Gerontology - Interprofessional Practice
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Program Overview
The Gerontology program is a one-year graduate certificate for students to gain the knowledge and skills needed to care for aging adults. Students will learn geriatic mental health, cultural diversity, thanatology and therapeutic recreation. Graduates will find employment in retirement homes, long term care homes, group homes and day programs.
Program Details
Program Code
GIP2
Credential:
Ontario College Graduate Certificate
Duration
30 weeks
Start Dates
Locations
Availability
Full Time Offerings
2025 January
London
Open
2025 May
London
Open
2025 September
London
Open
2026 January
London
Open
2024 September
London
Closed
Start Dates
Locations
Availability
Full Time Offerings
2025 May
London
Open
2025 September
London
Open
2026 January
London
Open
2024 September
London
Closed
2025 January
London
Closed
Your Learning Experience
For the first time in Canadian history, there are more people over the age of 65, than under the age of 15*, which means careers working with seniors are in demand. Gerontology is the study of issues that are associating with aging.
This graduate certificate program is designed to offer students the knowledge and skills needed while working with elderly clients in their professional practice. Students with previous experience in social work, recreation and leisure, occupational therapy, developmental disabilities and allied health, will develop expertise in the collaborative person-centred care of the aging person through advanced concepts such as geriatric mental health, cultural diversity, thanatology, therapeutic recreation and inclusive practice. Graduates often return to their original field of practice as essential assets within community organizations as they incorporate these new skills to better meet the needs of their clients.
Students will also be provided a 200-hour, interprofessional field placement within a community organization, which includes the completion of a capstone project research paper and poster at the end of the year. This valuable experience prepares graduates for employment in a range of settings including senior centres, day and leisure programs, research and education services, retirement homes, long term care facilities, group homes and home support services.
This graduate certificate program is designed to offer students the relevant knowledge and skills needed to enhance their professional practice in the care of the specialized population of aging adults. Students will have the opportunity to develop skills in recreation and leadership, developmental disabilities, mental health, thanatology, and social interventions that support quality of life and person-centred care. Participation in an interprofessional field placement and research with community organizations will further prepare graduates for employment in settings that support the aging person.
* Statistics Canada, 2016.
Career Information
Gerontology – Interprofessional Practice
Fanshawe’s Gerontology – Interprofessional Practice program provides graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to work with older adults in community services and health care settings, including:
- retirement homes
- long term care
- group homes
- day programs
- case management
- home support services
Did you know Fanshawe consistently ranks high in graduation employment rates among large colleges in Ontario?
Here are some examples of career opportunities for graduates of Fanshawe’s Gerontology – Interprofessional Practice program:
Wellness Coordinator
Develop programs that meet client’s health and wellness needs.
Fitness Facilitator
Develop and implement motivating and engaging programs that will assist seniors in having healthy and active lives.
Residential Support Assistant
Provide day-to-day support and services in all departments caring for residents.
This program is very effective because the first level is theoretical while the second level is practical which allows students to apply knowledge to skills on placement. My overall experience in this course was very positive. And as a newcomer to Canada, the program provided an opportunity to explore senior care.
Kalapijt Kaur
GIP student
Learning Outcomes
- Comply with legislation and regulations governing professional practice within the Canadian health care system.
- Apply research in current issues and trends in gerontology to inform senior care plans and services.
- Consider the availability and effectiveness of community resources and referrals to plan, navigate and advocate for senior care.
- Analyze the strengths and needs of seniors independently or with an interprofessional team to plan, implement and evaluate programs.
- Assess the communicative, mental, physical, emotional and social health of older adults to promote healthy aging.
- Communicate effectively to promote person and family centered care and strengthen interprofessional collaborative practice.
Related Programs
Academic School
Program Coordinator:
Susan Clements
Kim Schlegel
Admission Requirements
A Two- or Three-Year College Diploma, or a Degree
OR
Acceptable combination of related work experience and
post-secondary education as judged by the College*
OR
Five years of work experience in the health or human services
industry as judged by the College to be equivalent*
Note:
-*Applicants may be required to submit a resume and cover letter
that includes details of work experience.
International Admission Equivalencies
Admission equivalencies for Fanshawe depends on your country of study. Please enter your location to see the requirements for your country below.
English Language Requirements
English Language Requirements
| Test | Score |
|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | 88 |
| IELTS Academic | Overall score of 6.5 with no score less than 6.0 in any of the four bands |
| CAEL | Overall score of 70 with no score less than 60 in any of the four bands |
| PTE Academic | 59 |
| Cambridge English | Overall score of 176 with no language skill less than 169 |
| ESL4/GAP5 | Minimum grade of 80% in Level 9, 75% in Level 10 |
| Duolingo | Overall score of 120, with no score lower than 105 |
Recommended Academic Preparation
Recommended Academic Preparation
- Diploma, advanced diploma, or degree studies in social or health care fields or an allied diploma or degree.
Applicant Selection Criteria
Applicant Selection Criteria
Where the number of eligible applicants exceeds the available spaces in the program, the Applicant Selection Criteria will be:- Preference for Permanent Residents of Ontario
- Receipt of Application by February 1st (After this date, Fanshawe College will consider applicants on a first-come, first-served basis until the program is full)
- Achievement in the Admission Requirements
Post-Admission Requirements
Post-Admission Requirements
The following items are applicable to the program and are time sensitive. Please refer to www.fanshawec.ca/preplacement for important information about preparing for placement by the due date.
- Possession of a Standard First Aid course certificate (either St. John Ambulance or Canadian Red Cross or equivalent) and a Basic Rescuer course certificate (Level "C" CPR)
- Evidence of Good Health
- Police Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Screening, including a check of the Pardoned Sexual Offenders Database
- Mandatory Placement Assessment for WRIT Course
- Professional Practice Health Form
- Guide to Completing your Professional Practice Requirements
- Pre-Placement Process
- Placement Agreement
For all programs requiring the submission of pre-placement forms, please submit all supplemental forms (with the exception of transcripts) by email to regforms@fanshawec.ca.
The deadline for submission of these forms for the GIP2 program is December 1 for Fall term students and April 1 for Winter term students.
Courses
| Level 1 | ||||
| Take all of the following Mandatory Courses: | ||||
| GERI-6016 | The Aging Population | 3 | ||
| This course reviews the natural process of aging including typical patterns and trends associated with the geriatric population. Students explore the physical, mental, and social aspects of the aging process within the social and health care systems. Given the impact of known geriatric syndromes (i.e. falls, delirium, frailty, polypharmacy) on successful aging, early detection and prevention of these "Geriatric Giants" is emphasized. From an interprofessional approach, students examine pharmacological and naturalistic approaches to common disease treatment and prevention strategies using current research findings. | ||||
| GERI-6017 | Mental Health in Gerontology | 3 | ||
| This course provides an overview of mental health issues in gerontology with a focus on initiatives and prevention strategies that help to improve quality of life and remove barriers to community mental health services. Students will investigate common psychiatric and cognitive disorders, such as Alzheimer's, dementia, and depression through the lens of professional practice. Students will explore ethical and legal issues associated with a variety of mental health issues, including elder abuse. | ||||
| GERI-6018 | Interprofessional Practice | 3 | ||
| This course introduces students to key concepts of interprofessional collaboration, with a focus in gerontology. Learners gain an understanding of various health and social service professions in terms of roles, responsibilities, and competencies. Through self-reflection, students develop an awareness of professional diversity and principles of effective team functioning as key components for interprofessional and ethical behavior. Students participate in activities that incorporate principles of effective communication, collaborative leadership and conflict resolution that foster a coordinated approach to shared decision making and outcomes. | ||||
| RECN-6003 | Therapeutic Recreation Intervention | 3 | ||
| This course explores the history, philosophies, and emerging trends in the provision of recreation and leisure services for the aging population. Students review a range of issues related to integrated and inclusionary community-based recreation. The nature and scope of leisure, leisure behaviour, and recreation activities are examined through a variety of therapeutic strategies and common treatment modalities that ensure health, safety, wellness, and quality of life. | ||||
| HLTH-6044 | Person, Family & Community Practice | 3 | ||
| With a focus on person-, family-, and community-centered care, students examine their role as practitioners in delivering care that is tailored to meet the strengths and needs of seniors and their support network. Communication skills that foster respect and client autonomy are enhanced through the study of interviewing skills, communication styles, relationship building, and cultural sensitivity. An understanding of the service system delivery and the value of community connections allows students to explore community resources and initiatives that empower and advocate for the older adult. | ||||
| GERI-6019 | Thanatology | 3 | ||
| This course provides an overview of the field of thanatology, which is the scientific study of dying, death, and bereavement. Students will examine their role in therapeutic relationships within the context of learning to support those who may be actively dying, suffering from chronic illness, experiencing bereavement, and grieving any type of death-related or non-death related loss. Additionally, students will learn about the context in which the inevitable experience of death will occur, and analyze the philosophical foundations that underpin systems of care pertaining to hospice/palliative care and the broader Canadian healthcare system. Practitioner self-care is central to the content explored in this course, and students will learn fundamental strategies for supporting clients, families, and themselves in many of these situations which are categorized by change, adversity, uncertainty, and transition. | ||||
| RSCH-6008 | Research Literacy | 2 | ||
| Introduction to Research Literacy (RSCH 6008) provides the foundational knowledge and skills for students to enhance their research literacy proficiency. Not only does this 2-hour, blended course also prepare students with the theory and skills required for direct application toward successful completion of Capstone Research Projects associated in Level 2, it encourages a culture of evidence informed decision making to be used throughout their professional career. Key course components include an introduction to research ethics and design, practical methods to search for and evaluate credible literary sources, as well as promote basic skills for critiquing and reviewing the literature. Students will also be introduced to Field Placement Practice; This includes expectations of student roles, responsibilities, and prerequisites for participating in field placement as well as professional development and conduct within the work setting. In preparation for Capstone Research Projects in Level 2, students will have an opportunity to develop a timely and realistic research project proposal related to a relevant issue in the field of gerontology. | ||||
Tuition Summary
London
Toronto
*Total program costs are approximate, subject to change and do not include the health and dental plan fee, bus pass fee or program general expenses.