Foundational Competencies in Older Adult Mental Health

Certificate Program IN PERSON TRAINING

In-Person Certificate Program

June 11-13th, 2025, Chicago, IL

Applications are now open!

 

APPLY NOW

CLICK HERE FOR THE ONLINE CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

ENGAGE

EMPOWER

EDUCATE

 

Application Deadline: February 26th, 2025

Description: The E4 Center of Excellence in Behavioral Health Disparities in Aging at RUSH and the RUSH Center for Excellence in Aging will be hosting a three-day intensive training program for licensed clinicians from multiple healthcare fields who aspire to build foundational competency in older adult mental health. Experts in geriatric psychiatry, geropsychology, neuropsychology, and clinical social work collaboratively facilitate this fellowship that is based on the most current evidence-based practices. Content is designed to be applicable across multiple disciplines and settings.

DUE TO FUNDING AND SPACE CONSTRAINTS, ONLY 25 APPLICANTS WILL BE SELECTED FOR THIS PROGRAM.

Program Objectives are to:

  • Educate clinicians from multiple disciplines on best practices in older adult mental health
  • Integrate evidence-based knowledge into clinical practice by facilitating group discussion and simulated patient exercises that solidify basic older adult mental health competencies
  • Build a national “community” of geriatric mental health providers with foundational competency in older adult mental health who will return to their home institutions as emerging leaders in their fields to best meet the needs of the older adult communities they serve.
  • Prepare learners with tools to share the knowledge gained in this training with their organizations and community.

Details: This intensive, in-person training program will be hosted at Rush University Medical Center located in Chicago, IL. The program will combine didactic training with discussion and practice with simulated patients. Masking protocols will be adhered to based on CDC guidelines and Rush hospital policy.

Cost: Tuition for the fellowship itself is supported by grant funds at no cost to participants. Travel stipends of up to $300 will be available for those who provide reimbursement documents for travel related expenses. Lodging is available at hotels within walking distance from campus and public transportation. Continuing education credits for the duration of training time (20 hours) will be provided at no cost to participants. Breakfast and Lunch will be provided each day. Dinner will be provided for the first day only.

Eligibility: This program is open to independently licensed clinicians. Ideal candidates are those who frequently serve older adults with mental health issues in practice or want to expand their practice with older adults but have little to no formal geriatrics training. The program seeks to train clinicians from multiple disciplines who provide assessment and treatment of mental health issues among older adults, including social work, psychology, psychiatry, primary and specialty care, and nursing. For a complete list, see “What disciplines can receive credit, below”. A minimum of a master’s degree is required for participation. Students and those with limited licenses are not eligible for this program.

How to Apply: Submit your application online by following this link

Testimonials from Previous Attendees:

  • “It was so great to hear from experts in this field, as well as connecting with professionals from all backgrounds across the country! The material was very relevant to my work and my agency. I’m looking forward to spreading the knowledge!”
  • “I enjoyed the comprehensive and broad approach to topics covered, appreciated the diversity of professionals in attendance, and was thankful for all of the reference materials, source materials and suggestions for screening/assessment materials.”
  • “This is definitely a must have program for anyone working with older adults.”
  • “It is definitely worth your time and resources because of the valuable information as well as the connection after the trainings are a great opportunity. You will not regret it!”

For more information, please email aging@rush.edu.

Continuing Education FAQ

Does the certificate program offer continuing education credits?

The Foundational Competencies in Older Adult Mental Health Certificate IN PERSON Program offers 20 hours of CE, CNE, CME and others for free. Please see below for the full accreditation statement from Rush University Medical Center.

What disciplines can receive credit?

  • Audiologists
  • Advance practice nurses
  • Dietitians
  • Nutritionists
  • Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors
  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists
  • Occupational therapists
  • Physicians
  • Physician assistants
  • Physical therapists
  • Psychologists
  • Registered nurses
  • Respiratory therapists
  • Social workers

Does the certificate program offer APA credits?

Our joint accreditation allows us to provide APA credit, but the APA is not the accreditor.

Is the certificate program accredited by NASW?

NASW offers credit on a state-by-state basis. As a Jointly Accredited Organization, Rush University Medical Center is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved continuing education (ACE) program. Our joint accreditation allows us to provide ASWB Approved Continuing Education (ACE) credit, but the NASW is not the accreditor.

What if I am licensed in the State of New York?

Rush is not accredited by the State of New York, so clinicians who have a license in the State of New York may not be able to utilize CEUs toward their state licensure requirements. Please confirm with your licensing body to confirm before counting them toward renewal.

Further questions?

Please consult with your licensing body to confirm these credits apply to your license before counting toward renewal.

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Accreditation Statement

This activity is being presented without bias and without commercial support.

In support of improving patient care, Rush University Medical Center is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

For Medicine: Rush University Medical Center designates this live activity for a maximum of 20 AMA PRA Category Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

For Nursing: Rush University Medical Center designates this live activity for a maximum of 20 nursing contact hour(s).

For Psychologists: Rush University Medical Center designates this live activity for 20 CE credits in psychology.

For Social Work: As a Jointly Accredited Organization, Rush University Medical Center is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved continuing education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved under this program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. Social workers completing this course receive 20 general continuing education credits.

For Counselors: RUSH University Medical Center is an approved provider by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC ACEP No. 7599). This activity has been approved for 20 NBCC credit hours..