Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW), located in Americus, Ga, now offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Long-Term Care Management (LTCM)—reportedly the first of its kind in the nation—beginning this fall.
“A better prepared workforce is needed to care for our nation’s aging and disabled populations,” says Leisa Easom, PhD, associate dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, in a media release. “There is a national crisis with Alzheimer’s and related dementias.”
“Numerous years as a geriatric nurse and working directly with caregivers over the past eight years uniquely prepare me to lead our new initiative,” Easom adds.
The 4-year degree, available both online and in the classroom, will include courses in nursing, caregiving, sociology, and business. Students will gain knowledge in palliative care, hospice, gerontology, family issues, caregiving support, counseling, health promotion, business management, health funding, and cultural competency.
“Employers today express the need for a new skill set and are looking for individuals who are compassionate, culturally sensitive, able to communicate well with others and have managerial skills,” Easom adds in the release. “Graduates will be fully equipped to help patients and their families better navigate today’s complicated health care system.”
Sandra Daniel, PhD, dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, shares that, “Dr Easom is a nationally renowned expert in the field of caregiving. I have full confidence that our new long-term care management degree program will undergo substantial growth very quickly as a result of the expertise that she brings in this field.”
[Source(s): Georgia Southwestern State University, PRWeb]
