Membership FAQs
Where can I find a summary of the membership benefits?
You can view all the member benefits by member category using the NAPGCM’s quick view member benefits grid.
A detail of all the membership benefits can be found on the Member Benefits page.
The LinkedIn and Facebook communities are mentioned as a benefit, how do I join?
You can join at any time by clicking the linked logos below.
Why does NAPGCM need different member categories?
The profession of geriatric care management is growing and different professionals within the field have different levels of experience, education and certifications that support their expertise in geriatric care management. NAPGCM is proactively meeting the needs of the profession by creating membership categories that recognize high certification standards and professionalism while also being inclusive to allow all practitioners of geriatric care management a home within NAPGCM. The profession represents a diversity of people with different levels of experience and education, but ultimately the end goal for everyone is improved service and quality of life for the older adult and their families. NAPGCM’s member categories are designed to accomplish all these objectives.
When will the Certified Logo be available for use?
The Certified Logo is available to you after you have submitted your Membership Dues.
What if I’ve been a geriatric care manager for a long time but don’t meet all the requirements to be called a Certified Geriatric Care Manager?
How you choose to market yourself is your choice; however NAPGCM strongly encourages you to promote your membership affiliation ethically and accurately. While you would not be able to claim Certified Geriatric Care Manager membership status, you may likely fall into the Associate Geriatric Care Manager membership category that is designed specifically for practitioners who do not meet all the requirements of certified membership.
What if I do not hold one of the four sanctioned certifications that qualifies me for the Certified Geriatric Care Manager category but I meet all the education and experience requirements?
Associate Geriatric Care Manager is the membership category for you. Whether you are working toward certification or not, the Associate category allows practitioners to still contribute and benefit from NAPGCM membership.
Why is NAPGCM placing so much emphasis on the differences between categories and certification standards? Aren’t we all professionals in different capacities working toward the same goal?
Yes, and like many professions, certain certification or education requirements are considered the standard of professionalism within that industry. Like attorneys or clinical healthcare professionals, a profession’s commitment to high standards begins with acknowledging established criteria related to education, experience and minimum certifications.
While NAPGCM is unique in that its mission is to be inclusive of all practitioners, including non-certified professionals, the development of industry-approved standards of professionalism will only serve to improve the entire profession of geriatric care management. This commitment to excellence is not only a beacon to consumers who are interested in qualified geriatric care managers, but also to geriatric care practitioners who plan to become Certified Geriatric Care Managers as part of their longer-term career path.
Distinct recognition of professional standards hand-in-hand with better clarified membership categories will promote higher standards while simultaneously being inclusive to all and ultimately improving the services provided to the older adult and their families.