Adult Services

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Students in the Adult Services Certificate of Specialization program have the opportunity to increase their knowledge of the older adult and the agencies that provide services for this expanding population. No prior degree is required to enroll in this program. This program offers classes in a format to meet the needs of the nontraditional student.

Students are required to complete an Application for Admission, satisfy the assessment requirements and attend a program orientation. Students may start any semester.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Students are strongly advised to contact one of the staff members of Aging Services Management in Bldg. 24, Room 208A (Ankeny Campus), or call 515-964-6262 or 515-964-6814 for additional important information.

If you plan to work in a residential care facility, it is recommended that you also take the following courses: SOC 110 - Introduction to Sociology and PSY 111 - Introduction to Psychology .

For more information about the Adult Services certificate, please visit our website at https://go.dmacc.edu/programs/aging/pages/welcome.aspx

Location: Ankeny

Required Courses

Total Credits Required to Complete this Certificate - 31

These credits are applicable to the AAS degree in Aging Services Management .

Fixed Costs

Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$143.00 per credit

The costs for each program are estimates and subject to change.

Varied Costs

The costs for the program are estimates and subject to change. Books and supplies are $150-$200 per course. All students are required to pay for and obtain their own DCI and abuse registry check (one for each last name change and maiden), physical and TB test. Practical/Agency Experience cannot be done without this information.

Approximate total for program: $6,233*

*Program entry requirements are not included in the total approximate cost.

What Kind of Work Will You Do?

• Plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate the operation of adult services.
• Recruit and hire professional and nonprofessional persons for the staff of adult programs.
• Direct, supervise and evaluate the work of the staff.
• Participate in developing and leading continuing training and in-service education.
• Participate in preparation of annual budget, annual financial report and other reports.
• Act as a public relations representative.

What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?

• Initiate and maintain a leadership role.
• Direct, manage and evaluate personnel.
• Establish and maintain positive working relationships with clients, staff and community agencies.
• Work with numbers to prepare financial reports and budgets.
• Work with and like people who are older and/or chronically ill or disabled.
• Awareness of the need for continual personal and professional growth.
• Effective oral and written communications.

What Else Should I Consider about this Program or Career Choice?

• The program courses (ASM) are offered in a nontraditional format.
• Attendance at all face-to-face meetings is required.
• Offers excellent opportunities for returning students.
• Average starting salary $35,000-$45,000+.

Nondiscrimination Policy

Des Moines Area Community College shall not engage in or allow discrimination covered by law. This includes harassment based on race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy and marital status), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability and genetic information. Veteran status in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admission procedures is also included to the extent covered by law. Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against may file a complaint through the College Discrimination Complaint Procedure. Complaint forms may be obtained from the Campus Provost’s office, the Academic Deans’ office, the Judicial Officer, or the EEO/AA Officer, Human Resources. For information about the ADA, the Section 504/ADA Coordinator can be contacted at 515-964-6857. For Title IX questions and concerns contact 515-964-6850.