ADVERTISEMENT NTC Gerontology & Aging Care Program Addresses Unprecedented Growth in Life Expectancy In 2021, Northwest Technical College added a new academic program in Gerontology and Aging Care. The curriculum, focused on the scientific study of aging, responds to the demand for well-trained eldercare specialists in the wake of unprecedented growth in life expectancy and aging populations. The State of Minnesota's Demographic Center predicts that in the 2020s, the state's population of persons over the age of 65 will become greater than its population of K-12 school-aged children. Students who complete the program with the knowledge and expertise in the field of geriatrics, aging and associated issues. Wendy Potratz, an instructor in NTC's community health worker program and co-founder of the gerontology program, said that with aging comes a variety of health issues that need specific care. The addition of a progressive gerontology curriculum opens an untapped market for entry-level caretakers. "NTC'S Gerontology and Aging Care program is one of the first of its kind," she said. "We have recognized the industry need to provide knowledgeable and confident caregivers for our aging population. This program will also be a great add-on for professionals already working in a variety of industries who recognize their need to be aware of how we can better serve our mature citizens." "The program's goal is to increase knowledge and empathy in how we care for the aging, while also becoming aware of how we can create an atmosphere full of resources for healthy aging and improved quality of life for individuals, families and caregivers," Potratz said. DD Graduates of NTC's Gerontology and Aging Care program will possess the skills needed to provide quality service to an aging population and their families that can lead to or supplement a wide variety of career pathways related to psychology, economics, wellness, on quality assurance and public policy, advocacy and service. The 18-credit certificate can be completed in two semesters and includes courses on the biological and psychological aspects of aging, elder health and end of life care. "We are lucky to live in a state that is so progressive about preparing for the future, and here at NTC we intend to follow that lead," Potratz said. "Not only do we want to be prepared for the upcoming needs in our own community, but we want to help prepare a workforce that is ready for what lies ahead." The gerontology & aging care program at Northwest Technical College was recently accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Accreditation is a mark of quality that follows a 10-year cycle and is focused institutional improvement. Accreditation also ensures that a program's educational processes and outcomes are congruent and that the faculty reviews those processes and outcomes regularly and makes changes when indicated. Apply Today! Spring starts available. Call NTC Admissions at (218) 333-6697 ADVERTISEMENT NTC Gerontology & Aging Care Program Addresses Unprecedented Growth in Life Expectancy In 2021 , Northwest Technical College added a new academic program in Gerontology and Aging Care . The curriculum , focused on the scientific study of aging , responds to the demand for well - trained eldercare specialists in the wake of unprecedented growth in life expectancy and aging populations . The State of Minnesota's Demographic Center predicts that in the 2020s , the state's population of persons over the age of 65 will become greater than its population of K - 12 school - aged children . Students who complete the program with the knowledge and expertise in the field of geriatrics , aging and associated issues . Wendy Potratz , an instructor in NTC's community health worker program and co - founder of the gerontology program , said that with aging comes a variety of health issues that need specific care . The addition of a progressive gerontology curriculum opens an untapped market for entry - level caretakers . " NTC'S Gerontology and Aging Care program is one of the first of its kind , " she said . " We have recognized the industry need to provide knowledgeable and confident caregivers for our aging population . This program will also be a great add - on for professionals already working in a variety of industries who recognize their need to be aware of how we can better serve our mature citizens . " " The program's goal is to increase knowledge and empathy in how we care for the aging , while also becoming aware of how we can create an atmosphere full of resources for healthy aging and improved quality of life for individuals , families and caregivers , " Potratz said . DD Graduates of NTC's Gerontology and Aging Care program will possess the skills needed to provide quality service to an aging population and their families that can lead to or supplement a wide variety of career pathways related to psychology , economics , wellness , on quality assurance and public policy , advocacy and service . The 18 - credit certificate can be completed in two semesters and includes courses on the biological and psychological aspects of aging , elder health and end of life care . " We are lucky to live in a state that is so progressive about preparing for the future , and here at NTC we intend to follow that lead , " Potratz said . " Not only do we want to be prepared for the upcoming needs in our own community , but we want to help prepare a workforce that is ready for what lies ahead . " The gerontology & aging care program at Northwest Technical College was recently accredited by the Higher Learning Commission . Accreditation is a mark of quality that follows a 10 - year cycle and is focused institutional improvement . Accreditation also ensures that a program's educational processes and outcomes are congruent and that the faculty reviews those processes and outcomes regularly and makes changes when indicated . Apply Today ! Spring starts available . Call NTC Admissions at ( 218 ) 333-6697