 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
The American Grief Academy offers two different certifications, the Grief Services Provider and the Grief Management Specialist. This is the first level of certification available through the American Grief Academy. Upon completion of this training program, participants have a thorough understanding of the Grief Process and are able to run an existing aftercare program for funeral service or hospice care. The GRIEF SERVICES PROVIDER certification program consists of 2 courses. Both courses are REQUIRED for certification. Credit may be given for Understanding Grief if other course work can be documented and the course objectives and content are similar to the AGA course. Follow-Up Care and Support Services must be completed through AGA. There are no examinations required, but competencies must be demonstrated throughout the coursework. A final project is required of each participant in preparation for certification. PREREQUISITES There are no prerequisites for this certification program, but an application must be completed prior to enrollment. A $25 application fee is required. Understanding Grief or its equivalent must be completed before enrolling in AGA's Follow-Up Care and Support Services course. If a student wishes to petition for credit for Understanding Grief from other training, an exemption petition must be completed prior to enrolling in Follow-Up Care and Support Services. Applications and exemption petition forms may be obtained from the AGA office. (253) 929-0649. The exemption packet requires curriculum vitae, professional resume, and documents pertaining to training or course work completed in grief education. Copies of certificates of completion, course work outlines and behavioral objectives must be included in the packet in order to be considered. AGA faculty will review the petition packet and a student may receive partial or full credit for the Understanding Grief course. Students will be notified of the results of the petition within 4 weeks of submission. A $125 administrative fee is required with each application for exemption. CREDIT Each course is 21 or 22.5 hours in length. AGA is working now to obtain an agreement with an accredited college to obtain academic credit for each course. An additional tuition fee will be required if college credit is desired for each AGA course. College credit courses will satisfy continuing education requirements for most fields. It is up to the student to apply to his/her professional association for continuing education credits. AGA will supply course description, behavioral objectives, course content and a certificate of completion for each course completed. CERTIFICATION Upon completion of both Understanding Grief and Follow-Up Care and Support Services, students are required to complete a course project and submit it for evaluation. Upon successful completion of the project, American Grief Academy will grant certification as a GRIEF SERVICES PROVIDER. A minimum of 4 hours of continuing education in the field of thanatology, psychology, social work, counseling, or aftercare are required each year to renew certification. (see Recertification section) FINAL PROJECT A final project is required for completion of the GRIEF SERVICES PROVIDER certification. This project consists of outlining an element of an aftercare program of the student's choice, including objectives, intentions, expectations of self and of participants, target participants, a program outline and resources necessary to implement the program. A complete budget and revenue stream plan will also be required as well as an evaluation tool or process. This project is intended to be a working project, which will result in a functional aftercare program element. RECERTIFICATION In order to maintain a minimum standard of care, AGA requires that 4 hours of continuing education in the field of Thanatology, psychology, social work, counseling, or aftercare must be obtained each year that certification renewal is requested. This will ensure AGA graduates maintain the high quality of knowledge and preparation that is the hallmark of American Grief Academy. Hours must be submitted by the student as they are earned. A copy of a signed certificate of completion of any training course, along with the course outline, behavioral objectives and number of contact hours must be submitted for recertification credit. AGA will maintain student records and will record and review all such credits annually. A recertification seal will be issued on the date of renewal for each year recertification is sought. If recertification is not sought or certification lapses, and later a student wishes to become recertified, AGA will require completion of 1 additional course from the AGA course curriculum. A recertification application form may be obtained from the AGA office. A $25 fee must accompany the recertification application.
This is an advanced certification program, designed for those who work or who are seeking employment in the field of bereavement services, in a funeral home setting, a hospice program, a school district, mental health clinic or in private practice. It is a comprehensive program, one of the first of its kind in the nation. Two core courses are required and an additional three elective courses complete the program. While no examinations are required, an extensive project is required prior to certification. PREREQUISITES Before enrolling in the Grief Management Specialist certification program, participants must have completed the Grief Services Provider Certification Training by the American Grief Academy or demonstrate the equivalent education, training and experience. All certification candidates must complete an application. A $25 application fee is required. Students who have not completed the AGA Grief Services Provider certification program may petition AGA for evaluation of their training credits by preparing a curriculum vitae, professional resume and providing 2 professional references. Partial credit may be awarded and admission to the advanced certification program may be granted once any course deficiencies are corrected. An additional $125 fee (per course) is required if course exemption petitions are also submitted. CREDIT Each course is 21-22.5 hours in length. AGA is working now to obtain an agreement with an accredited college to obtain academic credit for each course. An additional tuition fee will be required if college credit is desired for each AGA course. College credit courses will satisfy continuing education requirements for most fields. It is up to the student to apply to his/her professional association for continuing education credits. AGA will supply course description, behavioral objectives, course content and a certificate of completion for each course completed. CERTIFICATION Upon completion of the 2 core courses and 3 additional elective courses, students will be required to complete a course project and submit it for evaluation. Upon successful completion of the project, the American Grief Academy will grant certification as a GRIEF MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST. Eight (8) hours of continuing education in the field of Thanatology, psychology, social work, counseling, or aftercare must be obtained each year that certification renewal is requested. (see Recertification section) FINAL PROJECT A final project is required for completion of the GRIEF MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST certification. This project requires an outline of a complete aftercare program, describing objectives, intentions, expectations of self and of participants, target participants, an outline of program elements and resources necessary to implement the program. A simple budget and revenue stream plan is also be required as well as an evaluation tool or process. This project is intended to be a working project, which will result in a functional aftercare program. RECERTIFICATION In order to maintain a minimum standard of care, the American Grief Academy requires that 8 hours of continuing education in the field of Thanatology, psychology, social work, counseling, or aftercare must be obtained each year that certification renewal is requested. This will ensure AGA graduates maintain the high quality of knowledge and preparation that is the hallmark of the American Grief Academy. Hours must be submitted by the student as they are earned. A copy of a signed certificate of completion of any training course, along with the course outline, behavioral objectives and number of contact hours must be submitted for recertification credit. AGA will maintain student records and will record and review all such credits annually. A recertification seal will be issued on the date of renewal for each year recertification is sought. A recertification application form may be obtained from the AGA office. A $25 fee must accompany the recertification application. If recertification is not sought or certification lapses, and later a student wishes to become recertified, AGA will require an additional class from the AGA course curriculum to be completed. |
|
Click here for our privacy statement.
©2004 Grief Inc Website design by Franklin Consulting |
