Request Information
Fill out this brief form and an AIU Admissions Advisor will contact you and help with your degree questions.
*All fields are required
Bachelor of Healthcare Management Degree with a Specialization in Gerontology Management
Gerontology Degree Online
AIU's online Bachelor of Healthcare Management Degree with a Specialization in Gerontology Management is a targeted degree program designed to help students work to develop a comprehensive core of knowledge about the U.S. healthcare system, including its structure, operations, regulations and management, with a focus on services for the aging population.
You may be passionate about making a difference in healthcare and working with the elderly. A bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Management with a specialization in Gerontology Management could help you prepare to enter the healthcare industry serving the needs of older patients.
Next start date
Program Credits
180
Each Course Length
5 Weeks
Location
Online,
Atlanta,
Houston,
Classes start on Jul 30, 2025
Program Outline
The AIU Bachelor of Healthcare Management degree program combines the required general education courses designed to provide a liberal arts foundation with core concepts in healthcare management, as well as specialized courses designed to help provide students with the knowledge, skills, and ability to pursue opportunities in health-services management for aging populations.
The online Gerontology program is designed to provide students with an opportunity to study healthcare directly across many disciplines, in order to help students prepare to pursue opportunities in healthcare management. Added focus is placed on the management of teams that interact with patients who have special medical, social, and financial conditions associated with advanced aging.
Courses
Course Name
& Number
Course Number
Credits
General Education
|
Microeconomics
ECON220
This course focuses on economic theory of the firm, resource allocation and price determination, the free market supply and demand mechanism, and the analysis of pure and imperfect competition models. This course focuses on economic theory of the firm, resource allocation and price determination, the free market supply and demand mechanism, and the analysis of pure and imperfect competition models. |
ECON220 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Macroeconomics
ECON224
Presents basic economic concepts emphasizing the part the United States plays in a global economy. Foundations of economic theory are presented, using topics from television news and mass media. Topics introduced are GDP, National Income Accounting, United States fiscal policy and economic growth. Presents basic economic concepts emphasizing the part the United States plays in a global economy. Foundations of economic theory are presented, using topics from television news and mass media. Topics introduced are GDP, National Income Accounting, United States fiscal policy and economic growth. |
ECON224 | 4.5 | ||||
|
English Composition I
ENGL106
In this course, students focus on developing writing skills through practice and revision of a variety of different types of essays. Students are also given instruction in library and online research and methods of documentation. In this course, students focus on developing writing skills through practice and revision of a variety of different types of essays. Students are also given instruction in library and online research and methods of documentation. |
ENGL106 | 4.5 | ||||
|
English Composition II
ENGL107
In this course, students focus on research and developing writing skills through writing the ''argument'' essay. Students are also given instruction in library and online research and methods of documentation. In this course, students focus on research and developing writing skills through writing the ''argument'' essay. Students are also given instruction in library and online research and methods of documentation. |
ENGL107 | 4.5 | ||||
|
General College Mathematics
MATH125
An introductory course designed to develop critical thinking, problem solving, and quantitative reasoning skills through the use of standard mathematical operations and techniques as well as analysis of visual data. Students will be expected to identify, analyze, and solve problems in a variety of applied contexts for transfer toward academic, personal, and professional success. An introductory course designed to develop critical thinking, problem solving, and quantitative reasoning skills through the use of standard mathematical operations and techniques as well as analysis of visual data. Students will be expected to identify, analyze, and solve problems in a variety of applied contexts for transfer toward academic, personal, and professional success. |
MATH125 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Academic and Professional Success
UNIV103
This is a course for students who are new to university-level learning. Topics will include the theory and application of setting goals, managing time and money, developing self-awareness, and adhering to the rigorous standards of academic and professional writing. Additionally, students will be prepared to work autonomously and collaboratively in academic and professional settings. This is a course for students who are new to university-level learning. Topics will include the theory and application of setting goals, managing time and money, developing self-awareness, and adhering to the rigorous standards of academic and professional writing. Additionally, students will be prepared to work autonomously and collaboratively in academic and professional settings. |
UNIV103 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Technology and Information Literacy
UNIV106
This course exposes students to foundational components of computer technology and information literacy. Utilizing computer systems and applications, students will practice using a variety of computer applications used in the modern workplace. This course will introduce basic digital and information literacy skills, including responsible use of innovative technology tools such as Generative Artificial Intelligence, to help students build a foundation to be better consumers and users of information. The goal of this course is to help students build their technology and information literacy skills essential for success in the 21st century classroom and workplace.
This course exposes students to foundational components of computer technology and information literacy. Utilizing computer systems and applications, students will practice using a variety of computer applications used in the modern workplace. This course will introduce basic digital and information literacy skills, including responsible use of innovative technology tools such as Generative Artificial Intelligence, to help students build a foundation to be better consumers and users of information. The goal of this course is to help students build their technology and information literacy skills essential for success in the 21st century classroom and workplace.
|
UNIV106 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Interpersonal Communication
UNIV109
This course will introduce students to the basic principles of communication theory and effective interpersonal communication. It will assist students in the identification of how communication impacts an individual, and will help them develop techniques and competencies in diverse social and professional communication situations.
This course will introduce students to the basic principles of communication theory and effective interpersonal communication. It will assist students in the identification of how communication impacts an individual, and will help them develop techniques and competencies in diverse social and professional communication situations.
|
UNIV109 | 4.5 | ||||
| Humanities (2 Courses) | 9 | |||||
| Natural Sciences (2 Courses) | 9 | |||||
| General Education Elective (1 Course) | 4.5 | |||||
| 58.5 Total Credit Hours | 58.5 Total Credit Hours | |||||
General Electives
A combination of any 8 undergraduate courses
| 36 Total Credit Hours | 36 Total Credit Hours | |||||
Prerequisites must be met for selected electives.
Core
|
Principles of Accounting I
ACCT205
This introductory course provides a general overview of financial accounting and how it relates to business. The course introduces the accounting equation and the components of assets, liabilities, and owner's equity. The course introduces corporate financial statements and how to analyze the impact of business transactions on financial reporting. This introductory course provides a general overview of financial accounting and how it relates to business. The course introduces the accounting equation and the components of assets, liabilities, and owner's equity. The course introduces corporate financial statements and how to analyze the impact of business transactions on financial reporting. |
ACCT205 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Legal and Ethical Environment of Business
BUSN150
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the business sector's relationship to the principal forces operating in the ethical and legal environments. Particular attention is given to the constraints and opportunities presented by the regulatory environments in North America and the European Union. The course also provides an in-depth, comparative framework for understanding the ethical and intercultural challenges facing contemporary multinational and international organizations. With respect to the legal framework within which most business organizations operate, course topics include corporate problems of raising and maintaining capital by shares; relationships of directors to shareholders; respective rights and obligations; relationships of companies to third parties; control and the principle of majority rule.
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the business sector's relationship to the principal forces operating in the ethical and legal environments. Particular attention is given to the constraints and opportunities presented by the regulatory environments in North America and the European Union. The course also provides an in-depth, comparative framework for understanding the ethical and intercultural challenges facing contemporary multinational and international organizations. With respect to the legal framework within which most business organizations operate, course topics include corporate problems of raising and maintaining capital by shares; relationships of directors to shareholders; respective rights and obligations; relationships of companies to third parties; control and the principle of majority rule.
|
BUSN150 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Financial Management
FINA310
This course examines the key components of financial decision making: valuation and risk management. Students will examine the implications of forecasting, capital budgeting, working capital management, and project risk management. This course also explores the time value of money and its implications to savings and borrowing. Students will examine the evaluation of financial statements using key financial ratios and analyze important financial markets.
This course examines the key components of financial decision making: valuation and risk management. Students will examine the implications of forecasting, capital budgeting, working capital management, and project risk management. This course also explores the time value of money and its implications to savings and borrowing. Students will examine the evaluation of financial statements using key financial ratios and analyze important financial markets.
|
FINA310 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Introduction to Healthcare
HLTH215
This course introduces the nature and scope of various healthcare organizations and administration. The course considers the effect of economic and political forces over time on the delivery of healthcare services. This course introduces the nature and scope of various healthcare organizations and administration. The course considers the effect of economic and political forces over time on the delivery of healthcare services. |
HLTH215 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Health/Public Policy
HLTH225
This course explores the prevention implementation techniques, treatments and promotion of wellness across the varied populations of a community. The course examines critical health needs such as epidemiology and the impact on health behavior. Discussions include policies and the potential to change policies to enable greater public safety in health and healthcare.
This course explores the prevention implementation techniques, treatments and promotion of wellness across the varied populations of a community. The course examines critical health needs such as epidemiology and the impact on health behavior. Discussions include policies and the potential to change policies to enable greater public safety in health and healthcare.
|
HLTH225 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Survey of Healthcare Management
HLTH310
This course explores management issues in healthcare, such as the environment of care, performance improvement, risk assessment, and managing diverse workforces in healthcare. More specifically, the course analyzes the types of information and information system capabilities health care organizations need. Students will identify likely factors to consider when maintaining safe workplace conditions. The course describes the impact of technology on healthcare organizations and present potential ethical and legal issues and possible solutions for those issues.
This course explores management issues in healthcare, such as the environment of care, performance improvement, risk assessment, and managing diverse workforces in healthcare. More specifically, the course analyzes the types of information and information system capabilities health care organizations need. Students will identify likely factors to consider when maintaining safe workplace conditions. The course describes the impact of technology on healthcare organizations and present potential ethical and legal issues and possible solutions for those issues.
|
HLTH310 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Risk Management in Healthcare
HLTH315
Healthcare managers facilitate the delivery of quality services in complex environment, laden with potential risks. This course focuses on the rudiments of risk management in healthcare, and examines risks in service delivery at clinical, operational, and organizational levels. Students are exposed to the risk management process, approaches to monitoring and identifying risks, and strategies to sustain quality in healthcare organizations.
Healthcare managers facilitate the delivery of quality services in complex environment, laden with potential risks. This course focuses on the rudiments of risk management in healthcare, and examines risks in service delivery at clinical, operational, and organizational levels. Students are exposed to the risk management process, approaches to monitoring and identifying risks, and strategies to sustain quality in healthcare organizations.
|
HLTH315 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Ethical and Legal Issues in Healthcare
HLTH320
This course provides a working knowledge of law and ethics in a wide variety of healthcare topics, enabling students to deal with common legal and practical problems facing patients, their families, practitioners, caregivers, and society within the healthcare industry. Students must possess a basic knowledge of ethics and the law as it applies to their areas of responsibility. This course provides a working knowledge of law and ethics in a wide variety of healthcare topics, enabling students to deal with common legal and practical problems facing patients, their families, practitioners, caregivers, and society within the healthcare industry. Students must possess a basic knowledge of ethics and the law as it applies to their areas of responsibility. |
HLTH320 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Quality in Healthcare
HLTH325
This course considers relationships in healthcare management, organizational structure, and quality performance. Regulatory, safety and other influences will be discussed along with the role to ensure compliance with standards from regulatory and accreditation organizations. Strategies and methods of complying with and ensuring quality are covered. This course considers relationships in healthcare management, organizational structure, and quality performance. Regulatory, safety and other influences will be discussed along with the role to ensure compliance with standards from regulatory and accreditation organizations. Strategies and methods of complying with and ensuring quality are covered. |
HLTH325 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Healthcare and Human Resources
HLTH330
This course introduces various aspects of Human Resources as they relate to the healthcare industry and organizations. As industry changes evolve so must human resource management. The course investigates the strategic role human resource management has played and will play in the healthcare industry and various organizations. Issues related to federal, state regulatory requirements along with professional expectations from governing bodies will be addressed. Human resource management's role in employee recruitment, training and evaluation as well as organizational design are investigated.
This course introduces various aspects of Human Resources as they relate to the healthcare industry and organizations. As industry changes evolve so must human resource management. The course investigates the strategic role human resource management has played and will play in the healthcare industry and various organizations. Issues related to federal, state regulatory requirements along with professional expectations from governing bodies will be addressed. Human resource management's role in employee recruitment, training and evaluation as well as organizational design are investigated.
|
HLTH330 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Administration Long Term Care I
HLTH333
This course provides a foundation to the management theories and practices related to the administration of various facilities for the aging population. Administration issues cover facilities for seniors with minimal needs to those requiring extensive care.
This course provides a foundation to the management theories and practices related to the administration of various facilities for the aging population. Administration issues cover facilities for seniors with minimal needs to those requiring extensive care.
|
HLTH333 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Research Methods for Healthcare
HLTH335
This course explores research methods related to the healthcare industry. It introduces primary and secondary data sources and collection methods. The course also addresses the analysis of relevant statistics and data to inform decisions in the healthcare industry.
Prerequisite: None. This course explores research methods related to the healthcare industry. It introduces primary and secondary data sources and collection methods. The course also addresses the analysis of relevant statistics and data to inform decisions in the healthcare industry.
Prerequisite: None. |
HLTH335 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Healthcare Information Systems
HLTH430
This course is designed to assist healthcare students in understanding principles of analysis, design, evaluation, selection, acquisition, and utilization of information systems in the healthcare organization. Sufficient technical detail on computer hardware, software, networks, and data management is included and is designed to enable the student to become conversant with modern information technology and its use in healthcare organizations.
This course is designed to assist healthcare students in understanding principles of analysis, design, evaluation, selection, acquisition, and utilization of information systems in the healthcare organization. Sufficient technical detail on computer hardware, software, networks, and data management is included and is designed to enable the student to become conversant with modern information technology and its use in healthcare organizations.
|
HLTH430 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Program Capstone
HLTH499
The emphasis in this course is on applying and synthesizing concepts and techniques from all previous health specialization courses. This course provides an opportunity for the student to use the assimilated materials in a cohesive approach through challenges that reflect situations they may address in actual practice. The emphasis in this course is on applying and synthesizing concepts and techniques from all previous health specialization courses. This course provides an opportunity for the student to use the assimilated materials in a cohesive approach through challenges that reflect situations they may address in actual practice. |
HLTH499 | 4.5 | ||||
| 63 Total Credit Hours | 63 Total Credit Hours | |||||
Gerontology Management Specialization
|
Case Management for Gerontology
HLTH318
This course focuses on the social aspects of aging including financial planning, housing, legal concerns, health issues, and family/spousal relationships. Life altering conditions which shift life styles, independence and dependence are also discussed along with separation of life long partners and the social and physiological implications. Emotional distance created by physical and mental disabilities in patients and partners covered. This course focuses on the social aspects of aging including financial planning, housing, legal concerns, health issues, and family/spousal relationships. Life altering conditions which shift life styles, independence and dependence are also discussed along with separation of life long partners and the social and physiological implications. Emotional distance created by physical and mental disabilities in patients and partners covered. |
HLTH318 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Sociology and Aging
HLTH322
This course provides an introduction to the psychological aging process. Discussion cover current information and issues related to the aging process. Both theoretical and empirical information are investigated relative to the senior sector of the population. Stages of aging, disorders in the aging process along with perceptual, cognitive personality and interpersonal social human traits are considered. Death, dying and the psychological patterns in patients and loved ones are addressed. Throughout the course the role of the healthcare organization plays in dealing with various stages is addressed. This course provides an introduction to the psychological aging process. Discussion cover current information and issues related to the aging process. Both theoretical and empirical information are investigated relative to the senior sector of the population. Stages of aging, disorders in the aging process along with perceptual, cognitive personality and interpersonal social human traits are considered. Death, dying and the psychological patterns in patients and loved ones are addressed. Throughout the course the role of the healthcare organization plays in dealing with various stages is addressed. |
HLTH322 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Marketing to an Aging Population
HLTH340
This course applies market segmentation strategies to the aging population and investigates related decision makers with insight on how marketing can influence decisions. Marketing strategies are discussed including those through a variety of public media options as well as internal to the serving organization. Ethics are a component of this course This course applies market segmentation strategies to the aging population and investigates related decision makers with insight on how marketing can influence decisions. Marketing strategies are discussed including those through a variety of public media options as well as internal to the serving organization. Ethics are a component of this course |
HLTH340 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Counseling for Gerontology
HLTH450
This course discusses the various medical, mental and physical issues related to aging along with social and financial issues that may evolve with an aging population. Counseling theories and methods are discussed along with a discussion of various counseling services offered. An overview of changes in the aging human body is discussed including cardiovascular and central nervous systems and their impact on mental abilities and behavior patterns. This course discusses the various medical, mental and physical issues related to aging along with social and financial issues that may evolve with an aging population. Counseling theories and methods are discussed along with a discussion of various counseling services offered. An overview of changes in the aging human body is discussed including cardiovascular and central nervous systems and their impact on mental abilities and behavior patterns. |
HLTH450 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Death and Dying
HLTH455
This course investigates contemporary healthcare management issues involved in death and dying, building upon prior coursework examining ethical and legal issues in healthcare and sociology and aging. Topics include rates and causes of death in the US, terminal illness, assisted suicide, euthanasia, and end-of-life decision-making. Ethical and legal considerations in the provision of care by healthcare organizations including hospice, skilled nursing facilities, and hospitals will also be examined. This course investigates contemporary healthcare management issues involved in death and dying, building upon prior coursework examining ethical and legal issues in healthcare and sociology and aging. Topics include rates and causes of death in the US, terminal illness, assisted suicide, euthanasia, and end-of-life decision-making. Ethical and legal considerations in the provision of care by healthcare organizations including hospice, skilled nursing facilities, and hospitals will also be examined. |
HLTH455 | 4.5 | ||||
| 22.5 Total Credit Hours | 22.5 Total Credit Hours | |||||
Program Learning Outcomes
- Incorporate strategies for the management of evolving delivery systems within the healthcare industry.
- Collaborate in healthcare teams utilizing effective management techniques and leadership strategies to solve healthcare problems.
- Support the implementation of technology applications within a healthcare organization.
- Facilitate the distribution of information with internal and external healthcare stakeholders through professional communication.
- Identify and mitigate risks in the healthcare industry for the delivery of quality patient care.
- Resolve ethical and legal dilemmas in a healthcare environment while respecting organizational responsibilities and patient rights.
Classes Overview
-
Production Techniques I
This course introduces students to the basic concepts, practices and equipment of motion picture production. Students will learn to organize a shoot, put together a crew, shoot out of sequence and finish a variety of video productions.
-
Screenwriting I
In this class, students will examine the screenplay development process. Through the course, students will learn the elements of narrative form, professional formatting, and character development.
-
Postproduction I
This course introduces the student to the theory and practice of nonlinear editing including capture, creation, manipulation, and output of digital video. Through a series of hands-on assignments, students will begin to develop storytelling and technical proficiency using industry-standard software.
-
Death and Dying
This course investigates contemporary healthcare management issues involved in death and dying, building upon prior coursework examining ethical and legal issues in healthcare and sociology and aging. Topics include rates and causes of death in the US, terminal illness, assisted suicide, euthanasia, and end-of-life decision-making. Ethical and legal considerations in the provision of care by healthcare organizations including hospice, skilled nursing facilities, and hospitals will also be examined.
-
Sociology and Aging
This course is designed to provide an introduction to the psychological aging process. Discussion covers current information and issues related to the aging process. Both theoretical and empirical information are investigated relative to the senior sector of the population. Stages of aging, disorders in the aging process along with perceptual, cognitive personality and interpersonal social human traits are considered. Death, dying and the psychological patterns in patients and loved ones are addressed. Throughout the course the role of the healthcare organization plays in dealing with various stages is addressed.
-
Ethical and Legal Issues in Healthcare
This course provides a working knowledge of law and ethics in a wide variety of healthcare topics, enabling students to deal with common legal and practical problems facing patients, their families, practitioners, caregivers, and society within the healthcare industry. Students must possess a basic knowledge of ethics and the law as it applies to their areas of responsibility.
-
Marketing to an Aging Population
This course applies market segmentation strategies to the aging population and investigates related decision makers with insight on how marketing can influence decisions. Marketing strategies are discussed including those through a variety of public media options as well as internal to the serving organization. Ethics are a component of this course.
-
Research Methods for Healthcare
This course explores research methods used to determine current performance and forecast demand and probability as it relates to the healthcare industry. Special attention is given to methods of data gathering, sources, and restrictions on the use of data as well as patient rights.
-
Case Management for Gerontology
This course focuses on the social aspects of aging including financial planning, housing, legal concerns, health issues, and family/spousal relationships. Life altering conditions which shift life styles, independence and dependence are also discussed along with separation of life long partners and the social and physiological implications. Emotional distance created by physical and mental disabilities in patients and partners covered.
-
Administration Long Term Care I
This course has an emphasis on the trends and developments that are transforming long-term care. It explores the options available in care settings, programs, and services. In addition, it examines aspects of management including leadership, human resources, marketing, regulatory and legal issues, and financing to long-term care. Case studies, exercises, and self-assessment will help students internalize and apply the concepts.
-
Healthcare Information Systems
This course is designed to assist healthcare students in understanding principles of analysis, design, evaluation, selection, acquisition, and utilization of information systems in the healthcare organization. Sufficient technical detail on computer hardware, software, networks, and data management is included to enable the student to become conversant with modern information technology and its use in healthcare organizations.
-
Counseling for Gerontology
This course discusses the various medical, mental and physical issues related to aging along with social and financial issues that may evolve with an aging population. Counseling theories and methods are discussed along with a discussion of various counseling services offered. An overview of changes in the aging human body is discussed including cardiovascular and central nervous systems and their impact on mental abilities and behavior patterns.
-
Program Capstone
The emphasis in this course is on applying and synthesizing concepts and techniques from all previous health specialization courses. This course provides an opportunity for the student to use the assimilated materials in a cohesive approach through challenges that reflect situations they may address in actual practice.
Course content subject to change.
Why AIU
Faculty
Locations
Ways To Save
Mobile App
Accreditation
FAQ
AIU’s bachelor’s degree in healthcare management is designed to provide knowledge, skills, and abilities relevant for pursuing potential career paths within the healthcare field. The specialization in gerontology emphasizes students’ development of a comprehensive core of knowledge about the U.S. healthcare system, including its structure, operations, regulations, and management, with a focus on services for the aging population.
Our bachelor’s degree programs are designed as 48-month programs. However, many factors can impact your time to completion. The time it may take you to earn your bachelor’s of healthcare management degree can be influenced by course loads proficiency and/or transfer credits, and breaks.
As you work to complete your specialization in gerontology, you will be immersed in courses such as: Sociology and Aging; Marketing to an Aging Population; Counseling for Gerontology; and Case Management for Gerontology.
Courses for the Bachelor of Healthcare Management with a Specialization in Gerontology degree start approximately every five weeks. Your actual start date is based on several factors, including receiving academic and financial documentation.
The gerontology specialization degree program consists of 180 credits. You may be eligible for transfer credit, which is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible to transfer. Please see the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.
Upon earning your healthcare management degree with a gerontology specialization, you should have a deep understanding of management in healthcare with an emphasis on senior services such as long- and short-term care, home care, rehabilitation, nursing care, community-based services, and chronic care. By studying key topics in gerontology, you can: be able to collaborate in healthcare teams utilizing effective management techniques and leadership strategies to solve healthcare problems; have the know-how to support the implementation of technology applications within a health care organization; and be able to implement strategies of the aging services industry including nursing care, home healthcare services, retirement communities, delivered services, rehabilitation and therapy facilities, memory care services, and assisted living.
Compare Related Areas Of Study
Compare up to three additional degrees
Take the next steps towards your education
Classes start July 30, 2025
What Students Are Saying About Their AIU Experience
I chose [AIU] after reading and doing my research. It was flexible. It’s online and with my work life balance, that's very important.Angela B. M., Former Student 2024 Graduate, Master of Science in Healthcare Management
My degree has given me something to accomplish and be proud about. It’s an accomplishment for my family to be proud about. It helped me on my journey to wanting to be in healthcare.Rachel E., Former Student 2023 Graduate, Bachelor of Healthcare Management
