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Human Services Technology/Gerontology

Curriculum Description

The Human Services Technology/Gerontology concentration prepares students to specialize in direct service delivery work to older adults and their families. The curriculum provides both theoretical and applied models for understanding issues of aging.

Course work includes physical, psychological and social aspects of the aging process; as well as health, wellness, nutrition, diet, exercise and well-being. Fieldwork experiences provide opportunities to work in a variety of public and private agencies.

Graduates should qualify for employment in nursing and rest homes, specialized adult care services, respite services, and other programs servicing older adults and their families. Graduates choosing to continue their education may select a variety of programs at senior institutions.

The following represents one way in which the program of study can be completed. Students who aren’t able to follow the recommended curriculum model below should consult their academic advisor to be sure that they take courses in the best order for their success.

Associate in Applied Science

A4538B REVISED
NC CIP: 19.0702
Day and Evening
POS Approved: Fall 2020

Fall Semester

Course Course Title Class Hours Lab/Shop Hours Clinical/WBL Hours Credit Hours
ENG 111 Writing and Inquiry NEW VERSION 3 0 0 3
GRO 120 Gerontology REVISED REQUISITE 3 0 0 3
HSE 110 Intro to Human Services REVISED REQUISITE 2 2 0 3
HSE 123 Interviewing Techniques REVISED REQUISITE 2 2 0 3
HSE 135 Orientation Lab I 0 2 0 1
PSY 150 General Psychology REVISED REQUISITE 3 0 0 3
Select one:
Introduction to Computers (2) (2) (0) (3)
  OR        
Basic PC Literacy 1 2 0 2
  Total: 14 8 0 18

Spring Semester

Course Course Title Class Hours Lab/Shop Hours Clinical/WBL Hours Credit Hours
GRO 150 Substance Use and Aging REVISED REQUISITE 3 0 0 3
GRO 220 Psy/Soc Aspects of Aging REVISED REQUISITE 3 0 0 3
HSE 125 Counseling 2 2 0 3
HSE 225 Crisis Intervention 3 0 0 3
SOC 210 Introduction to Sociology REVISED REQUISITE 3 0 0 3
  Total: 14 2 0 15

Summer Term

Course Course Title Class Hours Lab/Shop Hours Clinical/WBL Hours Credit Hours
SOC 213 Sociology of the Family REVISED REQUISITE 3 0 0 3
  Total: 3 0 0 3

Fall Semester

Course Course Title Class Hours Lab/Shop Hours Clinical/WBL Hours Credit Hours
GRO 230 Health, Wellness & Nutrit REVISED REQUISITE 3 2 0 4
GRO 250 Aging Policies Programs & Serv 2 0 0 2
HSE 251 Activities Planning REVISED REQUISITE 2 2 0 3
___ ___ Natural Science/Mathematics Elective * * * 3
  Total: 7 4 0 12

Spring Semester

Course Course Title Class Hours Lab/Shop Hours Clinical/WBL Hours Credit Hours
GRO 240 Gerontology Care Managing 3 0 0 3
HSE 112 Group Process I 1 2 0 2
HSE 210 Human Services Issues 2 0 0 2
WBL 111 Work-Based Learning I 0 0 10 1
WBL 115 Work-Based Learning Seminar I 1 0 0 1
Select one:
Developmental Psych 3 0 0 3
  OR        
Abnormal Psychology (3) (0) (0) (3)
  Total: 10 2 10 12

Summer Term

Course Course Title Class Hours Lab/Shop Hours Clinical/WBL Hours Credit Hours
___ ___ English Option 3 0 0 3
___ ___ Humanities/Fine Arts Elective ** ** 0 3
  Total: 3 0 0 6

Total Credit Hours: 66

Additional Information

Criminal Background Checks/Drug Screening 

A one or two-semester field placement is required for this program. Clinical and Work Based Learning agencies require screening for students completing their clinical education and/or work based learning placement at their field agency. The specific requirements are determined by the field agency and may include passing a criminal background check and/or a drug screening. Students should contact the Human Services Program Coordinator for additional information and career coaching regarding the screening requirements.

Please be aware that additional employer or agency requirements may apply when seeking employment or for students completing a work-based learning placement at their field agency.

English Option – Select 3 hours: COM 120, COM 231, ENG 112, ENG 114, ENG 115

Humanities/Fine Arts Elective — Select one: ART 111,  HUM 110, HUM 115,
HUM 120, HUM 130, HUM 150MUS 110, MUS 112, PHI 215,
PHI 240, or REL 110. Consult an academic advisor concerning other possible electives.

Natural Science/Mathematics Elective – Select 3 hours: BIO 110, BIO 111, BIO 163, BIO 165, MAT 110, MAT 143, MAT 152

**Hours vary depending on course selection.

A4538B REVISED