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The Program of Gerontology
The Program of Gerontology

FAQ

The Gerontology Program offers graduate-level education in aging studies. It also conducts research on various topics such as mental health, informal care, social aspects of aging, cognitive function, medical education, and more.

The program combines interdisciplinary academic knowledge with practical field training, simulations, and study tours. It is conducted within the Faculty of Health Sciences in collaboration with Soroka Medical Center and under the guidance of clinical experts, academics, and field professionals.

Graduates integrate into various roles, including managing elderly care institutions, senior day centers, municipal and regional aging services, research centers, nursing care companies, NGOs for the elderly, and private sector roles.

  • The Management of Services for the Elderly track is recognized by the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs as qualifying for expertise in managing nursing homes.

  • Graduates of the Management of Services for the Elderly and Care Management tracks are recognized by the National Insurance Institute as professional employees in companies providing elderly care services.

  • The program is recognized by the Social Workers’ Association as a specialization in aging for professional development credits.

  • It is also recognized for professional development credits for nurses and paramedical staff working with the elderly in institutions and hospital wards primarily treating elderly patients.

  • The degree is recognized for further academic studies both in Israel and abroad.

Courses cover a variety of aging-related topics, including Aging Policy, Community Services for the Elderly, Psychology of Aging, Social Aspects of Aging, Legal Aspects, Pathophysiology, Biology of Aging, Epidemiology, Human Resource Management, Neuropsychology, Principles of Family Therapy, Clinical Skills, Social Networks in Aging, Holocaust and Aging, and more.

The program offers three specializations: Care Management, Management of Services for the Elderly, and a Research Track. [For more information (Hebrew) >>]

Students must choose a track at the end of the first year and register for relevant courses at the beginning of the second year.

You can explore the list of research topics in the program and review faculty members' research. Additional topics can be considered based on student interests.

Yes, you can write a thesis while also studying in either the Care Management or Management of Services for the Elderly track.

You can choose from the program’s faculty members. You may also select an advisor based on your areas of interest or original research ideas. If your advisor is from outside the program and does not specialize in aging, you will also receive guidance from a faculty member in the program.

Mandatory courses do not require selection, but elective courses and specialization courses must be chosen each semester.

Yes, each semester includes several online learning days, while the rest of the classes are conducted in person.

Students must meet the prerequisites of "Introduction to Psychology" and "Introduction to Statistics." If these courses were not completed during their undergraduate studies, they will need to take them.

You can email faculty members via the [Staff List] and arrange a meeting.

Alternatively, you can contact the administrative coordinator, Ms. Milka Sampson, at 08-6477427 or milkas@bgu.ac.il.