Gerontology and Working with the Aged Certificate
FAQs
- What meant by: Gerontology/Working with the Aged Multidiscipline Programs?
- Is the program available on a part time basis?
- What does Ontariolearn involve?
- When does Registration begin?
- How is the program organize?
- How long does it take to complete the program?
- How do I get the certificate upon completion of the program?
What meant by: Gerontology/Working with the Aged Multidiscipline Programs?
The Working with the Aged Multidiscipline Certificate Program is appropriate for graduates of a Health Science certificate program such as the Personal Support Worker Program.
The Gerontology Multidiscipline Certificate Program is appropriate for graduates of Degree or Diploma Health Science programs such as RNs, RPNs and Social Workers.
Is the program available on a part time basis?
The Gerontology certificate programs are part time programs offered on-line through Ontario Learn. Courses run through the fall, winter and spring semesters. You can find full program of study information as well as course descriptions and cost at http://cecat.mohawkcollege.ca.
What does Ontariolearn involve?
Ontario Learn is a consortium of community colleges across the province that provides courses on-line. One college hosts a course and offers it to the remaining colleges to pick up for their students. This means the host college owns the curriculum and provides the tutors for the courses, the other colleges can offer the courses and students can register with those colleges. This is an effective way of offering more courses to more students across Ontario.
Registration starts approximately 5 – 6 weeks before courses start. There are 2 courses which are prerequisites for the remaining courses in the programs – Gerontology 10 and Gerontology 11.
Students may register for one or both of those courses. The Distance Education Office mails out start-up information to you during the week the course starts. This information includes who your tutor is and how to sign on to Embanet or Blackboard, the online courseware for Ontario Learn. Once signed in, you will “meet” your tutor, and access information about learning units, readings, assignments and when they are due. You will also receive information about learning materials which can be purchased through the Bookstore. Check learning materials you need for courses at http://mohawkcbookware3000.ca
One of the icons on the Embanet server is a program application form. Students are required to download this form, complete and fax to the Program Manager, Amy Boyer @ 905-528-7706
The following lets you have an overview of the entire program at a glance. The 8 modules each have a distinct perspective and will give the student opportunity to have an exposure to a broad range of ideas as they relate to the study of aging.
Course materials or resources unique to each course are available for each course. Campbell and Novak’s most current text, Aging & Society A Canadian Perspective (latest Edition) is a book that can be used throughout the program. Other required texts are made available through the Mohawk College Bookstore for the student to order or purchase.
Gerontology 10-51, 71 and 81 are all 30 hour modules.
Only Gerontology 60 is a 45 hour module.
Gerontology 10 was created by Tamara Horton, M.S.W., the former Continuing Education instructor at Mohawk College, Hamilton. In her lectures, Tamara gives an excellent introduction to the large field of Gerontology - the Study of Aging from birth to death. The student is exposed to myths, theories, interviews with Tamara and friends, etc. Classes are in depth and informative. The 4 pillars of health are emphasized and lay a foundation for all our future classes.
Requirements include 2 assignments related to a) the Views about Aging, b) an interview with a senior, PLUS a final exam: multiple choice. These requirements may change with each course offering.
Gerontology 20 looks at the Physiology of Aging as related to diet, environment, exercise and gender. Each week’s class deals with a specific physiological area of the body as it might be affected by the aging process. The emphasis of Ger. 20 is the find ‘the silver lining’ to life’s challenges.
The scholastic requirements include a book report, an interview relating to Activities of Daily Living and a multiple choice plus case studies exam. These requirements may change with each course offering.
Gerontology 30 continues the learning process as related to aging by challenging the student to ‘think outside the box’ when dealing with issues of Assessment and Planning. We look at communication skills, both verbal and nonverbal; personality issues and theorists; aging and ethnicity in Canada; the universality of emotional response; personal self-perception and many other issues. As well, class material deals with Campbell and Novak’s text, Aging & Society A Canadian Perspective (latest Edition) as the basis for much of the latter half of the course.
Three assignments include a personal time line plus interview of a senior citizen; a video review relating to communication skills and a paper related to death and bereavement. There is NO exam.
The requirements may change with each course offering.
Gerontology 41 deals with the issues of Mental Health and Aging. Lectures dealing with depression, stress, stroke, neglect, the psychology and sociology of aging plus the sandwich generation are a few of the class topics.
Once again there is NO exam but instead there are 2 assignments. One deals with a topic of your choice as it relates to the course topic; the second assignment looks at stress and health or illness and the final one is a book review about stroke and relating the theme to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. The requirements may change with each course offering.
Gerontology 51 is a most controversial module as it deals with issues of legality and ethics. Canadian Law, both federal and provincial, is highlighted with several laws reviewed briefly. No student will be equipped to be a lawyer, but instead will be given a brief exposure to a broad range of laws in place to protect those who live in Canada. Power of Attorney, Wills and Advanced Directives will be emphasized. The component of ethics will raise such issues as euthanasia, suicide, advanced directives, adequate pain relief in palliative care to name a few.
The student will be challenged in the form of assignments related to ethical/legal issues. Once again there is NO exam. The requirements may change with each course offering.
Gerontology 60 is a 45 hour module based on an Individual Study relating to the field of aging. The student chooses an area of professional or personal interest and with guidance from the instructor, writes a 3000 word paper. Thorough research and reading are necessary for the completion of this module. The student and instructor dialogue one-on-one as the work begins, progresses, and comes to a hopefully satisfying end. Many students really enjoy delving into an area of interest and find their time is well spent as they earn another credit towards their certificate. This course belongs to the Gerontology Multidiscipline Certificate Program
Gerontology 71(30 hours) and 81(30 hours) involve Community and Institutional volunteer experience for those who may not have had recent or current employment or volunteer exposure in these areas. The programme manager will clarify the need for these modules plus any other electives with the individual student. The student and a supervisor provide the instructor with required input. An assignment is required as outlined.
****Upon completion, all modules with the exception of Gerontology 71 and 81 receive a Numeric grade according to the registering College criteria. A grade of “R” for requirements met will be given for the field experiences.***
Students enrolled in the “Working with the Aged Multidiscipline Certificate Program” stream, are required to complete 1 “Option” course as part of the program of studies. The Option courses are listed in the program information.
Students enrolled in the “Gerontology Multidiscipline Certificate Program” are required to complete 2 “Option” courses as part of the program of studies. The Option courses are listed in the program information.
*******All assignments are to be prepared according to The Scholarly Paper that is supplied in READ ME for all Gerontology students. It is expected that the rules of spelling and grammar will be followed and that EACH STUDENT WILL PROOF READ HIS/HER WORK before submission. Grade marks are lost needlessly for poor spelling and grammar. Punctuality is essential in submitting assignments and/or exams. Any plagiarized work will automatically receive a grade of Failure.
Back to FAQsHow long does it take to complete the program?
The majority of students take one course per semester (3 semesters in the school year) until finished therefore it would probably take 2.5 years to complete the program.
Not every course is offered every semester but generally each course if offered approximately twice per year.
Back to FAQsHow do I get the certificate upon completion of the program?
You can google “Request for Certificate” form on the Mohawk website. Print, complete and submit to Mohawk College.
