Certificate in Sociology of Medicine and Aging

Certificate

Hours: 12 Online

About

Are you considering a career focused on health and aging? Our Certificate in the Sociology of Medicine and Aging (or Medical Sociology and Aging Certificate, as some prefer) is a focused program designed to equip you with the knowledge and expertise to navigate this critical field.

The aging population is a significant growth driver in the medical and public health sectors. This 9-credit hour certificate program provides students with a strong foundation in medical sociology, exploring the behavioral aspects of health and well-being in older adults.

Why pursue a Certificate in Sociology of Medicine and Aging at Fort Hays State University?

Unlike many similar programs, Fort Hays State University offers the ultimate flexibility: complete your coursework online. This means you can fit your studies around your busy schedule, whether you're a working professional, a caregiver for older adults, or simply looking to expand your knowledge base on aging, health, and well-being.

Who is this program for?

This certificate program is designed for individuals seeking to expand their knowledge and skills in aging and healthcare. Whether you're a current social worker or healthcare professional, a recent graduate, or someone considering a career shift, this program offers valuable insights applicable to diverse settings.

Social workers and healthcare professionals
Students and recent graduates
Individuals considering a career change

Learning Outcomes

The Certificate in Sociology of Medicine and Aging equips you with a comprehensive understanding of death and dying across societies. Through this program, you'll gain the following skills.

Explore Historical and Global Perspectives on Death

You'll examine the evolution of death practices in the United States and compare them to those worldwide. This comparative analysis will provide a richer context for understanding how societies approach death and dying.

Analyze the Impact of Death Practices on Mortality

The program explores how changing death management practices have influenced global mortality patterns. This knowledge can inform public health initiatives and social policies.

Identify Social Institutions and Death

You'll gain insight into the role of social institutions like healthcare systems and religious organizations in shaping societal attitudes and behaviors surrounding death.

Understand Responses to Terminal Illness

The program examines how individuals and families respond to a terminal diagnosis. This understanding can be crucial for professionals providing care and support to the terminally ill.

Real-World Applications

While the Certificate in the Sociology of Medicine and Aging doesn't directly prepare students for licensure as an addictions counselor, it equips them with valuable skills applicable to a wide range of real-world settings.

This program delves into the intersection of population health, the aging process, and the healthcare system. Through engaging in aging courses, students gain a comprehensive understanding of the social factors influencing health throughout life. The curriculum explores topics like social determinants of health, healthcare access for older adults, and the impact of gerontology on social services.

Stay Ahead of the Curve

The field of medical sociology and aging is constantly evolving. New research, trends, and best practices emerge all the time. Our Certificate in Sociology of Medicine and Aging is designed to ensure students are equipped with the most up-to-date knowledge. The program prepares students for careers that address the challenges and opportunities our aging population presents.

One of the key strengths of our program is our faculty's unwavering commitment to staying current. They don't just teach. They actively participate in ongoing research, attend conferences, and integrate the latest advancements in population health, the aging process, and gerontology directly into their aging courses. This ensures you'll gain a well-rounded understanding of the complex social factors that influence health and aging across the lifespan, instilling confidence in the quality of education you will receive.

Hands-on Activities

The Certificate in Sociology of Medicine and Aging offers a comprehensive foundation in understanding the social factors that influence health and aging. Designed with flexibility in mind, the program allows students and professionals to advance their academic goals while managing work and personal commitments.

What You’ll Learn:

Behavioral health aspects in older adults
Social determinants of health impacts
Healthcare system navigation for aging populations
Global perspectives on death and aging
Analyzing death practices' effects on mortality

How You’ll Learn:

Online coursework for flexible learning
Comparative analysis of global death practices
Exploration of societal roles in health
Studies on medical practices' social factors
Insights into healthcare policy for aging

Courses

The program explores society's complex relationship with death and dying through a course examining end-of-life care, cultural rituals, and the impact of death on individuals and families. Through a course in Medicine and Society, you'll also investigate the social factors that shape healthcare systems, medical practices, and patient experiences.

Finally, the program examines aging populations' social, cultural, and economic realities. This course explores topics like retirement, elder care, and how social structures influence the aging experience.

SOC 375: Medical Sociology

This course is an overview of sociological topics affecting public health, including demographic and social factors, epidemiology, the meaning and experience of illness, health care systems and providers in the US and abroad, and an introduction to bioethics.

SOC 644: Sociology of Aging

This course is an examination of the status of older adults in contemporary American society, focusing on the social aspects of aging and integrating theory and research from various disciplines, with an emphasis on optimal and successful aging.

SOCW 620: Spirituality and Aging: The Empowering Relationship

In this course, students will explore a multicultural approach to spirituality, aging, and empowerment in American society, while also examining the role of social workers and gerontology professionals in addressing the impact of chronic illness on the psychosocial, economic, and spiritual aspects of aging adults.

Discover the full Certificate in Sociology of Medicine and Aging course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.

Career Prospects

The Certificate in Sociology of Medicine and Aging at Fort Hays State University equips students with valuable knowledge and skills beyond a traditional sociology degree. This program is ideal for those seeking to enhance their qualifications for careers in aging services, public health, or healthcare administration.

Social and Community Service Workers

This certificate empowers you to better understand older adults' social and healthcare needs. You'll be equipped to develop and implement practical programs that effectively address senior isolation, social support systems, and community resource navigation.

Geriatric Care Managers

This program provides a strong foundation for working with older adults and their families. You'll gain insights into healthcare access, long-term care options, and the social determinants of health that impact aging populations.

Health Educators

This certificate equips you to educate older adults on health promotion, disease prevention, and healthy aging practices. You'll develop communication skills to engage diverse populations and effectively address their specific needs.

Case Managers

This program enhances your ability to assess the needs of older adults and connect them with appropriate healthcare and social services. You'll gain valuable knowledge about navigating complex healthcare systems and advocating for older adults.

Policy Analysts

This certificate is a stepping stone towards a promising career in understanding healthcare policy and its impact on aging populations. You'll develop research skills to analyze data and contribute to policy development that promotes healthy aging, opening up new horizons for your professional growth.

The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere

Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $3,087.96* (online) per semester.

*Estimated cost based on 12 credit hours at the FHSU Online Undergrad tuition rate ($257.33/credit hour) for online courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.

Ready for the next step?

Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.

Apply

Related Programs

Are you looking to expand your knowledge of aging and healthcare delivery? The Certificate in Sociology of Medicine and Aging is a fantastic first step. But what if you're interested in going further? Fort Hays State University offers a variety of programs that complement your studies in the social aspects of medicine and aging:

FAQ

What distinguishes the Certificate in Sociology of Medicine and Aging?

This certificate program offers a unique learning experience, focusing on the behavioral aspects of health and well-being in older adults. It provides a solid foundation in medical sociology, a field that is crucial in understanding the complexities of aging. What sets this program apart is its flexibility, allowing you to complete coursework online. This is particularly beneficial for working professionals, caregivers, or anyone interested in expanding their knowledge about aging, health, and well-being.

How does the program cover various aspects of medical sociology and aging studies?

The Certificate in Sociology of Medicine and Aging offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers a broad spectrum of topics within medical sociology and aging studies. It explores social determinants of health, healthcare access for older adults, and the impact of gerontology on social services. It also focuses on the intersection of population health, the aging process, and the healthcare system. This ensures that you are well-versed in the latest knowledge and trends.

Are there specific courses or practical experiences focused on in the Certificate in Sociology of Medicine and Aging program?

While the program does not include required internships or practice, it is designed to build knowledge through coursework thoroughly. Specific courses mentioned include studies on end-of-life care, cultural rituals, the impact of death, medicine and society, and the social, cultural, and economic realities of aging populations.

What career opportunities does completing the Certificate in Sociology of Medicine and Aging offer?

Completing this certificate opens up exciting career opportunities in aging services, public health, and healthcare administration. As a graduate, you can pursue roles as social and community service workers, geriatric care managers, health educators, case managers, and policy analysts.

Information about the School of Criminal Justice, Leadership, and Sociology

FHSU’s School of Criminal Justice, Leadership, and Sociology brings together a diverse range of programs dedicated to preparing students for impactful careers in law enforcement, leadership, and social sciences. Our integrated approach allows students to develop critical skills across these disciplines, fostering an environment where future leaders and professionals are equipped to address complex societal challenges. The Criminal Justice programs offer flexible online and on-campus options, focusing on law enforcement, corrections, and legal systems with a strong emphasis on leadership and integrity. The Leadership programs develop essential organizational skills through interactive coursework and internships, supported by the Leadership Studies Association and VALUE program. Sociology programs delve into social life, behavior, and community issues, emphasizing research and critical thinking. Together, these programs foster cross-disciplinary learning, empowering students to lead and innovate within their communities and beyond.

Together, these programs create a robust educational experience that encourages cross-disciplinary learning and collaboration. Students are empowered to lead, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to their communities and the broader society. Whether you are passionate about justice, leadership, or sociology, FHSU’s School of Criminal Justice, Leadership, and Sociology provides the knowledge and skills necessary to make a lasting impact.

Student Organizations

Additional Information

Criminal Justice Centers

National De-escalation Training Center:

Fort Hays State University’s Criminal Justice Program and University Police joined the National De-escalation Training Center (NDTC) in August 2020 as Region 2 Central Region Training Center. As a regional center, FHSU facilitates the only Level 3 de-escalation training available in the United States.

Level 1 training includes traditional techniques of procedural justice.
Level 2 provides basic crisis intervention.
Level 3 augments traditional de-escalation and crisis intervention with rapid personality identification.

The NDTC De-escalation: Principles & Practice course is evidence-based and has increased officer confidence in utilizing de-escalation skills in working with the public.

FHSU facilitates NDTC’s three training modalities, including an 8-hour online training, two-day face-to-face training, and a 40-hour train-the-trainer program. Due to FHSU’s $2.75 million federal grant funding, the face-to-face trainings can be provided at no cost to agencies. Scholarships may be available for agencies to train officers in the online course.

NDTC training is approved by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community-Oriented Policing Services (COPS) and certified by the International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training (IADLEST).

Center for Empowering Victims of Gender-based Violence:

The Center for Empowering Victims of Gender-based Violence is a regional hub of collaborative research and service, housed in the Criminal Justice Programs at Fort Hays State University. The Center for Empowering Victims of Gender-based Violence aims to reduce the constraints facing survivors, to promote the freedom of economic independence, and to empower survivors to seize opportunity freely. The center commits to providing sustainable support and improvement to help survivors break the cycle of violence and transform themselves from victims/survivors to social entrepreneurs. The Center facilitates cross-disciplinary research focusing on the causes and control of gender-based violence in rural areas. It leads and facilitates collaborative networks for researchers to apply evidence-based approaches and to investigate best practices addressing gender-based violence in rural communities. The Center establishes and develops academic-community collaborations through service-learning, research, assessment, and educational opportunities and policy recommendations that enhance the well-being of rural communities.

VALUE Program:

The Voss Advanced Leadership Undergraduate Experience (VALUE) is designed to develop the most promising undergraduates into powerful agents of change. This year-long program offers curricular and co-curricular experiences with three tracks: corporate leadership, civic/non-profit leadership, and scholarship/leadership research.

CNN Heroes Advisory Board:

The Sociology Programs emphasize real-world impact through training in projects designed to help those in need. A notable project involves collaboration with CNN Heroes, individuals recognized for their exceptional work in nonprofit organizations. The CNN Heroes Advisory Board, composed of these national heroes, provides insights and advice to students based on their successful experiences in the nonprofit sector.

Sociology of Medicine and Aging

Certificate

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