This certificate offers an applied foundation in aging-related care, public health, and advocacy.
occupational endorsement certificate in gerontology
As Alaska’s population continues to age, so does the demand for professionals trained to support the health, dignity, and well-being of older adults. The Occupational Endorsement Certificate (OEC) in Gerontology prepares students to meet the public health challenges of an aging society, including providing competent care in medical settings and connecting older adults and their families with essential community resources and end-of-life support.
Whether you're currently working in health care, social services, or a community-based role, or just beginning your educational journey, this certificate offers an applied foundation in aging-related care, public health, and advocacy. Students will explore social and environmental factors affecting aging outcomes, learn to recognize and address ageism, and develop skills in person-centered and end-of-life care models.
This OEC is ideal for those interested in contributing to Alaska’s senior care workforce across nonprofit, tribal, and public sectors. It also introduces students to pathways in gerontology research. Courses in the certificate may be applied as elective credits toward the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences or other approved programs.
WHY CHOOSE gerontology AT ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½?
Alaska’s population is aging faster than most states, while the working-age population continues to decline. This demographic shift is driving strong and growing demand for professionals trained to support older adults across healthcare and social service settings.
Learn from highly-skilled faculty. Their specialties include public health education, gerontology, maternal and child wellness, disability studies, adolescent health, and more.
Participate in service-learning projects while earning course credit. Many of ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½â€™s health science classes incorporate activities that facilitate engagement with community partners.
NEWS & Stories
In May 2026, the Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies (CAAS) proudly co-sponsored the Pathways to Recovery Conference hosted by the State of Alaska’s Office of Substance Misuse and Addiction Prevention (OSMAP).
Professor of Public Health Dr. Virginia "Jenny" Miller is retiring after 18 years with ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½
Monica Roe has built a remarkable career that bridges rural health care and children’s literature, drawing on her decade of experience as a physical therapist in remote Alaska. Now completing her Master of Public Health at ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½, she explores disability, community resilience, and access through both research and storytelling. Her journey highlights the power of curiosity, mentorship, and embracing unexpected opportunities.
Tara Schmidt is an alumna of the Division of Population Health Sciences Master of Public Health program. In this spotlight, she reflects on how her time at ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ shaped her career path—from the relationships that opened doors and guided her forward to the unexpected milestones.
Division of Population Health Sciences Associate Professor Dr. Britteny Howell recently published two new studies that investigates the relationship between aging and mental health. Her research seeks to explore gaps in existing literature about how the experience of aging is shape by factors like social context, culture, activities, beliefs, environment, and more.
PROGRAM INFORMATION
Contact Us
Phone: (907) 786-6545
Email: dphs@alaska.edu
ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Div. of Population Health Sciences
ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Professional Studies Building
2533 Providence Dr., Suite 206
Anchorage, AK 99508
Mailing Address
ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Div. of Population Health Sciences
3211 Providence Dr., PSB 206
Anchorage, AK 99508
