An environmental scan of aging-related micro-credentials: Implications for gerontology and gerontologists

The purpose and rise of formal academic programs in gerontology at colleges and universities has been well documented over the last fifty years. What has been less well-documented is the rise of alternative pathways to gerontology training and gerontological competence, including micro-credentialing. Micro-credentials (MCs) are intended to provide quick-to-complete, competency-based education around specific topics to demonstrate relevant skills to employers. Little is known about the prevalence of micro-credentialing related to gerontology. To address this gap, we conducted an environmental scan of existing aging-related micro-credentialing opportunities. We identified 89 MCs with an explicit aging focus, applied strict inclusion criteria (narrowing the sample to 54 MCs included in the analysis), and examined the characteristics of the MCs’ scope and nature. Most MCs focused on aging-related health/disease conditions, highlighting the decline mentality underlies such training. Future efforts should entail analysis of the competencies addressed by MCs as it is critical to ensure alignment between gerontological MCs and established gerontological competencies and standards and to differentiate MCs from formal academic programs.