Schedule
Business of Senior Living runs September 1 - November 1, 2026. Registration closes September 8.
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Learn the Business of Senior Living Online and Gain Career-Ready Skills
Business of Senior Living serves as a vital starting point for individuals eager to pursue careers in caregiving or working with older adults. Aging services are not just about providing physical care but about fostering a supportive environment that promotes mental, emotional, and social well-being for older adults. This program is ideal for health care professionals, family members caring for a loved one at home, or anyone interested in entering the elder care field.
The global demand for elder care jobs, from caregivers to administrators in senior living communities, has skyrocketed. This course equips you with practical knowledge to make an impact, helping improve the quality of life for older individuals through specialized care. Additionally, it offers pathways to advanced degrees and certifications, paving the way for career growth in a field that is not only rewarding but essential to society.
Format
Self-paced and online, allowing education to fit within your busy schedule. Learners have up to 8 weeks to complete the course.
Cost
$450 per student plus a $35 transaction fee per payment. All learning materials are included with tuition. Group discounts available.
Why take this course?
Professional Career Advisement
Receive a personal advising session with your instructor and gain confidence in your future career.
What students are saying about Business of Senior Living*
✓ Increased knowledge, skills, and understanding of the subject matter.
✓ Were highly satisfied with the overall experience of the course.
✓ Agreed that the subject matter was organized and presented effectively.
*Fall 2025 post-course survey results.
Course Details and Learning Outcomes
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.
After successful completion of Business of Senior Living, learners will earn a certificate of completion and a digital skills badge embedded with the competencies learned. You can include these items on your resume, LinkedIn page, portfolio, or share it with an employer.
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.
Business of Senior Living Course Overview
This introductory course is designed to give students a well-rounded understanding of aging and caregiving, covering a variety of important topics such as:
- Physical and Mental Changes in Older Adults: Learn about the physiological and psychological changes that come with aging, such as mobility limitations, cognitive decline, and emotional well-being.
- Common Health Issues Affecting Older Adults: Explore prevalent health challenges, including chronic diseases, mobility impairments, and mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Understand how to manage these issues effectively through caregiving strategies.
- Effective Communication Strategies for Engaging Older Adults: Communication is key in caregiving. You will learn how to effectively communicate with older adults, fostering engagement, inclusion, and trust, even in challenging situations.
This self-paced, online course is an excellent fit for those seeking a flexible learning schedule while gaining skills that can lead to rewarding careers. This course can be stacked into an MSU Denver credential or degree.
About your course instructor
Aging Services training instructor
Melinda Gisbert
Melinda Gisbert is an affiliate faculty member at Metropolitan State University of Denver. For over seven years, Melinda’s goal has been to educate and empower students about the current and future challenges for healthcare leaders; and where we can work together to provide the highest quality of future care. In addition to MSU Denver, Melinda is a Client Success Manager at Senior Living SMART, a marketing agency dedicated to the senior living industry, where she partners with her clients nationwide to bolster sales and marketing efforts.
Melinda received her master’s degree in strategic leadership in health care from the University of Denver in 2017, and her undergraduate degree in health care management from MSU Denver in 2012.
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Frequently asked questionsContact us
Email usFor further questions or additional information, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to help you on your journey to becoming a skilled caregiver for older adults.
Phone: 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