National Association For Professional Gerontologists A Not-For-Profit Organization  

Clarification of Terms Institutions verses Persons Accreditation Certification Credentialing Licensure

Driving Forces Behind Credentialing and Certification Debate The consumers The employers The students Non-certified and credentialed from non-accredited universities From the universities’ perspective budget tenure track academic resources

The Evolution of the Issue in CA A controversial history in CA CCGG Gaps and lack of consensus meant no action was taken SB953 and AB2202 unintended consequences

Evolution of the Field in CA Forward thinking disciplines in health and human services have placed GRN content in their curriculum, and they are licensed, certified and credentialed- GRN is not… Thus, academic gerontologists in CA began to question the future of the discipline GRN academic programs were threatened

CCGG’s Response and NAPG Data gathering Major session at annual meeting in Fullerton Task force formed To address concerns of the students, employers and the academic community

Evolution of NAPG What we value, we certify…. Five Career gerontologists and program heads formed the National Association for Professional Gerontologists, a not-for profit CA, Corporation, 12/2005 Presented to CCGG board Today- CCGG and NAPG share a Memorandum of Understanding

Our Mission Recognizing a core body of Gerontological knowledge held by individuals who provide quality services and programming for older adults Promoting and credentialing the education of professionals in the field of Gerontology in the United States

What Does NAPG Offer? Credentialing for gerontology professionals Promoting discipline standards and credibility Consulting for the public and private sectors Networking of professional aging specialists Continuing education in aging (CEUs)

NAPG Foundational Process for Credentialing Incorporates the use of the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education (AGHE) standards and guidelines along with other curricular standards The AGHE standards and guidelines facilitate decision making around individuals’ academic preparation, and frame the credentialing examinations

Collaboration NAPG shares with AGHE its commitment to “advancing the field of gerontology as a field of study in institutions of higher education”. NAPG promotes the AGHE goal of making academic gerontology programs stronger by attracting students to a rewarding discipline with a career ladder and credentialing process.

Levels of Credentialing Available Graduate Level/Gerontologist Baccalaureate Level/ Gerontological Specialist Associate Level/Gerontology Certificate/ Gerontological Coordinator Professional/Scholar

Two Ways to Obtain Credentialing Demonstrating academic preparation through submission and approval of academic transcripts and application packet Successfully passing a credentialing examination at the requested level as listed above

Option One: Demonstrate Academic Preparation GRADUATE LEVEL/Gerontologist Professionals and academics/educators in the field of Gerontology, with an MA/MS degree in Gerontology or Doctorate in Gerontology, or related field with an emphasis in aging, from an accredited institution  BACCALAUREATE LEVEL/ Gerontological  Specialist Professional or administrator providing services to seniors, with a BA/BS degree in Gerontology from an accredited institution ASSOCIATE LEVEL/GERONTOLOGY CERTIFICATE/Gerontological Coordinator Service provider for seniors, with an AA Degree/Certificate in Gerontology or a minimum of 24 units in Gerontology from an accredited institution PROFESSIONAL/ Scholar NAPG recognizes and invites those who have dedicated their careers and contributed to the field of aging to become professional/scholar affiliates based on CV or resume

Option One: Demonstrate Academic Preparation Download the application form and send your application packet to: NAPG 808 Samantha Ct. Healdsburg, CA. 95448 Application Packets should include the following: Application form (downloaded from below) Official copy of your college or university transcripts Curriculum vitae/resume for those seeking the Professional/Scholar Affiliate credential only   Check or money order for the amount equal to the credential level you are seeking

Process for Evaluating Transcripts Working in teams, board members review transcripts for credentialing If team members are consistent in their decisions, applicants will be notified of the decision  If team members do not agree, or if the decision is appealed by the applicant, transcripts will be reviewed by a board-designated arbitrator for a final decision Applicants with transcripts not accepted will be notified as to the deficient areas with suggestions for further coursework

Appeal Process After the exam review or transcript review process, if the applicant chooses to appeal the decision, the application will go to the arbitrator of appeals. The applicant may at that point be asked to provide additional documentation. The decision of the arbitrator is final.

Option Two: Pass an Examination Successfully pass a credentialing examination at the appropriate level GRADUATE LEVEL/Gerontologist BACCALAUREATE LEVEL/ Gerontological  Specialist ASSOCIATE LEVEL/GERONTOLOGY CERTIFICATE /Gerontological Coordinator PROFESSIONAL/Scholar NOTE: The first exam will be given at the annual California Council on Gerontology and Geriatrics (CCGG) meeting on April 20, 2007 at the Long Beach Marriott.

Exam Scoring Process Using a process for inter-rater reliability, exams are reviewed by the NAPG Board of Directors If team members are consistent in their decision, the applicant will be notified of the decision If team members do not agree, or if the applicant appeals the decision, the exam will be reviewed by the board-designated arbitrator whose decision is final Applicants with exam scores not at a passing level will be notified as to the deficient areas with suggestions for further learning and preparation to retake the exam

After mailing your application, this is what will happen next: You will be notified by email that NAPG has received your packet Your application will be evaluated by a NAPG evaluation team You will receive an evaluation report within 30 days from NAPG; and, upon acceptance, will receive your Credential along with a membership card. Questions regarding the application process should be directed to Dr. Donna Schafer, NAPG Executive Director, at donna_schafer@sbcglobal.net

Renewal Process NAPG credentials are renewed every two years by completion of 30 hours of professional development activities, such as: CEUs offered by NAPG, NAPG affiliate organizations, or State-approved providers of continuing education. The majority of the course content must be in the field of aging. Up to 15 hours/units may be accepted from providers other than NAPG.  Documented presentations and participation in national and regional professional gerontology meetings at the level of double time for presentations and hour-for-hour for attendance. Publication in a peer-reviewed journal in the field of aging satisfies CEUs for one two-year renewal period.

Further Information To apply for a NAPG credential or Professional Affiliate status, Download the application at: http://napgerontologists.org/Application.htm Complete and return the application, along with the application fee and appropriate supporting documents, to: P.O. Box 1209 Los Altos California 94025 Contact Information Office@napgerontologists.org Telephone650-947-9132