IU Fort Wayne (IUFW) is expanding its academic offerings by introducing a new minor and two innovative certificate programs to address the growing needs of healthcare and aging populations. The Serious Illness and Supportive Care minor and Global Health and Rehabilitation and Gerontology certificates are available for the Fall 2024 semester.

Serious Illness and Supportive Care Minor

The Serious Illness and Supportive Care minor enhances students' clinical skills and deepens their understanding of the medical, psychological, and ethical aspects of caring for individuals facing life-threatening conditions. This program is designed to prepare students to provide compassionate, patient-centered care to those navigating critical health challenges.

“This minor is crucial because it equips our students with the skills and knowledge to support patients during some of the most difficult moments of their lives," said Niki Munk, Chair at the School of Health & Human Sciences. "By focusing on the comprehensive needs of patients and their families, our students will be better prepared to make a positive impact on healthcare outcomes."

Global Health and Rehabilitation Certificate

The Global Health and Rehabilitation certificate is designed for students and professionals seeking to enhance their understanding of global health issues and rehabilitation practices across different cultural contexts.

Kathy Berlin, Director of Undergraduate Programs at the School of Health & Human Sciences stated, "This certificate is an excellent opportunity for our students to gain a broader perspective on health and rehabilitation. As healthcare becomes increasingly globalized, it’s crucial for professionals to understand and adapt to different health environments and practices."

Gerontology Certificate

The Gerontology certificate program aims to prepare students for the rapidly growing field of aging and elder care. As the global population ages, there is a heightened demand for professionals skilled in gerontological practices.

Munk, emphasized the importance of this new offering, saying, "Our aging population presents both challenges and opportunities. This certificate will empower our students with the knowledge and skills necessary to improve the quality of life for older adults and to contribute positively to this vital sector."

The addition of these programs aligns with IUFW's mission to serve both the local community and the broader global context. By providing specialized education in these critical areas, IUFW is responding to current trends and proactively preparing students to meet future demands in healthcare and elder care.

"We are excited to offer these new academic offerings," said Dr. Deborah Garrison, Inaugural Vice Chancellor and Dean of IUFW. "They reflect our commitment to evolving our curriculum to meet the needs of our students and the communities they will serve. These programs will open up new career paths and opportunities for our graduates."

Enrollment for the new programs is now open. The programs are open to all currently enrolled degree-seeking students regardless of their academic program.

For more information visit IUFW's website or contact your academic advisor.