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Department of Gerontology
Virginia Commonwealth University
Theater Row Building
730 E. Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23219
804-828-1565 and 804-828-9060 |
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www.sahp.VCU.edu/gerontology |
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The Department of Gerontology is part of the School of Allied Health Professions at Virginia Commonwealth University. The department is well-known for the quality and innovation of its programs and for the scholarship and applied expertise of its faculty.
The Department of Gerontology offers a variety of degree programs based on an interdisciplinary approach using the bio-psycho-social model. As part of the Department of Gerontology, the Virginia Geriatric Education Center was established October 1, 1985. This center is an interdisciplinary effort involving cooperation of all health-related professional schools, Allied Health, Dentistry, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Social Work, and Education and the College of Humanities and Sciences. The major focus is to promote education in geriatrics/gerontological health care.
What is a Gerontologist?
Gerontologists are health care professionals who specialize in the field of aging related dimensions of change over the lifespan. They provide their services to people in universities, hospitals, nursing homes, senior citizen centers, and the community. There are several different types of gerontologists. Research gerontologists conduct research on the aging process (physiological and psychological) and the living environments of older persons in an effort to understand and enrich the lives of elders. Applied gerontologists work directly with older persons, communicating with and analyzing individuals, families, and groups. Administrative gerontologists use their training and management skills to develop programs and coordinate services that are necessary for services to run smoothly.
These professionals may have degrees or training in nursing, exercise physiology, nutrition, pharmacy, psychology, sociology, gerontology, or other social services-related professions. Gerontologists are responsible for educating other health professionals, community practitioners, as well as the community at large about the process of aging and how to age well by giving informative presentations, publishing books and articles about aging and health, and producing relevant films and television programs.
Our Philosophy
The philosophy of the department is to improve the overall well-being of elderly persons through the development of educational programs that are responsive to the changing psychological, physical, social, and political needs of our elderly adult population. In addition to our teaching mission, research, community service, and continuing education in gerontology and geriatrics are integral parts of this educational effort.
The profession of Gerontology offers many opportunities for work in a field that is growing at a dramatic rate. The Gerontology Department strives to make its educational programming and experiences timely and responsive to the changing environment. Our mission is to improve eldercare through education.
Objectives
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Training qualified professionals to work in administrative, planning, service delivery, and instructional/staff development positions in programs and services for the elderly at the national, state, and local levels.
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Providing an opportunity for those studying in other disciplines, and whose work will encompass service to the aged, to integrate their own training with a comprehensive knowledge/understanding of the aging process.
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Training and program development to stimulate the design and execution of gerontological research across the multiple disciplines.
Degrees and Certificates
The Department of Gerontology offers doctoral, masters, and cerificate level programs.
Doctorate in Health Related Science
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Concentration in Gerontology |
Graduate Certificates in Aging Studies
In addition, certificates are offered jointly to the students of the following programs:
How To Reach Us
The Department of Gerontology
School of Allied Health Professionals
Virginia Commonwealth University
Office Location:
Theater Row Building
730 E. Broad St.
Richmond VA, 23219
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 980228
Richmond Va, 23298-0228
Phone: (804) 828-1565 or (804) 828-9060
Fax: (804) 828-5259 |
