College launches MPH in Population Aging to meet healthcare workforce needs for older adults

In response to the increasing need for public health professionals prepared to design healthcare solutions for our rapidly aging population, the Zuckerman College of Public Health has launched a new Population Aging and Long-Term Care concentration in their MPH degree program.

In response to the increasing need for public health professionals prepared to design healthcare solutions for our rapidly aging population, the Zuckerman College of Public Health at the University of Arizona has launched a new Population Aging and Long-Term Care (PALTC) concentration in their Master of Public Health (MPH) degree program.

The program will provide students with the knowledge, skills, and perspectives they need to work in a variety of settings, including long term care, and to develop strategies to provide equitable and compassionate healthcare policies and programs for older adults. The MPH in Population Aging and Long-Term Care is currently offered online only through Arizona Online.

The Demographics of Aging Demand New Healthcare Expertise
In the United States, 18% of adults are 65 or older, and more than 90 million adults will be over 65 by 2050. Our society and our healthcare systems must adjust to meet the growing health and wellness needs of older adults.

Already, professionals with expertise in understanding policies and services for aging adults are in high demand, and the need will continue to grow. Health systems, long-term care providers, and public health agencies all need staff trained in aging, epidemiology, and long-term care management.

Graduates Gain Skills and Competencies to Support Care for Older Adults
To develop innovative approaches that optimize health and well-being in later life, the PALTC MPH curriculum will offer courses that respond to, and keep pace with, real-world aging issues and programs. Designed to equip graduates to address and promote healthy population aging from a public health perspective, the program prepares graduates for a variety of careers in the aging industry and will increase the number of trained public health professionals in the aging and long-term care workforce.

The program includes coursework in the core areas of public health, including epidemiology, biostatistics, policy, and social determinants of health, plus concentration courses that address multiple needs and concerns of the aging population. Given the importance of long-term care, all students take the first course in a two-course series: Management and Leadership in Long-term Care. Students who want to specialize further can take the second course: Operations and Services in Long-term Care Facilities. All students also engage in an Applied Practice Experience which offers hands-on learning with a community partner in the field.

Building Expertise for a Healthier Future
Arizona’s statewide aging plan highlights the increasing need for coordinated care and supportive services for older adults. Graduates enter a high-growth field with opportunities in public health departments, long-term care organizations, health systems, nonprofits, and policy organizations. The degree prepares leaders to address major public health challenges tied to aging populations.

Applications now open
Apply for the MPH in Population Aging and Long-Term Care through Arizona Online.
https://online.arizona.edu/programs/graduate/online-master-public-health-public-health-mph