Our Online Programs at a Glance
Pay the same tuition, wherever you live. Enjoy flexible learning that works with your schedule.
Gain in-demand skills with your degree or certificate. Kickstart your career in aging today!
The M.S. in gerontology with the assisted living administration speciality area is the only National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards-accredited program in Virginia. Learn more about our concentration in Assisted Living Administration.
What is Gerontology?
Gerontology is the multidisciplinary study of aging. Gerontologists employ a bio-psycho-socio-spiritual framework to understand the multidimensional aspects of aging, enhance longevity and well-being across the life course, examine societal shifts and translate these insights into effective policies, programs and practices.
Older adults are the fastest-growing segment of the world's population. This is a global phenomenon that will continue in the decades to come, creating a need for gerontological training and education. Gerontology education provides real world learning that furthers discovery and innovations that improve the quality of human life. VCU Gerontologists become experts in aging and later life and their skills are highly needed, leading to career growth, stability and security.
Meet Alexa
My personal goals and my professional goals kind of intertwined. VCU Gerontology paved the path for me to self acceptance with aging. So I think if I just left the world in some way or another excited to grow older and seize aging as a gift, ‘cause it is such a gift, that would be amazing.
Alexa van Aartrijk, M.S.
Alexa's important work was featured on CBS 6 "Raising your grandchild? Chesterfield Kinship Fair wants to help."
She is the co-author of Benefits of an Education in Gerontology. In 2025, she was featured in Style Weekly's Top 40 under 40 for her work with The Span Center.
Questions about VDSS Medication Management or VDSS Individualized Service Plan (ISP) trainings? Please contact lorrie.shumaker@dss.virginia.gov or erin.arizmendi@dss.virginia.
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