The Certificate program in GHW is designed for health and human service professionals (physical therapists, nurses, occupational therapists, social workers, speech & language pathologists, psychologists, educators, and others) involved in clinical practice or human services with older adults, across the continuum of health care settings.
Prospective students must:
- Hold a BS/BA or higher degree from an accredited four-year college or university, with a GPA of > 3.0.
- (For Health Care Providers) Have at least one year of experience in a practice setting serving primarily older adults
- Have a commitment to self-directed and collaborative learning
- Have internet access and computer hardware/software necessary for online learning.
- Have a deep understanding and interest in serving the aging population.
The Admissions Process
The Admissions process recognizes the adult learning principle of internal motivation and the significance of personal and professional achievement in a student's decision to pursue graduate education. Admission into graduate study at Sacred Heart is based on the applicant's portfolio, which allows the University to consider work experience and other non-academic activities relevant to the student's field of study.
Applicants whose undergraduate or entry level GPA is below 3.0 on a 4.0 scale can submit a GPA waiver request. This written request must detail extenuating circumstances that may have affected your undergraduate or entry level academic performance, as well as steps or strategies you have or will take to ensure your success in an advanced graduate program. Faculty serving on the GHW admissions committee will review each request as part of the admissions process.
Those applying to the graduate program in Geriatric Health and Wellness program must provide:
Completed Sacred Heart University graduate online application
Participate in an on-site (preferred) or phone interview with program faculty.
Official transcript documenting graduation from an accredited program (baccalaureate or higher)
If applicable, documentation (photocopy) of a current state license to practice as a health professional.
A current curriculum vitae or resume, including relevant experience with older adults
- Both essays below - Can be done as part of the online application:
a. What is your understanding of the aging population and how do you see yourself serving this population?
b. Define or list three (3) professional goals that you are likely to pursue as an outcome of obtaining an advanced degree in geriatric health and wellness.
(2) letters of recommendation from a colleague in each of the following categories: a) A current or former employer in the field of geriatric health care, or a professor from a previous educational setting.
b) A professional colleague with advanced certification or education beyond entry level, a colleague who is recognized as a master clinician, or a colleague from the applicant's professional organization.
The individual writing the letter of recommendation should comment on the following:
a) Knowledge of the applicant: in what capacity have you known the applicant? For what period of time? How well have you known the applicant? What is your view of the applicant's scope of practice?
b) Applicant's attitude and character: confidence demonstrated in the workplace or association, ability to work with others, motivation and enthusiasm, reliability, honesty, effectiveness as a team member or collaborator
c) Learning characteristics & work habits: self-directedness, intellectual curiosity, effectiveness of verbal and written communication and of listening skills, ability to work independently and in a group, initiative and resourcefulness.
d) Time and stress management: ability to manage multiple demands on time and energy, ability to manage conflict and disagreement, ability to manage group process
e) Professional development potential in the field of Geriatrics: Independent thinking, problem solving abilities, creative thinking, ability to integrate “evidence” and new knowledge, ability to transcend professional boundaries.
Individuals providing letters of recommendation should send completed letters to the Office of Graduate Admissions, Sacred Heart University, 5151 Park Avenue, Fairfield, CT, 06825 or e-mail them to dilksk@sacredheart.edu.
For Additional Information, Please contact:
Kathy Dilks
Assistant Dean of Graduate Admissions
Sacred Heart University
Phone: (203) 365-7619
Fax (203) 365-4732
dilksk@sacredheart.edu