Is gerontology ready for accreditation?

[Post-graduate gerontology training in Spain: Number, characteristics, and contents taught in master courses]

INTRODUCTION

Population aging raises the need for specialised professionals to address the needs of the elderly. The aim of this paper is to describe the number, characteristics, and contents of the Master degree courses that are currently offered in Spain.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

There were 32 Master degree courses offered in the 2014-15 academic year. These required at least 60 ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System). At least half of the course credits were based on contents directly related to old age, older people, or aging. An analysis was made that included, information on the institutional affiliation, official status, academic structure, and contents taught. A content analysis was performed on curriculum subjects, in order to classify the courses into multidisciplinary or specialised (with focus either on health, behavioural, or social sciences).

RESULTS

Most of the courses required mandatory class attendance, and lasted one academic year (60 ECTS). They also included the completion of a final project and a practicum. The majority (59%) of Master degree courses were classified as multidisciplinary. Of the remaining ones, 19% were labelled as specialised in behavioural sciences, 16% in health sciences, and 2% in social sciences.

CONCLUSIONS

The field of higher education in gerontology in Spain seems to be consolidated, taking into account indicators such as the number of courses offered, their territorial distribution, or the number of official Master degree courses. While the academic structure of the courses is quite similar, in contrast, their contents and nature are highly diverse, which responds to the different training needs.

Competencies in European gerontological higher education. An explorative study on core elements

This study explores whether there is a common core of competencies in European gerontology education programs by doing a cross-comparison of five undergraduate-level programs. Content analysis of competency profile documents at the five European educational programs were studied using thematic analysis. Study results document that there indeed is a common core of elements in gerontological educational programs. Three clusters which included a total of 15 categories were identified. The clusters were labeled professional attitude, communication skills, and service provision. Clusters and categories varied across the five programs. One program in particular included fewer clusters and categories. This may reflect a difference in focus in the program but could also reflect a less elaborately formulated competency profile document. The results of this study show that, at least at the level of formulating competencies, there is a strong agreement on the major components that are important for a gerontologist at the undergraduate level.

A abordagem do envelhecimento na formação universitária dos profissionais de saúde: uma revisão integrativa

O objetivo deste artigo foi identificar, com base na literatura, como a saúde do idoso e o envelhecimento têm sido abordados na formação universitária dos profissionais de saúde e o que vem sendo considerado relevante nesta temática. Trata-se de estudo de revisão integrativa em que foi realizada busca por artigos nas bases de dados PubMed/MEDLINE, LILACS, IBECS e SciELO. Os aspectos discutidos na literatura foram: os requisitos e as competências necessárias para a atenção de qualidade aos idosos; as atitudes didáticas e as práticas formativas relacionadas ao tema "saúde do idoso"; a forma e disposição dos conteúdos ofertados acerca do envelhecimento na formação profissional; a avaliação do ensino por parte de docentes, discentes e egressos e os processos de implementação dos cursos de Gerontologia. Considerando os estudos nacionais e internacionais, as discussões acerca do tema, de forma geral, foram similares. Os conteúdos e práticas considerados relevantes à formação foram os assuntos mais investigados e os enfermeiros e médicos os profissionais que mais pesquisaram o tema.

Survey of master's gerontology students spanning over 40 years

The University of South Florida's master's degree in gerontology is a long-established program that focuses on a multidisciplinary approach to population aging. This study identifies graduate students' needs in preparation for a professional career in gerontology. An online survey was distributed to graduates and those currently enrolled (N = 56) in order to better understand expectations for the program, identify outcomes of graduation, and obtain program recommendations for future students. The program's 40 year history was well represented with participants ranging from the first graduating class to current students. Results indicated high satisfaction in students' expectations of the program, educational experience, and assessment of faculty. Further, 68% of graduates reported success in gaining age-related employment shortly after graduation. However, students echoed well-known barriers in gerontology, reporting tough competition for jobs versus those with licensure, and challenges in promoting their nonclinical gerontology degree to employers. Respondents recommended more applied coursework and assistance with career planning to enhance employment opportunities upon graduation. Implications of these findings are discussed in further detail.

Expanding access to gerontological education via distance learning: the Management of Aging Services Masters Program at UMass Boston

This article describes the online Management of Aging Services Masters Program at the University of Massachusetts Boston and reports on a recent Program review. The Program has experienced rapid growth, evolving from seven matriculating students in 2003 to 108 in 2012. It has graduated 125 students and boasts a 78% completion rate. The authors describe the Program and report on faculty and student perceptions of performance. The Program demonstrates sound pedagogical practice for online education, incorporating techniques to foster community and encourage students and faculty interaction. Distance learning holds considerable promise for expanding access to gerontological education to reach future aging services professionals.