Foundations of Age Inclusivity Micro-Credential

Micro-Credential

Foundations of Age Inclusivity

On Campus

The Foundations of Age Inclusivity micro-credential will introduce students from various disciplines to the unique needs of older adults. The opportunity for students to explore aspects of aging will prepare them for interacting with older adults in their workplaces and communities. Students will have the opportunity to practice what they learn with an experiential learning experience, allowing them to apply their knowledge and prepare for interactions with older adults in their chosen fields.

Amanda Panniello sits at a table talking to a group of older adults.

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Program Overview

The Level IV Foundations of Age Inclusivity Micro-Credential introduces undergraduate students from a variety of disciplines to the experiences and needs of older adults. Students explore aging from biological, psychological, and social perspectives while examining the effects of ageism and developing strategies for age-inclusive communication and engagement. Through coursework, community engagement, and the AARP Disrupt Aging Interactive Class, students apply their learning to real-world interactions with older adults and consider how age inclusivity can strengthen their future professional practice.

You should pursue this micro-credential if:

You are an undergraduate student at Quinnipiac
You are interested in studying aging processes and the diversity of experiences in later life through integrating biological, psychological and social perspectives
Your curricular and career aspirations involve working with aging populations

Program Dates and Details

This program is offered in accordance with the for-credit courses that comprise the micro-credential. Please refer to the Course Catalog for the most recent information regarding course sections and schedules.

To earn this micro-credential, student must:

Complete 2 of 4 approved courses for a total of 6 credits
- OT 326: Principles of Human Development: Older Adults
- SO 263: Aging in Society
- PS 234: Adult Development/Aging
- BMS 200: Biomedical Basis of Aging
Complete 3 hours of community engagement with older adults, either through approved campus/community opportunities or an experiential learning opportunity connected to coursework
- Examples include organizations such as OFAN and CAP, or HSC 2206
Complete the 2-hour AARP Disrupt Aging Interactive Class

Learning Outcomes

All learners who complete the outlined requirements will earn a Level IV Badge.

Complete 2 of 4 approved courses for a total of 6 credits, earning a grade of C+ or higher in each course.
Complete 3 hours of community engagement with older adults
Complete the 2-hour AARP Disrupt Aging Interactive Class, earning at least 80% on the post-test
Complete a final presentation connecting the micro-credential experience to personal growth, professional development and the student's chosen career path

Assessment of completion of micro-credential requirements is completed by faculty evaluators.

Students who complete this micro-credential will be able to:

Demonstrate foundational knowledge of aging processes and the diversity of experiences in later life by integrating biological, psychological, and social perspectives.
Communicate effectively and respectfully with older adults using age-inclusive language and interpersonal strategies that promote dignity, autonomy, and shared understanding.
Explain how ageism affects health, opportunity, policy, and intergenerational relationships.
Apply creative and critical thinking to propose age-inclusive solutions within their discipline.
Reflect on personal attitudes and experiences with aging to strengthen empathy, intergenerational awareness, and collaboration with older adults in professional and community settings.

Key Skills Acquired:

Age-inclusive communication
Intergenerational communication
Understanding of aging and older adulthood
Critical and creative thinking
Recognition of ageism and its impacts
Empathy and social-emotional intelligence
Community engagement
Interdisciplinary thinking
Professional communication
Reflective practice

Demonstrate Your Expertise

Level IV

The highest level of micro-credentials we offer, Level IV badges are recognized by employers as a means of identifying learners who are qualified and capable of performing particular skills or sharing specialized knowledge within professional environments.

What is a micro-credential?

By earning a micro-credential, learners across a wide array of industries, verticals and professional fields are able to showcase the acquisition of specialized knowledge that offers unique value in the workplace. Micro-credentials are flexible and versatile, designed and delivered in an accelerated format by our experienced faculty and industry thought leaders who understand critical shortages and skills gaps.

All students who complete a micro-credential associated with academic credit or co-curricular experiences will receive a designation on their transcript and a digital badge through Credly. Micro-credential earners are encouraged to share their achievements on resumes, social media platforms and e-portfolios.

Learners can begin their pursuit of micro-credentials at any level; individuals who are new to the field are best suited for Participation or Level I badges, whereas experienced professionals might be more interested in advanced Level III Badges or Level IV Certifications. More information about our micro-credential taxonomy can be found below.

Our Expert Faculty

Karen M Blood

Clinical Associate Professor of Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy

Nicole A. Fidanza

Clinical Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy

Chair of Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy

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Questions?

Our purpose is to get to know you on a personal level and help you navigate the admission process.

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