Abstract
In Japan, the Social Worker and Care Worker Law was enacted in 1987. Currently, there are four pathways to becoming a government-certified care worker: 1. Course study route 2. Specific high school route 3. Work experience route 4. Economic Partnership Agreement (foreign national acceptance route). In this paper, I introduce the educational content of the care worker program at Japanese universities and discuss the advantages and value of a four-year education. This is achieved by analyzing published data and presenting examples of four years’ worth of educational content. The total number of certified care workers in Japan was 1,940,317 in 2023. Of the 66,771 newly certified care workers that year, 86% entered the profession through the work experience route, while 14% followed the course study route. Among these, only 1% (n=684) studied at a four-year university. Fifty-three universities offer certified care worker courses in Japan in 2023. These universities also offer certified social worker education. The advantages for university students are as follows: 1. Simultaneous learning of care work and social work. 2. Bachelor’s degree in social welfare studies. 3. Diplomas for certified care workers. 4. Diplomas for certified social workers. The value of this education lies in familiarizing students with the development of caring philosophy, from “Maid-Servant Syndrome Care” to “Person-Centered Care.” Additionally, students acquire the latest care knowledge, skills, and technology.
Presenters
Hiromi WatanabeProfessor, Faculty of Design for Welfare Society, Toyo University, Tokyo, Japan
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Social and Cultural Perspectives on Aging
KEYWORDS
Education, Care worker, University
