Aydın Adnan Menderes University Nazilli Vocational School of Health Services began its educational activities in the 2010–2011 academic year at the Sümer Campus in Nazilli, Aydın. The school operates the **Elderly Care, Home Patient Care, and Podiatry programs** under the Department of Health Care Services. The **Elderly Care Program** was established by the decision of the Council of Higher Education dated August 26, 2010, and student admissions began in the same year. In the last three years, the program quota has been 60 students per year; the number of students enrolled were: 2023–2024: 107, 2024–2025: 99, and 2025–2026: 130, with a total of 171 students currently enrolled.

The program was established in accordance with Laws No. 2547 and 3843 and began education in the 2010–2011 academic year with 49 students. Since its establishment, an educational model covering both theoretical and practical courses, supported by field experience and laboratory work, has been adopted.

To educate ethical and responsible graduates who adopt a person-centered care approach and are capable of meeting the physical, social, and psychological needs of elderly individuals.

To become a leading program recognized for its expertise in services that promote active and healthy aging.

**Program Educational Objectives:** 1. Our graduates effectively use fundamental caregiving skills by working in elderly care services within both the public and private sectors. 2. Our graduates engage in efforts to improve the quality of life of elderly individuals by meeting their daily care and support needs. 3. Our graduates act in accordance with ethical principles and acquire fundamental knowledge and skills to understand the physical, social, and psychological needs of elderly individuals. 4. Our graduates possess the essential professional competencies to perform safe and effective care practices by following current developments in the healthcare sector.

**Care Laboratory (160 m²)** The Care Laboratory is a well-equipped training area where elderly care practices are taught. With hospital beds, walkers, wheelchairs, blood pressure monitors, oral care sets, and patient transfer equipment, students learn and practice fundamental caregiving skills in a hands-on environment. The laboratory serves as the main setting for practical courses such as *Principles and Practices of Elderly and Patient Care I–IV* and *First Aid*. **Campus Facilities:** * 50,000 m² of green space with shaded seating areas, Sümer Café, and walking paths * 500 m² open sports area, 250 m walking track, table tennis, and chess areas * 220 m² / 180-seat conference hall (equipped with projector and whiteboard) * 85 m² Sümer Library (approximately 2,800 resources, with individual and group study areas) The **ADU Central Library** provides 24/7 access to digital resources.

All nine active classrooms are equipped with projectors and computer systems. Free internet access is available throughout all campuses, and both the **OBİS (Student Information System)** and **ADÜZEM (Distance Education Platform)** are actively utilized.