Graduates' perspectives on a national specialized program in social work and aging

Recognizing the growing need for social workers with specialized training in aging, the Hartford Partnership Program for Aging Education (HPPAE) has developed as a nationwide initiative to enhance aging education for master'slevel social work students. This study presents a content analysis of answers to 2 open-ended questions in a national survey of HPPAE graduates regarding what they found most useful about the program and what they recommend for the program's improvement. Many graduates perceived value in the program's emphasis on field education, as well as its helping them to develop specialized competence in social work and aging. Graduates desired additional educational content in aging and resolution of issues in field education. Implications for specialized programs in graduate social work education are discussed.