LSMNJ Participates in LeadingAge’s Senior Care Management Class

LSMNJ/Leading Age Management Class

Twenty LeadingAge NJ Professionals Earn Certification

Twenty LeadingAge New Jersey member professionals, representing a spectrum of senior care organizations, graduated this week from the first Rutgers Masters Certificate in Senior Care Management Program. Conceived by LeadingAge New Jersey, this inaugural Masters Certificate Program was developed in partnership with Rutgers School of Management and Labor Relations, Executive and Professionals Education group and consisted of 30 hours of instruction over 10 weeks.

“This is a unique certificate program devoted to giving professionals the skills, tools and information they need to advance their careers in senior care. We are thrilled with its success!” said Michele Kent, LeadingAge New Jersey President & CEO. “The student evaluations confirm that this program provides a much needed component to today’s changing and challenging senior care landscape.”

Engaging course topics included Quality Improvement and Risk Management; Social Accountability and Community Engagement; Emerging Challenges in Healthcare; Strategic Planning and Positions, among others. Students included professionals from a wide range of backgrounds and levels of experience, representing the many facets of senior care including independent senior housing, home health and hospice, assisted living, nursing home, and accountable care organizations.

LSMNJ Chief Operating Officer Beth Sparling was one of the students to participate and earn a Masters Certificate in Senior Care Management. “It was such a privilege and honor to be a student of the 10-week leadership program and a member of the first graduating class. Being among other diverse professionals within the senior living and healthcare industry was an incredible opportunity,“ Sparling said of the experience.

“This training and certification opportunity program is timely for our rapidly changing health care system” commented LSMNJ President and CEO Colleen Frankenfield. “Professionals who have gone through the program will have an increased knowledge of the latest trends, tools, and best practices and thus will be better equipped to provide high quality care for the elder population. Beth is just the first of our senior care professionals who will be taking advantage of this innovative program. This is a major step forward for more healthful and satisfying life for New Jersey seniors.”

“LeadingAge NJ is already planning to build upon these successes,” explained Kent. “And we will be announcing plans for future program dates and alumni events in the near future.”