This certificate offers an applied foundation in aging-related care, public health, and advocacy.
occupational endorsement certificate in gerontology
As Alaska’s population continues to age, so does the demand for professionals trained to support the health, dignity, and well-being of older adults. The Occupational Endorsement Certificate (OEC) in Gerontology prepares students to meet the public health challenges of an aging society, including providing competent care in medical settings and connecting older adults and their families with essential community resources and end-of-life support.
Whether you're currently working in health care, social services, or a community-based role, or just beginning your educational journey, this certificate offers an applied foundation in aging-related care, public health, and advocacy. Students will explore social and environmental factors affecting aging outcomes, learn to recognize and address ageism, and develop skills in person-centered and end-of-life care models.
This OEC is ideal for those interested in contributing to Alaska’s senior care workforce across nonprofit, tribal, and public sectors. It also introduces students to pathways in gerontology research. Courses in the certificate may be applied as elective credits toward the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences or other approved programs.
WHY CHOOSE gerontology AT UAA?
Alaska’s population is aging faster than most states, while the working-age population continues to decline. This demographic shift is driving strong and growing demand for professionals trained to support older adults across healthcare and social service settings.
Learn from highly-skilled faculty. Their specialties include public health education, gerontology, maternal and child wellness, disability studies, adolescent health, and more.
Participate in service-learning projects while earning course credit. Many of UAA’s health science classes incorporate activities that facilitate engagement with community partners.
NEWS & Stories
Almost half of UAA students have experienced food insecurity. UAA offers several resources to combat hunger and food insecurity, including the Seawolf Food Pantry, which supplies non-perishable foods, as well as three-day emergency food support.
From campus food pantries to statewide health initiatives, Keely Livingston is turning passion into purpose. Keely’s journey into public health began with hands-on work in food security during her undergrad years at Montana State and led her to enroll in UAA's Master of Public Health Program.
Serving up hope: the Seawolf Food Pantry provides relief for UAA students experiencing food insecurity.
UAA Seawolf Food Pantry relies on donations and the UAA Food Insecurity Fund to support students facing food insecurity.
The UAA Seawolf Food Pantry celebrates its new location with faculty, staff, and students, encouraging those experiencing food insecurity to take advantage of this vital resource.
PROGRAM INFORMATION
Contact Us
Phone: (907) 786-6545
Email: dphs@alaska.edu
UAA Div. of Population Health Sciences
UAA Professional Studies Building
2533 Providence Dr., Suite 206
Anchorage, AK 99508
Mailing Address
UAA Div. of Population Health Sciences
3211 Providence Dr., PSB 206
Anchorage, AK 99508
