Gerontology – Advanced Diploma

Program Details

Credential Received

Advanced Diploma in Gerontology

Overview

Program Summary

The largest growing health cohort is the geriatric population. By 2030, 25% of Canadians will be over 65; 12% will be over 85 years of age. 75% of nursing medical time will be spent with older adults by 2020. All health professionals (Nursing, Rehab, Social Work and Human Services) who work with aging adults need specialized knowledge and training to effectively educate, assess and care for older people.

Following an overview of the emerging field of Geriatric studies, students will consider the elements that contribute to healthy aging and analyze factors that deter or undermine wellness. The courses will help each student develop a conceptual framework for geriatric assessment in the spheres of psychosocial, physiologic and mental health. A choice of several electives will allow each person to enrich their personal educational needs.

This versatile diploma program will appeal to registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, registered psychiatric nurses, physical therapists or occupational therapists, social workers or human services diploma professionals working in any care venues who seek specialization in gerontological care and who desire to take elective courses of personal interest in gerontology. Some courses may also be credited as electives in other university programs.

Distance Education allows professionals the flexibility to immerse themselves in a dynamic specialty while pursuing other life and career goals.. Variety and choice within course assignments encourages the student to pursue topics of personal interest. Online interaction with other health professionals enhances learning and application of course content, and allows professionals to appreciate varied scopes of geriatric practice.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

• interpret basic geriatric trends and issues.
• recognize the benefits of an interprofessional approach to client care.
• apply evidence-based interventions to maximize geriatric wellness.
• accumulate and implement a variety of health assessment tools.
• provide leadership in team settings.
• demonstrate critical, innovative thinking when planning for the management of complex geriatric issues.
• model a health promotion, wellness, and person-centered approach to care.
• develop advocacy skills at relational, unit and policy-making levels.

Program Admission Requirements

Academic Requirements

Completion of a health care provider credential (e.g. LPN, BSN, BSW, etc.).

Additional Requirements

Before an applicant's file is completed, the following must be received.

• Evidence of completion of a health care credential in the form of an official transcript from original program or a copy of the post-secondary certificate identifying credential received.

Graduation and Promotion

In order to receive your credential in your program you must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.00 and satisfactory completion of all courses with a minimum grade of 60% is required for promotion.