Gerontology is the study of elderly and the aging process. As the population over 65 continues to grow, employers will be looking for health care providers with specialized training to meet the unique needs of this aging population.

EMS 134 the Geriatric Patient focuses on working with the elderly population and is designed for health care providers (EMT’s, Paramedics, MA’s, EKG techs, Phlebotomists, Nurses, etc.) Through various readings, assignments, papers, experiences and meetings with elderly people and patients, you will discover new ways of viewing the elderly and communicating and working with the geriatric patient. We will also cover the process of assessment of the elderly patient.

EMS 151 Geriatric Emergencies addresses the problems most common in the elderly population. Common implications of aging organ systems, illnesses and injuries common in the elderly, factors that may contribute to home and environmental emergencies, assessment of elder abuse and identifying high risk patients will all be areas that the students will explore in this course.

HPR 157 teaches the student to become familiar with the issues surrounding eldercare today. Issues pertaining to health, wellness, emotional/psychosocial, and financial will be explored.

Students must register for:

Classroom Instruction to include Service Learning Requirements

EMS 134 (The Geriatric Patient) 1 credit
EMS 151 (Geriatric Emergencies) 3 credits
HWE 112 (Health & Wellness for the Elderly) 3 Credits

You can take all the classes during one semester (if all are offered in the same semester) or separately.

If you are interested in taking the Gerontology Program, please review the following pages for instructions on mandatory prerequisite requirements and registration information.

Assessment Scores
Program Prerequisite Due Dates
Registration Information