title: Accreditation of gerontology programs: a look from inside.
abstract: For over three decades, there has been considerable discussion about the development of gerontology education in the United States. A debate about accreditation is a logical outgrowth in this evolution. The dialogue about accreditation raises some important questions and gives gerontology an opportunity to further define itself. Accreditation poses opportunities and challenges that must be addressed to have a valid and meaningful discussion about the future of gerontological education. This article examines the advantages and disadvantages of accreditation for gerontology using the lens of faculty members from these three different academic programs. The authors ask: Is accreditation a good idea for each program? What are the advantages and disadvantages? Is this the right time?
authors.affiliation: Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Gerontology, Youngstown State University, Youngstown, Ohio 44555-3442, USA. djvandussen@ysu.edu
authors.forename: Daniel J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Van Dussen
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Applebaum
authors.forename: Harvey
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Sterns
mesh_terms: D000068:Accreditation / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D000375:Aging; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards*; D003479:Curriculum; D004500:Education, Graduate / Q000592:standards; D004522:Educational Status; D005853:Geriatrics / Q000193:education* / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D009820:Ohio; D015397:Program Evaluation / Q000592:standards; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D014481:United States