PRACTICE COMPETENCIES FOR ENTRY-LEVEL PROFESSIONALS IN THE FIELD OF AGING

• Published in: Educational gerontology Vol. 25; no. 4; pp. 305 - 315
• Main Author: Sneed, Jeanne Moore Bennett, Jeannie
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Informa UK Ltd 01.06.1999
• Subjects: Aging (Individuals); Curriculum Development; Entry Workers; Gerontology; Interpersonal Competence; Job Skills
• ISSN: 0360-1277; 1521-0472
• DOI: 10.1080/036012799267756

Rapid changes that occur in the field of aging necessitate that academic programs change to meet the needs of professionals . The purpose of this study was to determine practice competencies that entry - level professionals in the field of aging require for effective practice and to identify trends in the field that could impact academic preparation . Seventy advanced - level professionals in the field of aging were surveyed . These professionals were employed in a variety of settings representing long - term care, public / government, and community - based. Practice competencies in the areas of interpersonal interventions and program accountability were rated as highest importance for entry - level professionals . Practice competencies related to financial and personnel management were rated of lowest importance. Identified trends were categorized into three areas: changes in the environment, changes in older adults and their needs, and changes in the needs of service providers. Results of this study can be useful to educators as they evaluate curricula to determine whether it is meeting the needs of the field. There also is information that will be useful for planning professional development programming.