North Dakota State University's gerontology program received a grant from the Department of Human Services that allows for a limited number of scholarships for qualified long-term care professionals who register for the Mental Health and Aging Program. The scholarship will cover the $25 registration fee on a first come, first serve basis for up to 200 long-term care professionals in North Dakota who register by June 30.

The Mental Health and Aging program offered by NDSU Distance and Continuing Education and the gerontology program in the College of Human Development and Education is geared toward professionals addressing aging and mental health. The program covers topics including an overview on aging and mental health, assessment and diagnosis, changes to the aging brain and the impact on mental health, psychosocial treatment of mental disorders in older adults, wellness and prevention, and resources and referrals for older clients. The Mental Health and Aging program, which is sponsored by NDSU and the North Dakota Department of Human Services, is offered online and can be completed individually at a pace that is convenient to the course participant. In addition to the online course, trainers are available for onsite training through June 30. The online program will continue to be offered for $25 once the scholarships have been filled.

The National Association of Social Workers approves the Mental Health and Aging program for 13 continuing education contact hours. NDSU Distance and Continuing Education also approves the program for 13 continuing education hours or 1.3 Continuing Education units by the North Dakota Board of Nursing, North Dakota Board of Psychologist Examiners, National Board of Certified Counselors and for general continuing education units.

For more information, go to www.ndsu.edu/dce or call (701) 231-7015 or toll free (800) 726-1724.