The Gerontology Field Placement: Internships and Practicums in Aging

The first book to focus specifically on practical gerontology field experiences

This innovative text guides gerontology students step-by-step through the process of searching for, securing, and completing an aging-based internship, practicum, or field placement. It underscores the value of hands-on, community-based learning and provides a framework for identifying experiences that fit a student's academic requirements and professional objectives. The text describes the multitude of interdisciplinary and interprofessional career opportunities available for those working with or on behalf of older adults, ranging from traditional opportunities in health and human services to careers in leisure, business, housing, and finance.

The text not only draws attention to ageism's presence and inappropriateness, but also discusses ways to detect, avoid, and actively dismantle ageist beliefs and actions. Emphasizing that there is no such homogenous block as "the elderly," the book helps students to understand the varied experiences of aging. It addresses important nuances in working with older adults including the development of effective communication skills, awareness of diversity, and the development of cultural competencies. Real-life scenarios and activities throughout are designed to enhance content and support students' professional and personal growth. Readers are also introduced to the interprofessional aging service system, delineating ways to navigate the complex network of policies, programs, and personnel, along with a discussion of the unique roles, responsibilities, and perspectives in these settings. Practical information for transitioning from student to professional includes tips on job searching, resume preparation, and networking. Purchase includes online access via most mobile devices or computers.

Key Features:

• Addresses the interdisciplinary nature of gerontology practice throughout health and human services
• Focuses on ageism among professionals in health and human services and how to detect, avoid, and eliminate it
• Explores significant nuances in working with older adults including effective communication and awareness of diversity and cultural competency
• Covers understanding and supporting older individuals with physical and/or cognitive impairments
• Includes an extensive glossary to better navigate interprofessional communication
• Each chapter incorporates real-life scenarios, learning objectives, professional development activities, savvy professional tips, pitfalls to avoid, and discussion questions
• Instructors have access to the Instructor's Manual and chapter PowerPoints to facilitate teaching

Rona J. Karasik, PhD, FAGHE, FGSA, is a professor and director of the Gerontology Program at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, MN, where she works with a broad range of community partners and supervises undergraduate and graduate gerontology interns. With over thirty years of teaching and research experience, Dr. Karasik is the author of numerous publications and presentations on gerontology internships, service-learning, classroom- and community-based activities, and incorporating anti-racist pedagogy into the gerontological curriculum. Dr. Karasik holds fellow status in both the Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education (AGHE) and the Gerontological Society of America (GSA) and is the recipient of local and national teaching awards, including AGHE's "Distinguished Faculty" award. Currently, Dr. Karasik is the editor-in-chief of Gerontology & Geriatrics Education, the official journal of the Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education.

Laura K.M. Donorfio, PhD, FAGHE, is an associate professor and holds fellow status in both the Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education (AGHE) and the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning at the University of Connecticut. Since 2004, Dr. Donorfio has served as an undergraduate and graduate internship supervisor for UCONN's Human Development and Family Sciences Department, working with a wide range of community partners (both profit and nonprofit) and educational settings. She has been honored both nationally and locally for her many teaching accomplishments, including AGHE's "Distinguished Faculty" award and UCONN's Faculty Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching award. Dr. Donorfio has over twenty-five years of teaching and research experience. She has given over sixty scholarly presentations, nationally and internationally, related to student reflection, innovative andragogy and geragogy teaching platforms, intergenerational and lifelong experiential learning approaches, and what impacts success from both the students' and community partners' perspectives. In 2021, Dr. Donorfio marked ten years as director of the AGHE Teaching Institute.

Phyllis A. Greenberg, PhD, MPA, FAGHE, former president of the Minnesota Gerontological Society (MGS) and Minnesota's 2011 "Gerontologist of the Year," coordinates the gerontology graduate program at St. Cloud State University. Dr. Greenberg has developed many unique classroom experiences related to aging, such as hands-on experience with the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act). Dr. Greenberg has also been recognized through her teaching, scholarly presentations, and webinars as an expert in the areas of policy and ageism. She is a recipient of the AGHE's "Distinguished Faculty" award. In addition, Dr. Greenberg brings a practitioner's perspective through her years of experience as a case manager, director of an Adult Day Center and a planner/evaluator and policy developer with an Area Agency on Aging. As a practitioner, she has trained and supervised interns from a variety of disciplines.