University of Utah Hartford Center of Geriatric Nursing Excellence

Teaching Nursing

teaching_nursingSeniors make up the majority of patients in critical, long term, and acute care settings. As the number of senior citizens increases over the years, there will be a greater demand for specialized geriatric caregivers.The greater demand for geriatric nurses also creates a greater need for faculty members who have a geriatric specialty in order to better educate future nurses.

Currently, the nursing shortage in Utah can be attributed in part to a lack of faculty to teach the large numbers of nursing school applicants. By 2050, it is anticipated that the Utah population over 85 will more than triple. The need for nurse educators, specifically those with the knowledge of geriatric best practices and care will only increase over time.  

 Students in the Teaching Nursing Program will have the opportunity to incorporate a 9-hour Noorda Geriatric Nursing Scholar subspecialty into their program of study. They may also choose to complete a specialized 15-hour University of Utah Hartford Center of Geriatric Nursing Excellence Noorda gerontology graduate certificate while completing their degree. Scholarship opportunities are available, via an application process, to students who commit to completing a geriatric subspecialty.

For specific information about the Teaching Nursing program contact Dr. Helen Zsohar by e-mail, helen.zsohar@nurs.utah.edu or phone, (801) 585-9639.

For more information about the innovative opportunities offered in collaboration with the University of Utah Hartford Center of Geriatric Nursing Excellence contact Jan Abramson by e-mail, jan.abramson@nurs.utah.edu or phone, (801) 587-8390.