A master's degree in gerontology provides the necessary education for certification as a geriatric care manager. The University of Massachusetts at Boston offers a specialized Master of Science in management of aging services, which includes courses in physical, social and psychological aspects of aging, economic issues, aging policy, and residential and long-term care management. In addition, courses in managing care services are required. The core courses in a Master of Arts in gerontology from San Francisco State University focus on ethnogerontology, ethical and legal issues, and physical dimensions of aging.
In gerontology programs, such as those at San Francisco State University, additional specializations are part of graduate study. Specializations include geriatric and home care management, health, wellness and aging, and long-term care administration. A specialization in geriatric and home care management provides coursework in helping families care for older family members. The health, wellness and aging specialization provides coursework in health promotion and disease prevention. An emphasis in long-term care administration focuses on all stages of care from home care to institutional care.
With the completion of a bachelor's degree, a graduate certificate in geriatric care can provide coursework to supplement experience for certification as a care manager. An online certificate program at the University of Missouri requires courses in developing care plans, ethical, legal and business considerations, financial issues and family dynamics. A certificate program at the University of Florida requires an overview course, a communication course, a course that focuses on ethical, legal and business issues and clinical experience.
The National Academy of Certified Care Managers requires a bachelor's or associate degree in social work, counseling, nursing, psychology, gerontology, rehabilitation, public health or human services to qualify for testing for certification as a geriatric care manager. The experience required in conjunction with the degree may be fulfilled if the following skills are performed: screening, face-to-face assessment, development of care plans, implementation of care plans, monitoring of care plans, formal reassessment, discharge from care management, documentation and evaluation.