Increasing numbers of older people in the population are expanding opportunities for careers in aging-related fields: caregivers, home health aides, occupational therapists, nurses, nurses' aides, nursing home personnel, long-term care ombudsmen, discharge planners, retirement community managers, and respiratory therapists. (SK)

An overview is provided of the general education and training of occupational therapists, followed by a discussion of issues related to personnel preparation for early-intervention practice. Two challenges identified for the field of occupational therapy include the need for continuing education and the personnel shortage. (Author/JDD)

Describes the process of tailoring written and oral communication curricula to particular occupations. Uses a course adapted for an environmental health program to illustrate the process. (JAD)

This report examines how the teacher-practitioner model has been developed and is implemented at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center (Chicago, Illinois) in the professional training of audiologists. Discussed are the model's attributes, integration of the clinical and academic programs, advantages of the model, demands of the model, and…

In a survey, 80 occupational therapy directors described funding requests for 1988-90: they submitted 24 internal and 194 external requests, receiving full or partial funding for 115, an increase of $2 million compared to 1985-87. Programs received funding for training (35), model projects (2), research and development (6), and other activities…

Presents issues related to counseling psychologists' role in health care settings in response to previous articles by Alcorn and Altmaier. Discusses psychologists' contributions in the measurement area, interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary treatment, lack of social influence of counseling psychologists, and loss of independence of counseling…

Despite logistical disadvantages of geographic distance and scheduling, using multidisciplinary allied health teams to develop problem-based cases related to older adults has several advantages: increasing cross-disciplinary awareness, building a cadre with team experience, and expanding knowledge of the problem-based learning method. (SK)

Challenges facing gerontology education in universities include the following: (1) educating the public about aging; (2) recruiting and training gerontology students; (3) educating health and service providers; (4) developing partnerships with employers of gerontology graduates; (5) providing educational opportunities for older adults; and (6)…

Discusses implications of three recommendations concerning higher education and public health in a 1988 study, "The Future of Public Health." Recommendations address: (1) the mission of public health professionals; (2) the need for a well-informed public; and (3) the social determinants of health. Also discusses the university's role in providing…

Dental hygiene students (n=15) took a first examination on computer then paper; 15 others took the paper test first. Computer test scores were higher than paper for the first exam. Student acceptance of the computer format was mixed. Computer exams reduced scoring and grade reporting time. (SK)

A survey to determine the extent of gerontological and geriatric education for a specific allied health sciences school received responses from 27 of 60 faculty. A substantial number of courses infused aging-related information into the course content, particularly at the graduate level. (Author/JOW)

Draws on an analysis of graduate-level health care practice courses from 53 accredited schools so as to examine curricular content and practice. Results show that content was infrequently included in course outlines. Focuses on changes in the health care environment, course units, theoretical models, reading lists, and course requirements. (RJM)

Presents a philosophical analysis of professionalism to clarify professional responsibilities for continuing education; illustrates professional organizations' responses, using occupational therapy as an example. Provides a framework for planning continuing professional-education activities based on a systems approach. (SK)

A model interdisciplinary rural-health curriculum implemented in North Carolina includes the following strategies as a framework for the design and implementation of a practice-based curriculum: preparation of site, faculty, and preceptors; expectations and roles; collaboration; structured community projects; and informal learning. (JOW)

A survey of Florida health care professionals before (n=72) and after (n=53) mandated continuing education on domestic violence found no significant changes in awareness and identification of women involved in physically abusive relationships. Availability of patient education materials increased. Respondents desired more professional education on…