This past fall semester, three University of Pittsburgh Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) third-year students, Nikki D’Agostino, Tessa Lignelli and Kristin Tollefson, received a Graduate Certificate in Gerontology from the University of Pittsburgh University Center for Social and Urban Research. This was awarded for their completed geriatric-focused coursework and fieldwork placements. The certificate provides an opportunity for students to specialize with this specific population post-graduation.
The certificate program is available in both online and in-person formats and can be completed in as little as nine months. Its aim is to train people to think critically about the issues of aging and how to support the well-being of adults as they grow older. The program is the result of a collaboration between the University of Pittsburgh University Center for Social and Urban Research, the College of General Studies, and the Aging Institute of UPMC Senior Services.
Below the Pitt OT three students share how this certificate has enhanced their career trajectory and planning, as they soon will transition into the workforce as occupational therapists graduating this spring.
How has the geriatric certificate enhanced your OTD course work?
“This certificate has enhanced my overall knowledge and confidence with working with the geriatric population. I have learned how to navigate the complexities that come with working with this population such as legal implications, resources and services—and most importantly—the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. Through the UCS, I have been able to dive into course content and discuss topics such as the ethics of aging with students from a variety of disciplines (i.e. nursing, social work, teachers, medical anthropologists, music therapists, etc.).”
– Nikki D’Agostino (OTD ‘25)
What interested you in completing the geriatric certificate?
“After interacting with older adults through school and learning how occupational therapy can increase independence and quality of life for older adults, I knew I wanted to play a role in this. The opportunity to enhance my education through two additional courses and geriatric-focused fieldwork placements piqued my interest, as it would further help me reach my goal of working with older adults in the future.”
– Tessa Lignelli (OTD ‘25)
What do you hope to do in your career to utilize the geriatric certificate knowledge?
“After graduation, I hope to utilize the knowledge from the geriatric certificate program to work with older adults, specifically older adults with dementia. I greatly enjoyed my time working at a nursing home in the memory care unit and would like to continue working with this population as an OT with this specialized certification.”
– Kristin Tollefson (OTD ‘25)
