VGCC adding Gerontology concentration to Human Services program

Starting this fall, Vance-Granville Community College will offer a new Gerontology degree, as a concentration within the Human Services Technology program. This new concentration will prepare students to specialize in direct service delivery to older adults and their families. VGCC recently became one of only six North Carolina community colleges approved to offer the Human Services Technology/Gerontology program.

 

Gerontology is defined as the study of the aging process, including the physical, mental and social changes experienced by people as they age, and the application of this knowledge to policies and programs. “As the ‘baby boom’ generation reaches retirement age and average life expectancy is increasing, America’s older population is rapidly growing,” said Tracy Wallace, who has been instructor and program head for Human Services Technology at VGCC since the program’s inception in 2000. “That growth leads to increased demand for services provided by professionals with training in gerontology.”

 

Graduates of the program should qualify for employment in nursing and rest homes, specialized adult care services, respite services, hospices, assisted living facilities/communities, Departments of Social Services, Senior Centers, and other programs servicing older adults and their families.

 

Students in the program will study the physical, psychological and social aspects of the aging process as well as health, wellness, nutrition, diet, exercise and well-being. Students will also complete internships (also known as “co-ops” or work-based learning) at public or private institutions, such as local assisted living facilities and retirement homes as well as county Departments of Social Services and Senior Centers.

 

Human Services Technology is a two-year Associate in Applied Science degree program that trains students for entry-level jobs in institutions and agencies which provide social, community and educational services. The program is based at VGCC’s South Campus between Butner and Creedmoor, but students can take some required courses at other campuses, and some courses are offered online . In addition to the new degree, VGCC offers a general Human Services Technology track , as well as a Substance Abuse Counselor track .

 

New students interested in Human Services Technology/Gerontology may start the application process immediately. Orientation and advising of new students will take place throughout the summer.

 

For more information, contact Tracy Wallace at (252) 738-3519 or (919) 528-4737 , ext. 3519.