Close up image of a caretaker helping older woman walk

Georgia Southwestern State University is rolling out what it calls a “first-of-its-kind” degree for long-term care leaders this fall.

The Americus, GA, school is set to debut a new Bachelor of Science degree in long-term care management, which is available to professionals both online in the classroom. The four-year, interdisciplinary degree will have students tackling coursework in everything from nursing to caregiving, psychology, sociology and business. Students can expect to leave the program with a firm grasp in palliative care, hospice, gerontology and cultural competency, to name a few, according to the announcement.

GSW says it is is offering such classes in anticipation of ballooning aging and disabled populations, both nationally and in its state. Every 66 seconds, the school notes, someone in the U.S. develops Alzheimer’s, and Georgia is ranked 11th in the country for fastest growing elderly population.

“A better prepared workforce is needed to care for our nation’s aging and disabled populations,” Leisa Easom, associate dean of the GSW College of Nursing and Health Sciences,  said in the announcement. “Employers today express the need for a new skill set and are looking for individuals who are compassionate, culturally sensitive, able to communicate well with others and have managerial skills. Graduates will be fully equipped to help patients and their families better navigate today’s complicated healthcare system.”