March 30, 2009
YORK, Pa. – An open house to discuss careers in aging will be held at 7 p.m., April 16, at York College’s Iosue Student Union. Participants will learn about the expanding gerontology program at the College, network with professionals in the field of aging and meet students interesting in pursuing careers in aging. The program, sponsored by the Department of Behavioral Sciences and the Gerontology Honor Society Sigma Phi Omega, is open to the public free of charge. Those interested in attending should contact Cheryl Smith at 717-815-6646 or casmith@ycp.edu by April 7.
York College began offering a gerontology concentration for students majoring in Behavioral Sciences this fall; students from a variety of other majors may choose to minor in gerontology as well. The program is good preparation for careers that may include advocacy, program planning/evaluation, research, direct service positions, education/training, management/administration, and marketing.
The gerontology concentration replaced one in long-term care administration, because York wanted “to take a broader approach to aging,” according to Assistant Professor of Behavioral Science May Ligon.
“Rather than focus primarily on preparing students to work in long-term care facilities, we now focus on understanding aging from a bio-psycho-social perspective. The basic philosophy of gerontology at York College is that in order to improve the well-being of older adults, students must be exposed to educational programs that address the psychological, social, physical and political needs of our elderly population. Students learn about opportunities and challenges facing an aging society and about how to respond with informed sensitivity.”
Located in southcentral Pennsylvania, York College offers more than 50 baccalaureate majors in professional programs, the sciences and humanities to its 4,600 undergraduate students. The College also offers master's programs in business, education and nursing. A center of affordable academic excellence, York is dedicated to the intellectual, professional and social growth of its students. The College helps them develop a concrete plan to attain academic growth and career success; encourages them to try in the “real world” what they learn in the classroom; and prepares them to be professionals regardless of the career they pursue.
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