Gerontology - Multidiscipline - 037

Ontario College Graduate Certificate
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gerontology worker with a patient
Overview

Explore the complexities of aging through the Gerontology program at Mohawk College!

Discover employment opportunities by specializing in various areas related to Gerontology and care of the elderly.

Designed for those with a diploma or degree in Health Sciences or Human Services, this Graduate Certificate program focuses on gaining a greater understanding of gerontology, including the needs of the elderly, challenges faced by our aging population and the broad range of services and interdisciplinary teams available to support seniors.

Through a combination of both theory and field placements you will gain an understanding of the biological, physiological, social and spiritual aspects of Gerontology.

You do not need to apply to begin this program, simply ensure you meet the admission requirements (listed on the Admission & Registration tab) and then you may register for any available courses.

If you have any questions about this program, please do not hesitate to reach out to us!

Program Contact
Continuing Education Health and Nursing
1-844-767-6871
cehealth@mohawkcollege.ca
  • Diploma or degree in Health Sciences or Human Services (e.g. RN, RPN with Diploma, Recreation, Social Work, etc.)

You do not need to apply to begin this program. Start by ensuring you meet the admission requirements listed above and then register for the courses listed in the Program of Studies when they are offered.  Some courses have prerequisites, so please check the Program of Studies for details. Find out how to register for a course.

The program of studies displayed below applies to students starting the program in the 2018/19 academic year. Students who began in other academic years may require different courses to be eligible to graduate. If you have questions regarding a strategy for completion contact Continuing Education - Health and Nursing . 

Click on the Course number or Course title for more information on each course.

Visit the Mohawk College Bookstore Textbook Search (opens in new window) for information on textbooks.

A selection of courses are available each term. Courses that are currently not available (N/A) for registration may be offered in the future – check back frequently.

Mandatory Courses

Register Course number Course title Course Hours
Course description: This course will allow a student to pursue a particular topic in depth through independent research and/or extensive reading. The program manager/faculty member must approve a student's project.
Credits: 3
Course description: Field experience in a community based Gerontology program provides you with the opportunity to learn through experience; and receive the guidance, knowledge and skills of experienced personnel working in Gerontology. This 30 hour experience will enable you to integrate the theoretical components of the Gerontology courses with the practical application. Dates, times and clinical site must be arranged with the Program Manager.
Prerequisites: HSCIGER10 and HSCIGER20 and HSCIGER30 and HSCIGER41 and LAWSGER51 or HSCI10228 and HSCI10229 and HSCI10230 and HSCI10231 and HSCI10222
Course description:
Prerequisites: HMNSGER60 and HSCIGER10 and HSCIGER20 and HSCIGER30 and HSCIGER41 and HSCIGER51 or HMNSGER60 and HSCI10222 and HSCI10228 and HSCI10229 and HSCI10230 and HSCI10231 or HMNSGER60
Course description: This course provides an overview of the normal aging processes including the physical, cognitive, sensory, communication and psychological needs of older adults. Common pathological problems along with specialized needs in aging are highlighted. Emphasis is placed on developmental disabilities and Alzheimer's Disease. Knowledge of community resources and understanding the role of the service provider in promoting health and well-being among older adults is discussed. Equivalent to: HSCIGER10.
Credits: 3
Equivalents: HSCIGER10
Course description: The physiology of human growth, development and aging is examined with special reference to the influence of diet, environment, exercise and disease on the normal processes. This course offers students the opportunity to explore, in depth, selected topics of interest and relevance to the physiology of aging. The topics may include among others: physiological systems, nutrition, adaptation, sexuality, menopause, arthritis, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's disease, etc.
Credits: 3
Equivalents: HSCIGER20
Course description: Provides further development of skills of Assessment and Program Planning for the aging adult. Topics include interviewing skills, communication with aging adults and those with special needs, losses that occur with lifestyle changes, observations skills, recording and introduction to planning, intervention and evaluation.
Credits: 3
Equivalents: HSCIGER30
Course description: What processes and supports change as adults age? How to maximize functioning with age related changes. The course deals with psychological processes such as memory, perception and intelligence. The social aspects discussed would include relationships and community involvement.
Credits: 3
Equivalents: HSCIGER41
Course description: Explore current ethical issues in community based services and long term care institutions such as euthanasia, living wills, ageism, use of restraints, and competence in decision making. Discussions on legal issues focus on advocacy substitute decision making, power of attorney, guardianship and residents rights. Theory will be applied to case studies.
Credits: 3
Equivalents: LAWSGER51

Select 1 from the next 3 courses

Register Course number Course title Course Hours
Course description: Focus on bringing the person back to personal care. Participants will learn to develop specialized non-verbal communication techniques, facilitate enhancement of workplace interpersonal skills and bridge communciation between professional and family caregivers.
Equivalents: COMMDEM02
Course description: Focus on the philosophy of care, specifically holistic care within a medical model. Diagnosis, appropriate physical and emotional environments, effects of dementia on the client and caregiver, research on caregiving, and the importance of ongoing education for caregivers.
Credits: 2
Equivalents: HSCIDEM01
Course description: This course allows participants to explore a variety of dementia care skills including creating meaningful programs and activities, therapeutic caregiving strategies, needs communication messaging models (NCM), life stories, and compassionate communication. Equivalent to: HMNSDEM03.
Credits: 2
Equivalents: HMNSDEM03

Select 1 from the next 2 courses

Register Course number Course title Course Hours
Course description: This course is designed to enable students to gain an understanding of the fundamentals of restorative care in a long-term setting, including its design, implementaton and evaluation. The class will examine approaches to aid in the development, implementation and/or supervision of a restorative care programme in a long term care facility. Topics will include physical restorative care and normalization activities.
Credits: 3
Equivalents: HSCIGER05
Course description: Hospice palliative care is aimed at relieving suffering and improving the quality of life for persons who are living with, or dying from, advanced illness or are bereaved. Palliative care is a special kind of health care for individuals and families who are living with a life-limiting illness that is usually at an advanced stage. The goal of palliative care is to provide comfort and dignity for the person living with the illness as well as the best quality of life for both this person and his or her family. A family is whoever the person says his or her family is. This course is intended for health care professionals, the curriculum is based on standards of the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association and the Canadian Nurses Association.
Credits: 3

Students have 5 years to complete their program of study.

Course Availability Fall Winter Spring
The Study of Aging - Intro    X       X      X
Physiology of Aging    X        X
Assessment and Planning         X  
Mental Health Aspects of Aging         X      X
Legal and Ethical Issues Related to Aging   X      X  
Individual Study         X
Community Based Field Experience (037)         X
Community Based Field Experience (019)       X  
Institutional Based Field Experience (037)      
Institutional Based Field Experience (019)        X  
OPTIONS - Choose 2:      
Communication and Interpersonal Skills in Dementia Care   X    
Exploring Dementia Care       X     X
Caregiving Skills      
Palliative Care - Introduction   X     X     X
Restorative Care in a Long Term Care Setting      
Continuing Education FAQ
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Clinical and Lab Information for CE Health and Nursing Students

Successful completion of the Gerontology Multidiscipline Certificate Program will enable the graduate to:

  • Demonstrate knowledge of the aging process and how aging persons are perceived
  • Demonstrate knowledge of Canadian Social Policies and Stereotypes
  • Understand the theories of aging
  • Understand the process of communication and strategies for effective communications
  • Understand the spiritual aspects of aging including loss, grief, and bereavement
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the myths related to aging
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the theory of personality development
  • Demonstrate an understanding of self-perception and self concept
  • Demonstrate an understanding of Health Care in Canada and health promotion retirement
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the mental health, social and cognitive aspects of aging
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the neurological and cognitive changes associated with aging
  • Demonstrate knowledge of mental health promotion and suicide prevention
  • Demonstrate knowledge of cognitive challenges, competency, capacity and consent, elder abuse and neglect
  • Demonstrate knowledge of Powers of Attorney and Wills, ethical challenges, euthanasia and end of life care
  • Understand the principles of research and what is involved in completing a research paper (for program 037)
  • Demonstrate knowledge and skills acquired throughout the theory courses in a gerontology setting

Potential for specialization in several areas of Gerontology including community settings and institutional settings.

Questions about CE at Mohawk College? Please see our FAQ. 

Preclinical / Clinical Information

Students preparing for Clinical Placement should visit our Preclinical / Clinical webpage  and our Clinical FAQ for details and information on the process.

Credit for Prior Learning

You may qualify for credit for skills and knowledge you may have acquired in other courses or in your work experience. If interested in pursuing credit for prior learning, please contact the Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition office.

Related Links

Related CE Programs

Working with the Aged - Multidiscipline - 019