Frequently Asked Questions
- Am I required to have any special computer skills for these online courses?
- Do I need to come to Gainesville, Florida to participate in this program?
- Does the ECM Certificate provide national or state certification or licensing?
- How are the courses delivered?
- How long does it take to complete the certificate program?
- How much does the program cost?
- What if I need to withdraw?
- How long do I have to complete a course?
- I already work as an Elder Care Manager. How would this program or curriculum benefit me?
- Is the clinical experience required if I already work in the elder care field?
- Is there a clinical practicum or internship involved?
- What computer programs and equipment do I need?
- What institutions or private practices would be available at the local level for completing the clinical experience?
- What internet browser will I need to take these online courses?
- Where can I go for computer support?
- Will a slow typist get behind in class?
- Will I need a Univeristy of Florida e-mail account for these online courses?
- Will I need an extra phone line for online classes?
Am I required to have any special computer skills for these online courses?
Not at all. The computer skills necessary for successful participation in these online courses are quite basic. You must have regular access to a computer and be familiar with routine computer skills, such as Windows, e-mail, basic typing, and Internet browsing.
Do I need to come to Gainesville, Florida to participate in this program?
No, this program is taught entirely through the internet. You will never need to physically come to The University of Florida.
Does the ECM Certificate provide national or state certification or licensing?
No, there currently is not a state certification or license in elder care Management. Our program provides you with a certificate from the University of Florida. It also prepares participants academically to sit for certification examinations from various certifying organizations. For example the National Academy of Certified Care Managers certification. Review the NACCM certification requirements.
How are the courses delivered?
The courses are delivered online via UF's Blackboard Vista Learning System. The Blackboard Vista Learning System allows students to obtain assignments, interact with their instructor and classmates and submit assignments.
How long does it take to complete the certificate program?
This program was designed to accommodate working professionals. If you take one course per UF semester you may complete the courses in 5 semesters or roughly 18 months.
How much does the program cost?
Tuition is set annually during the summer by the state legislature. Review our current tuition rates.
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What if I need to withdraw?
A tuition refund will be granted after written request for withdrawal from a course within 30 days of enrollment. This request must be in writing, and may be sent by fax, email, or U.S. mail. All requests will receive written responses. Refunds will be the amount of tuition, less a $50.00 processing charge. Allow four to six weeks for refund checks. No refunds are granted after 30 days.
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How long do I have to complete a course?
You have 6 months from the day you receive your login instructions to complete your course.
I already work as an Elder Care Manager. How would this program benefit me?
This program has been designed with an interdisciplinary approach by experts at the University of Florida. The courses cover areas such as interpersonal communication, financial, ethical and legal information and training. This material may not have been covered in a traditional nursing or social work program.
What computer programs and equipment do I need?
Consult the official University of Florida computer and software requirements forgeneral reccommendation and a sample computer configuration. A computer with Microsoft Windows operating system and Internet Explorer 5.0 or higher will be sufficient for these online courses. Online students will also need a connection to the Internet through phone lines with at least a 56k modem (most people with internet access have a modem that is at least this fast). Additionally be sure that your computer is equipped with a CD-ROM. Our courses contain Microsoft Producer 2003 presentations. For specific software requirements to view these presentations, visit Microsoft's Producer 2003 system requirements page.
What instituitions or private practices would be available at the local level for completing the clinical experience?
It is the student's responsibility to identify the clinical site and preceptor.See Clinical Experience Information. Assistance is always available by emailing ECM@dce.ufl.edu.
What internet browser will I need to take these online courses?
Students that use the later versions of Internet Explorer normally experience the least amount of problems. Although the Blackboard Vista Learning System does not completely support the Netscape or AOL browsers, an AOL connection can be used in conjunction with the IE 5.0 or higher browser. A few versions of the Netscape browser are compatible. Configuration settings and advice on how to use the AOL connection and advice on how to use other browsers is available from Blackboard Vista Learning System.
Where can I go for computer support?
Online help for WebCT (the computer application used to run the online courses) is available at: http://www.webct.ufl.edu/resources.html For more computer trouble shooting tips and login advice, please contact the UF Help Desk (392-HELP or helpdesk@ufl.edu).
Will a slow typist get behind in class?
The only time a slow typist may have a little trouble is in a chat session, but even this disadvantage is not a big deal. Otherwise, slow typists should do fine, even though they may of course require a little more time to finish some assignments and/or projects.
Will I need a University of Florida e-mail account for these online courses?
Yes. You be given instructions on how to create your UF email account once you have been registered for the course.
Will I need an extra phone line for online classes?
All you will need for participation in these online courses is a computer and an Internet connection with at least a 56K modem (most people with internet access have a modem that is at least that fast).
