Gerontology

The Gerontology Diploma is designed to develop sensitivity and competence for those individuals in allied health, social services, activities professional, business, marketing and administrative fields who work with the aging population. The course content includes basic principles and issues in gerontology, allied health, social service, mental health, psychosocial and wellness as well as 20 hours of service learning volunteering. The program is offered at the Harrisburg and through Virtual Learning.  Some required courses are available at the Gettysburg, Lancaster, Lebanon, and York campuses.

The diploma program is designed to further enhance knowledge and effectiveness of personnel currently employed in senior facilities. Graduates find employment as activity professionals, home health aides, personal care/direct care workers, or social service aides. Additionally, many graduates go on to obtain a Gerontology Certificate and/or pursue further study in a number of related areas, such as nursing, allied health, social work, marketing, and management in institutions, agencies, long term care and assisted care facilities and home health.

General Education   
ENGL 101 English Composition I  3 
   
   Major Requirements   
GERT 100 Gerontology Overview  1 
GERT 101 Social Services  1 
GERT 102 Allied Health  1 
GERT 103 Psychosocial Issues  1 
GERT 104 Service Learning  1 
GERT 232 Death & Dying  or  3 
Gerontology Elective  (3) 

Other Required Courses   
PSYC 101 General Psychology  3 
SOCI 201 Introduction to Sociology  3 

This curriculum is designed to prepare students to:

Discuss the basic demographics of aging

Apply basic principles of gerontology to social and health issues

Recognize differences between normal aging and disease-related aging

Summarize the physical, mental, social, and psychological aspects of aging

Articulate skills and perspectives necessary to develop an empathetic relationship with an elderly person

Identify the need for teamwork to provide optimal care for the aging population

Explore opportunities for further study and workforce development in gerontology fields

Apply for a Full-Ride Scholarship

Are you a future student and ready to apply to HACC? 
By applying to HACC, you have the opportunity to apply for a full-ride scholarship! HACC will fund two years of your education – enough to complete your associate degree.

Thanks to the support of the HACC Foundation, the College is able to offer FREE money to support future students, like you, in reaching your educational goals. Six full-ride scholarships are available – one from each of the five campuses and one through HACC’s Virtual Learning Program. 

Please note that current students are not eligible for the full-ride scholarships. However, there are more than 250 scholarships available for current students.

What should you know about the full-ride scholarship?

The scholarship covers tuition, books and fees for a full academic year. 

The scholarship will automatically renew each term for up to six consecutive terms if you maintain your eligibility.

Once you apply to the College and receive a HACC ID and email address, you may apply for the full-ride scholarship. You do not have to register for classes before applying for the scholarship.

Are you eligible?

To be eligible, you must:

Apply to HACC

Take 12-15 credits each term for no more than six consecutive terms (two years)

Live in Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, Schuylkill or York county

Have a minimum cumulative high school GPA of 3.0

Provide a 480 SAT reading score, 21 ACT or comparable scores on the College’s placement test

Maintain a GPA of 3.0 while enrolled at HACC

Participate in at least two HACC student organizations

Gerontology at Harrisburg Area Community College is a specialized program designed to prepare students for careers in the field of aging and senior services. The curriculum emphasizes the study of the biological, psychological, social, and economic aspects of aging, equipping students with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with an aging population. Students engaging in this program learn about community resources, healthcare systems, and policy development relevant to older adults, which prepares them for roles in healthcare facilities, social service agencies, residential communities, and government programs.

The program also focuses on practical skills, including communication, counseling, and planning for aging-related needs. Through classroom instruction, hands-on training, and internships, students gain real-world experience that enhances their employability upon graduation. The coursework covers topics such as aging theories, health promotion, legal and ethical issues in aging, and family dynamics related to elder care. Additionally, students explore the different social theories and cultural considerations pertinent to aging populations.

Graduates of the Gerontology program are prepared for a variety of entry-level positions, including activities coordinator, case management assistant, and support staff in nursing homes or senior centers. The program may also serve as a foundation for further education in social work, counseling, or healthcare administration. Harrisburg Area Community College emphasizes providing accessible education with a focus on community engagement and service to meet the growing demand for trained professionals in the field of aging.

The college offers flexible scheduling options, including evening classes and part-time study, to accommodate students who are working or have other commitments. Students interested in advancing their careers or pursuing additional qualifications are encouraged to explore transfer options to bachelor's degree programs in related fields. Overall, the Gerontology program at Harrisburg Area Community College is committed to fostering a caring, knowledgeable workforce capable of improving quality of life for older adults across diverse settings.