As baby boomers retire and growing numbers move into senior living facilities, the need for trained staff will increase exponentially. In anticipation of that need, FGCU’s Office of Continuing Education & Off-Campus Programs presents the Senior Living Leadership Certificate, a program that prepares individuals for careers in the industry.
The Senior Living Leadership Certificate includes a blend of gerontology fundamentals classes taught by healthcare professionals and FGCU faculty; leadership and professional development classes taught by senior living industry executive leaders and regional/national subject matter experts; and classes about senior living operations taught by facility practitioners.
The program begins Feb. 24, 2018, with sessions from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for 33 Saturdays over 10 month in FGCU’s Cohen Center, Room 213. (As an alternative, registered students may view the class online from anywhere.) In addition to the classes, participants complete a one-week externship at a senior living facility or an approved independent study to earn the non-credit-bearing certificate. Those who wish to take individual classes are welcome to do that as well. The cost for the complete certificate is $2,999; individual classes are $109 each.
The Senior Living Leadership Certificate is designed for students with at least two years of college or equivalent appropriate experience. It provides career-seekers the comprehensive, well-rounded foundation needed to work in a senior living environment, and affords those already working in the industry an opportunity to enhance their skills and productivity. The industry anticipates a shortfall of qualified workers in a field where starting salaries for professional, administrative and executive personnel range from $50,000 to more than $65,000, and with experienced leaders commanding upwards of $200,000.
The certificate program was developed in consultation with Southwest Florida senior care executive leadership, including state State Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto.
“FGCU is grateful to Senator Benacquisto for her facilitation and guidance in the creation of this new program, which meets a critical community need and provides excellent employment opportunities,” said FGCU President Mike Martin.
A complete list of the classes and program instructors can be found online. For registration information, call (239) 745-4700, email Continuing Education, or sign up at Upcoming FGCU Professional Development Programs.
The Office of Continuing Education & Off-Campus Programs is committed to meeting the professional development needs of Southwest Florida workers through affordable and diverse learning opportunities. The office can arrange to present most of its professional development programs on-site and customized to individual organizations.