The Effect of an Interprofessional Gerontology Course on Student Knowledge and Interest

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Aims: This study investigated occupational and physical therapy students’ knowledge of gerontology and self-reported interest in working with the geriatric population before and after an inter-professional course in gerontology. Methods: This retrospective analysis used a single-group pretest–posttest design. Participants included 204 occupational and physical therapy students who took a graduate course in gerontology. Results: Increased student knowledge of gerontology was indicated by course content pre- and post-test scores. There was a post-test correlation between subjective knowledge and course content knowledge. Increased content knowledge did not lead to increased interest. The primary factor influencing a change in interest was the course project. Students who did group projects were more likely to report increased interest in working with older adults. Conclusions: An inter-professional course in gerontology positively influenced OT and PT student knowledge of gerontology. Group activities involving interaction with older adults may enhance interest in geriatrics.