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Why Practice Gerontology?

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In the next half century, the elderly population in the United States is projected to more than triple in size — from 8 million to 31 million. Today, Oregon ranks 17th among the 50 states in the percentage of its population over age 65, but in less than 25 years the U.S. Bureau of the Census projects that Oregon will rank fourth. While the health care needs of some older adults are managed by clinicians trained specifically to care for an aging population, most older adults receive care from health professionals whose educational preparation focused on younger adults. Older adults have very complex health care needs. Increased numbers of advanced practice nurses who are able to provide leadership and high-quality care to this growing and vulnerable population are urgently needed.

Programs in Gerontological Nursing

The School of Nursing is nationally known for its strength in practice-relevant gerontological nursing education and research in a number of areas, including dementia care, family care giving and end-of-life care.  During the past two decades, gerontological nursing faculty at OHSU have developed pioneering education, practice and research projects that benefit elders and those who care for them. These projects have contributed to the professional development of nursing students who are now practicing or developing research across the country.

In 2001, The John A. Hartford Foundation recognized the OHSU School of Nursing for its leadership and long-term commitment to improving the health and health care of older adults and selected the School of Nursing as one of nine Centers of Geriatric Nursing Excellence (CGNE) in the United States. 

The OHSU School of Nursing and Hartford Center of Geriatric Nursing Excellence are pleased to offer the following four innovative educational programs that enhance capacity to serve older adults:

 

Post Baccalaureate to PhD in Gerontological Nursing

As part of the mission to grow the population of PhD-prepared gerontological nursing faculty, the CGNE program provides financial support and mentorship for doctoral study by nurses committed to a teaching or research career in gerontological nursing.  Learn more about this program

Funding Opportunities (through BAGNC) for Doctoral Education in Gerontological Nursing


The American Academy of Nursing, with support from the John A. Hartford Foundation of New York City and the Atlantic Philanthropies, seeks applicants for the following Scholarship and Fellowship Programs:
  • The Predoctoral Scholarship program is designed to support 2 years of doctoral work for nurses committed to careers in academic geriatric nursing. The program awards a total of $100,000 ($50,000 per annum) to each selected Predoctoral Scholar candidate.
  • The Claire M. Fagin Fellowship provides $120,000 for the 2-year fellowship ($60,000 per annum) for advanced research training and mentorship designed to assist doctorally-prepared nurses committed to faculty careers in geriatric nursing. 
  • The Mayday Fund provides an additional $5,000 award to selected scholar and fellow candidates whose research includes the study of pain in the elderly.
Please contact us to learn more about our doctoral program and these funding opportunities.

 

Post Masters Certification in Gerontological Nursing (PMCO)

The PMCO is an innovative distance program in advanced practice gerontology, resulting in a post-master’s certificate in gerontology. This program is designed to prepare advance practice experts who manage the health of older adults. Graduates of this program will be prepared to function in a variety of roles with a diverse clientele of older adults, their families and caregivers within a variety of settings in the health care system.

The PMCO program was honored for Excellence in Geriatric Nursing Education with an award for Advanced Practice-Level Curricular Innovation by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) in the fall of 2008. The Award is presented to nursing programs with exceptional, substantive, and innovative curriculum. The award is given by the AACN, in collaboration with The John A. Hartford Foundation Institute for Geriatric Nursing, and New York University.  Learn more about this program.

MS/MN in Nursing Education with an emphasis in Gerontological Nursing

The OHSU Master of Nursing Education program with specialization in gerontological nursing began accepting students in 2007. This program is designed for the bachelor’s prepared nurse who is interested in pursuing a career in teaching nursing, either as a faculty member in a school of nursing or in staff development positions.  This program is offered via distance education.  Learn more about this program

Academic Nursing Partners

Gerontological Nursing Faculty Scholars Program

This new offering started Summer 2011 for graduate and undergraduate faculty at Schools of Nursing across the country.
The program is designed to increase the competency of current faculty to teach gerontological nursing at both the basic and advance practice levels.

Program includes:
  • A one and a half day summer workshop;
  • Self-paced online coursework following the workshop (18-25 hours);
  • Dedicated individual mentoring by a gerontological nurse expert for duration of the program.