The Allied Health Associate's Degree in Gerontology is designed to prepare students for meaningful careers supporting the health, well-being, and independence of older adults. With populations living longer than ever before, professionals trained in gerontology are in high demand to meet the unique medical, social, and psychological needs of aging communities.
This program combines a strong foundation in allied health sciences with specialized knowledge of aging and elder care. Students will explore topics such as human development, health promotion, chronic disease management, long-term care, and ethical issues in elder services. Through classroom instruction, hands-on labs, and real-world practicum experiences, graduates will be equipped to work in hospitals, nursing homes, community health centers, rehabilitation facilities, and home-care settings.
Whether your goal is to enter the workforce directly or to use this degree as a stepping-stone to further studies in health sciences, social work, or nursing, the Allied Health Associates Degree in Gerontology offers a solid path toward making a difference in one of today’s fastest-growing fields.
GERONTOLOGY
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Graduates of the program will be prepared to enter a wide range of rewarding careers that focus on serving older adults across health, social, and community settings. Potential roles include:
Geriatric Care Assistant – Supporting physicians, nurses, and allied health teams in hospitals, long-term care, and rehabilitation facilities.
Home Health Aide / Personal Care Aide – Providing essential care services that allow seniors to remain independent at home.
Activities Coordinator / Recreation Specialist – Designing and leading wellness, social, and enrichment programs in senior centers or assisted living communities.
Rehabilitation Therapy Assistant – Assisting physical, occupational, or speech therapists in helping older adults recover mobility, strength, and independence.
Community Health Worker (Gerontology focus) – Working with public health teams to promote healthy aging and connect seniors to vital services and resources.
Patient Care Technician – Delivering direct patient care in clinical or residential care environments with a focus on geriatric populations.
Social and Human Services Assistant – Supporting case managers and social workers in coordinating elder care programs, benefits, and services.
Healthcare Administration Support Roles – Serving in entry-level administrative and management positions in geriatric care organizations.
In addition to immediate employment, this degree also serves as a foundation for further study in:
Nursing (RN, BSN)
Social Work (BSW)
Public Health
Gerontology (Bachelor’s/Master’s)
Rehabilitation Sciences
COMPLEMENTARY ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE & POLYPHARMACY
Medication Adherence Among Elderly Patients (Article)
Testing (Article)
CONTEMPORARY ETHICS & LEGAL PRINCIPLES TO GERIATRIC CARE
Autonomy (Article)
Evaluate the National Policy for Senior Citizens (Article)
Health Proxy Importance (Article)
Use of Euthanasia (Article)
HEALTH & WELLNESS IN OLDER ADULTS
Medications that Aggravate Sensory Dysfunction (PDF)
Nursing Interventions (Article)
Normal Changes in Sleep Occurring with Age (PDF)
Oral Mouth Diseases in the Elderly (Article)
Nursing Intervention for Foot Care (Article)
Pain Assessment Techniques (Article)
Pharmacological Management (Article)
First Aid Strategies Relevant to Palliative Patients (Article)
Patterns of Respiration (Article)
MENTAL HEALTH IN OLDER ADULTS
NUTRITIONAL NEEDS OF THE OLDER ADULTS
Early Development of the Human Dentition Revisited (PDF)
Bone Mineral Density (PDF)
Estimated Energy Requirements (PDF)
Food Sources (Article)
Anthropometrics (Article)
Retinal-binding Prealbumin (PDF)
Etiology of Unintentional Weight Loss (Article)
Nursing Interventions of Unintentional Weight Loss (Article)
ORAL COMMUNICATION
ORIENTATION TO GERIATRIC CARE
Assess the History of Geriatric Care Sector in Jamaica (PDF)
Evaluate Contribution of the Geriatric Care Sector to the Economy (Article)
Classify Types of Geriatric Care Facilities (Article)
Determine The Roles of Geriatric Care Givers (PDF)
Explain the Importance of following the established Geriatric Care Processes (Article)
Investigate the Effects of the Processes on Productivity (Article)
Geriatric Care Management (PDF)
Roles of Geriatric Care Manager (Book)
Difference Between Quality Assurance and Quality Control (PDF)
Terminologies in the Geriatric Sector (Book)
PROFESSIONAL AND INDUSTRY RECOGNITIONS
PSYCHOLOGY AND COUNSELLING STRATEGIES
SEXUALITY IN OLDER ADULTS
THEORIES OF AGING IN GERIATRIC CARE
Effects of Chronic Disease (Article)
Longevity and Sex Differential (Article)
Terms Associated with Aging (Article)
Organs Impacted by Aging (PDF)
Concept of Ageism (Article)
Outline Dimensions of Aging (Article)
Cultural Practices of Aging (PDF)