Gerontology Multi-Disciplinary Certificate / Human and Social Service Technology

The gerontology certificate of competency enhances the careers of those majoring in various fields at Stark State College. It is advantageous to human and social service workers who plan to work with older adults and their families, as well as health technology majors who assist in the medical care of an aging population. It is beneficial to business technology majors who will assist with retirement planning and need to understand the consumer behavior of the older population. It also will help architectural drafters and computer programmers who will assist in maintaining older adults’ independence for as long as possible.

Enhance your career with the gerontology certificate of competency. The gerontology certificate of competency will enhance the careers of those majoring in:

human and social service technology
physical therapist assisting technology
occupational therapy assisting technology
nursing
massage therapy
dental hygiene
respiratory care technology
health information management technology

medical assisting technology
business management technology
financial services technology
marketing management technology
civil engineering technology
computer science technology
interactive media technology

All students in the HSST program are required to undergo a criminal bacdground check. Criminal background checks may prevent placements, program completion and potential employment in the field.

For course descriptions visit here.

Required Courses		Credit Hours
SOC125/SWK128	Introduction to Gerontology *	3
SOC126/SWK129	Psychosocial Aspects of Aging *	3
		6
Elective courses (Students are required to select one course from each of the areas below.)
Social Services and Human Development:
FIN223	Estate and Income Tax Planning	3
HIT230	Healthcare Delivery in the U.S.	2
OTA223	Life Span Development	5
PSY123	Human Growth and Development	3
SWK230	Social Services for the Elderly	3
Health and Aging/Health Policy:
BIO122	Anatomy and Physiology II	4
BIO123	Principles of Human Structure and Function	5
BIO127	Human Biology	4
FIN222	Retirement Planning for Employees	3
MAT231	Reimbursement for Healthcare Services	3
	TOTAL CREDITS	11-16

* HSST students must register for the required courses using the SWK prefix; non-HSST students must register using the SOC prefix.
+ Credit hours required for completion of the certificate of competency vary. Most students will only need to complete two courses, six credit hours, in addition to their degree requirements.