Become an expert in rehabilitation and prevention in the healthy ageing context
We cannot ignore it, life expectancy is rising. People are living longer, but not always with the desired quality of life. This brings additional challenges to our society. People who are getting older, may experience symptoms and obstacles to live the life they want to continue living. Thus, many older people come in contact with a physiotherapist.
The geriatric physiotherapist approaches the patient as a whole, rather than a composite of separate complaints. Attention is paid to physiological and cognitive decline, as well as to the patient’s functional abilities. The geriatric physiotherapist focuses on prevention of deterioration, preservation and optimisation of functional abilities. The aim is to keep the quality of life of the patient as high as possible for as long as possible. In this way, the geriatric physiotherapist has a major impact on the life of an ageing person and with that on the ageing population.
Goals and setup
Since 2019, the profession of physiotherapists within older adults’ care has been a bottleneck (see VDAB bottleneck job list), so there is a high need for well-trained geriatric physiotherapists. Through this micro-credential, we want to address this shortage. 
This micro-credential is organised in a flexible and interactive way, to optimize the combination of working and studying:
- Blended learning: assignments offered online and asynchronously through modules on the VUB learning platform CANVAS (e.g. online reading assignments, webinars by international experts that can be followed at one's own rhythm) with linked assignments to be prepared individually
- Online intervision sessions in small groups (max. 3-5) under the guidance of a lecturer (1x/2 weeks mandatory online attendance)
- 1 week on-campus (Geriatric Rehab Week) in the Spring with focus on practical skills, offered by experts
- English and Dutch is possible, depending on the language and size of the groups
Course
Evidence-based prevention and rehabilitation in the healthy ageing context 2 (12 ECTS - all year)
Admission requirements
To start this micro-credential you need on of the following diploma's:
- Licentiate or Master of Science in Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy (or equivalent degrees within the field of physiotherapy) 
- Professional Bachelor of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy (or equivalent degrees within the field of physiotherapy) 
- Foreign diploma at least equivalent to a Bachelor of Science (minimum 210 ECTS) awarded by an officially recognized higher education institution within the field of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy
Maximum 20 participants
Enrolments will follow the 'first come, first serve' principal.
1 academic year
This course takes place during both 1st and 2nd semester.
12 ECTS
One ECTS-credit equates to roughly 25 to 30 hours of study, from lessons to completing a project or studying independently.
Campus Jette
Courses are organised on the VUB Health Campus located in Jette.
Maximum 20 participants
Enrolments will follow the 'first come, first serve' principal.
Day or evening courses
You can take this micro-credential in day or evening courses.
What is a Micro-credential?
Micro-credentials are small, academic programmes that focus on specific subjects and competences. They consist of one or more courses or course parts taught in a Bachelor or Master programme at the university. Usually, they are taught for a few hours spread over one semester or one academic year. They are literally micro-courses.
If you pass the micro-credential, you receive a certificate proving that you have acquired the competences. These are official credits. This is where micro-credentials differ from other programmes, such as study days or trainings. The credits and competences you obtain are recognised throughout your career and can lead to exemptions from future programmes, for example, even at other institutions.
Micro-credentials are important for lifelong learning. After all, in our rapidly changing society, it is essential that everyone keeps working to renew their own competences. Micro-credentials are blocks that you can stack and combine throughout your life and career to further direct your own pathway. There are several advantages to taking micro-credentials. Since they are short, specific courses, you only learn what you need to upskill or specialise.
In addition, the certificate guarantees your acquired competences and the credits are often recognised abroad. They are a great asset on your CV.
Costs
The tuition fee consist of a fixed amount and a variable amount
The fixed amount is an administrative fee paid once per academic year. The variable amount is a specific fee per credit or ECTS that you enrol for.
Enrolment
Start your online application here
Look under 'continuing education' to select your micro-credential.
Check the application deadlines here
Need help?
Teaching methods
The VUB is committed to blended learning, a combination of online and on-campus lessons. Therefore, students need not necessarily be on campus if they do not have to be, but we still believe in the added value of physical teaching moments.
Classes are usually taught for a few hours spread over one semester or one academic year. You can always check the class timetable, where you can see if a course is online, on campus or taught through recorded lessons. It is best to view the timetables for each individual course.
Any questions?
microcredentials@vub.be
The new training offer of micro-credentials was developed and announced with the support of the European Union.