Aging is a natural stage of life during which significant changes occur in individuals’ physical, psychological, and social needs. The increase in average life expectancy, the growing proportion of the elderly population, changes in family structures, and the prevalence of chronic diseases have led to a steadily increasing demand for elderly care services. Therefore, elderly care services are of great importance both for maintaining individuals’ quality of life and for improving public health.
Care services provided to elderly individuals should not be limited to meeting their basic physical needs. They should be delivered through a holistic approach that also considers individuals’ psychological, social, and cultural needs. Technological developments, easier access to healthcare services, and rising care standards make it essential for personnel working in the field of elderly care to be qualified and well equipped.
The increasing number of public and private nursing homes, elderly care and rehabilitation centers, hospitals, home care services, and daytime care centers has also increased the need for trained care personnel. In this context, the Elderly Care Program aims to train qualified intermediate-level professionals who can assess the physical, psychological, and social needs of elderly individuals and provide care services in a conscious, professional, and ethical manner.
The Elderly Care Program carries out its educational activities within the Department of Health Care Services at Tarsus University Vocational School of Health Services. The program provides students with theoretical and practical education in the care of elderly individuals, the protection of their health, the support of their daily living activities, and the improvement of their quality of life.
Applicants must meet the conditions determined by the Student Selection and Placement Center, have graduated from a high school or an equivalent institution, and obtain a sufficient score in the relevant score category of the Higher Education Institutions Examination.
Students applying through horizontal transfer must also meet the conditions specified in the relevant legislation and the university’s horizontal transfer regulations.
Students are entitled to graduate after successfully completing all compulsory and elective courses included in the curriculum, earning a total of 120 ECTS credits, achieving a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00 out of 4.00, and successfully completing the compulsory internship.
Graduates are awarded an Associate Degree Diploma in Elderly Care. In accordance with the relevant legislation and institutional job descriptions, graduates may work under the title of Elderly Care Technician.
Graduates of the Elderly Care Program may work in various public and private institutions and organizations that provide elderly care services. The main employment areas include:
Graduates may take part in services aimed at supporting the daily living activities of elderly individuals, meeting their personal care needs, monitoring their health conditions, encouraging their participation in social activities, and improving their quality of life.
Graduates of the Elderly Care Program may transfer to undergraduate programs specified in the current Vertical Transfer Examination guide published by the Student Selection and Placement Center, provided that they are successful in the examination. The main undergraduate programs available for transfer include:
The undergraduate programs and quotas available for vertical transfer may vary each year according to the current Vertical Transfer Examination guide published by the Student Selection and Placement Center.
