 688/689	Gerontology Practicum (120 hours) and Seminar	2-3

WHY SHOULD YOU ENROLL IN THE CERTIFICATE PROGRAM?
The prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease is increasing at epidemic proportions. There is already a serious shortage of qualified health care professionals with specialized training in dementia care.  As baby boomers approach their 60s, it is estimated that a staggering 14,000,000 Americans will be living with progressive dementia.  The current health care system is not prepared to provide the continuum of programs needed to address the complex needs of persons with dementia throughout the stages of their condition and their families.

It is almost certain that at some point in your life you will be affected by Alzheimer’s disease or a related conditions either in your professional work of personal life.  Are you prepared?  Do you have the information and skills you need?

Specializing in dementia will enable you to:

• Become the "Dementia Champion" in your organization;
• Give yourself a competitive edge in the job market;
• Enhance the quality of your work with persons with dementia, their families and their co-workers;
• Build a repertoire of strategies for responding to challenging situations;
• Become a leader in transforming the culture of care so that the individuality, strengths and special needs of persons with dementia are recognized and honored.

‘TALKING POINTS’ TO SHARE WITH YOUR SUPERVISOR
Health care organizations are continuously challenged to meet the complex and ever-changing needs of individuals with dementia and their families.  Our courses provide unique opportunities to learn about ‘cutting edge’ developments in dementia research and practice. You will be challenged to apply these concepts in your work setting.

Below are some key points you might want to include in a discussion with your supervisor about how these courses can directly impact the quality of dementia care services being provided by your organization.  The knowledge you acquire will enable you and your co-workers to:

• Improve relationships with persons with dementia and their families;
• Enhance assessment skills and develop individualized interventions that encourage the person with dementia to function at the highest level possible by supporting remaining skills;
• Respond effectively to clinical concerns including falls, loss of functional abilities, weight loss, depression, and behavioral challenges such as aggression, agitation and resistance to care;
• Design and implement new ideas and methods for quality of life programming;
• Critically evaluate current care approaches and explore ways to successfully introduce change.