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Become a caring advocate for the aging
This introductory course serves as a starting point for those eager to pursue careers caregiving for – or working with — aging populations, whether you’re a healthcare professional, a caring family member, or someone interested in working in the field. The course explores the support systems, services, and policy considerations designed to meet the needs of older adults. The focus of the program includes topics such as the physical and mental changes associated with aging, common health issues affecting seniors and the older population, and effective communication strategies for senior engagement and inclusion.
This introductory online course serves as an ideal starting point for those eager to pursue careers in caregiving for our aging population and can stack into an MSU Denver credential or degree.
Why take this course?
Flexible schedule
The course can be completed in 4-8 weeks and is self-paced online.
Career advisement
Receive a personal advising session with an industry leader.
High job demand
Gain a competitive edge.
Career pathways in Elder Care and Aging Services
Approximate return on investment for each academic pathway
Pathway 1: Enter the workforce quickly. Complete the Aging Services course and pursue jobs for caregivers.
- Median salary is $32,000 a year.
Pathway 2: Continue your academic journey and earn an Aging Services Leadership Certificate. Roles include being an assistant activity director or other positions in senior communities.
- Median salary is $42,000 a year.
Pathway 3: Pursue degree programs. Continue your academic journey and earn a degree in Aging Services Leadership, which allows you to increase your earning potential. You can find a job as an Activity Director or other similar roles with seniors.
- Median salary is $55,000 a year.
About the Aging Services course
In this course, students explore support systems, services and policy considerations designed to meet the needs of older adults. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to identify characteristics of older adults, assess demographic changes, describe shifts in population aging, recognize stereotypes and myths surrounding ageism, investigate common health disparities, evaluate programs and services, and explore workforce development and career options for caregivers.
The course is $450, with a $35 transaction fee per payment. There are no books to purchase.
- Registration opens in December
- Course begins – February 3, 2025
- Last day to register – February 10, 2025
- Course ends – April 4, 2025
- Registration opens in April
- Course begins – September 2, 2025
- Last day to register – September 9, 2025
- Course ends – November 2, 2025
Once you successfully complete the course about aging services, you can immediately enter the workforce with newly learned skills. You will receive a digital badge embedded with the competencies learned. You can include this badge on your resume, LinkedIn page, portfolio, or share it with an employer. Students will also receive a certificate of completion.
Students can also convert the course to three credits and continue to an MSU Denver certificate or degree. See FAQs for more information.
Students will:
- Develop a holistic understanding of the physiological, psychological, and social aspects of aging.
- Gain the ability to address physical and mental health challenges by developing patient-centered skills focused on the needs of older adults.
- Gain knowledge in demographic shifts and long-term elder care business acumen, a key aspect of elder care career development.
- Advocate for elder care policy changes and navigate the legal and regulatory landscape and related dealings regarding the advancement of senior care and systems in place that address mental health needs in older adults.
- Become skilled in using technology for better communication and improved care practices in aging services.
- Develop a deep understanding of how societal factors impact the aging process and influence the well-being of the aging population.
About your course instructor
Aging Services training instructor
Amy Dore
Amy Dore, DHA, is a professor of health care management at Metropolitan State University of Denver teaching both undergraduate and graduate students in the Department of Health Professions. For more than 21 years Dore has taught courses in health disparities, human resources, practice management, research and leadership. Her expertise includes long-term care/aging services, health disparities, and workforce development.
Dore’s research interests are varied and include aging services, senior and caregiver health, rural health and diversity issues as well as student competency assessment and outcomes. During her academic career, Dore authored and co-authored several case study responses, book chapters, and original case studies. She is co-author of the textbook Cultural Learning in Healthcare: Recognizing and Navigating Difference.
Dore received her Doctor of Health Administration from Central Michigan University in 2009 and received her master’s degree in health care administration/management from the University of Denver in 2001. She received her bachelor’s in health care administration/management from the Metropolitan State University in 1996.
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Email usPhone: 303-615-1234
Office Location:
Jordan Student Success Building
3rd Floor – #330
Auraria Campus
Mailing Address:
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Innovative and Lifelong Learning
P.O. Box 173362
Campus Box 6
Denver, CO 80217-3362