Online Human Services Certificate in Elder Care Services
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Program at a Glance
- Eight courses enhance basic skills and focus on specific knowledge required of a human services professional.
- Earn your gerontology certificate 100% online while meeting the demands of your career.
- Learn from professors who are experienced in the field.
- Credits earned in this program can apply toward a Purdue Global associate’s or bachelor’s degree.
Upcoming Start Dates
We offer multiple start dates to give you flexibility in your education, life, and work schedules.
Course Effort
15–18 Hours per Week
Course Length
10-Week Terms
Average Completion
11 months
Of Full-Time Study
Credits Required
43
(29 Semester Credits)
Cost per Credit
$371
Human Services Certificate in Elder Care Services Overview
The Human Services Certificate in Elder Care Services is designed for individuals who wish to enter the field of gerontology with a basic foundation centered on working with the older adult population.
Coursework in this human services and gerontology certificate program is focused on preparing you to:
- Examine the impact aging has on society.
- Evaluate psychological theories to aid in developing ethical interventions.
- Assess client needs to determine appropriate interventions and/or services.
See the University Catalog for policy and degree plan information specific to this program.
Get a Head Start on Your Next Degree
By completing this online human services certificate, you’ll not only earn a valuable credential to make an immediate impact on your career, but you’ll also lay the groundwork for your next degree. Qualified credits can apply toward certain Purdue Global associate’s or bachelor’s degrees.*
Purdue Global Is Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
The HLC (HLCommission.org) is an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Admissions Requirements
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university is required to enroll. You will need to provide an official transcript that shows completion of your bachelor’s degree, though an unofficial copy may be provided during the application process. Refer to the University Catalog or speak to an Advisor to learn more.
Ways to Save
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Transfer Credits
Earn credit for prior coursework completed at eligible institutions, including community colleges.
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Prior Work Experience
You could earn undergraduate credit for your life and professional career experiences.
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Financial Aid
Title IV federal financial aid is available for many of our degree programs.
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Grants
Learn about federal financial grants and loan programs that may be available.
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Corporate Partner Benefits
Employees of Purdue Global partner organizations may be eligible for special tuition reductions.
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Military Tuition Reduction
55% reduction per credit for current servicemembers, 38% per credit for veterans for undergraduate programs.
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Prior Military Experience
We offer credit for ACE-evaluated training and CLEP and DANTES examinations.
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International Tuition Reduction
International students living outside of the United States are eligible for a 25% tuition reduction.
Program Cost Estimator
Calculate your estimated tuition and ways to save.
Career Responsibilities in Elder Care
Human services assistants, advocates, caseworkers, family support workers, or home-based assistants help provide the following services:
- Identifying and obtaining benefits
- Developing social and community service programs
- Assisting or advising the elderly or their families
Engage With Fellow Students
Online discussion boards provide the opportunity to engage with students from around the country and learn from their experiences in their communities.
Students are invited to join the Human Services Club for further networking and educational opportunities.
What Courses Will I Take?
The curriculum introduces and enhances basic skills and focuses on some of the specific knowledge required of a human services professional specializing in elder care services.
See All Human Services CoursesSample Courses
- Applied Skills for Human Services
- Prevention and Crisis Intervention
- Case Management in Human Services
- The Aging Population and Society
- Psychology of Aging
Program Requirements
- Major Credits43
- Total Credits43
Career Opportunities
The human services certificate program is designed for individuals who wish to enter or advance in the gerontology field. Elder care career opportunities include working as a social and human services assistant in a variety of organizations including state, government, nonprofit, or private sector organizations.
Top 5 Skills Employers Are Looking for:
- Service Orientation
- Social Perceptiveness
- Active Listening
- Complex Problem Solving
- Speaking
Top Jobs With This Degree
Labor market, salary, and projected growth information are supplied by Emsi. Average salary range is based on national data. Projected growth represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2018–2030) at the state level and is based on your geographic location. Actual outcomes vary by geographic area, previous work experience, and opportunities for employment. Purdue Global cannot guarantee employment placement, salary level, or career advancement. This program was not designed to lead to certification or licensure as a social worker or counselor in any specific state, and Purdue Global makes no representations or warranties as to whether the degree or any individual courses meet such requirements. Refer to the University Catalog for additional information.
Get to Know Our Faculty
Purdue Global faculty members are real-world practitioners who bring knowledge gained through the powerful combination of higher learning and industry experience.
View Human Services Faculty Directory
98%
Faculty members who have advanced degrees
51%
Faculty members who hold a doctorate
395
Faculty publications in 2021–2022
More Than 38,000
Professional development hours logged by faculty in 2021–2022
Statistics include all Purdue Global faculty members and are not school or program-specific calculations. Source: Purdue Global Office of Reporting and Analysis, July 2022. 2021–2022 academic year.
Take 3 Weeks to Get to Know Us
Not sure if Purdue Global is right for you? Experience a Purdue Global undergraduate program for an introductory 3-week period.
There’s no financial obligation and no cost to apply.
That’s the Purdue Global Commitment.
Programs Brochure
Download our brochure to learn more about our human services programs and the benefits of earning your degree at Purdue Global.
NOTES AND CONDITIONS
*Future Programs: The University cannot guarantee that students will be granted admission to any future programs. Speak to an Advisor about transfer credit opportunities and see the University Catalog for the Prior Learning policy.