The Diploma in Gerontology Info Session presentation will provide you with program and admissions information. Please contact Jeanette Robertson at jrobertson@langara.ca for more information or to have your questions answered.

1. Diploma in Gerontology
INFO SESSION
Welcome

2. Dr. Jeanette Robertson
Dr. Jasmyne Rockwell
Introductions.

3. 1. What is gerontology?
2. Why study gerontology?
3. Employment & educational streams
4. Program rationale & description
5. Career opportunities
6. Admission requirements
7. Questions and discussion
Agenda.

4. Gerontology is the study of
the social, cultural,
psychological, cognitive, and
biological aspects of aging.
What is
gerontology

5. Why study
gerontology?

6. • For the first time in census history
there are more seniors 65 years
and older than children under 15
years of age.
• It is also worth noting that 7 out of
10 of Canada’s oldest communities
are in British Columbia.
Context of
Society.

7. • There are currently 6 million Canadians
over the age of 65. This translates to
16 percent of the population.
(Statistics Canada’s 2016 census)
• The increase in the population of seniors
between 2011 and 2016 is the largest
since 1871.
• By 2030 seniors will number over
9.5 million and make up 23 percent
of Canadians.
Program Rationale

8. 2020-05-29 82020-05-29 88
Program Rationale
The extraordinary change in our
demographics presents new
challenges and opportunities for
Canadian society.

9. Program Rationale
There are important human resource
implications for meeting the diverse
needs of an aging population now and in
the future, and Langara has responded
to this through launching the Diploma in
Gerontology program in 2018.
Program Rationale

10. • Geriatrics/Health/Medical
• Recreation
• Gerontology
• Social Services/Social Work
Employment &
Educational Streams

11. Diploma in Gerontology
Diploma in
Gerontology
DESCRIPTION

12. Unique Aspects of the Program
• The only entry-level Diploma in
Gerontology program in BC
• On campus face to face program
• Supportive learning environment with
small classes
• Experiential learning in both the classroom
and the field placement (400 hours)
• Comprehensive interdisciplinary curriculum
• Knowledgeable faculty and professionals
who have or are currently working in the field
Photo by J. Robertson

13. • Throughout the program students
will be introduced to the networks
of services that exist in the
community.
• There will be a variety of field
visits, guest speakers and
practicum placements in
gerontology settings.
Unique Aspects of the Program

14. • Two-year diploma program (full or part-time basis)
• To obtain a credential in gerontology
• For individuals seeking a new and meaningful career
• Or individuals currently employed in the community-based
seniors’ service sector
Change perceptions in aging.
DIPLOMA IN GERONTOLOGY | DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

15. This program provides:
• a comprehensive, applied, and interdisciplinary education
• a broad spectrum of both academic and applied courses
• a 6-month field placement in a health or social service setting
Change perceptions in aging.
DIPLOMA IN GERONTOLOGY | DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

16. Program Emphasis
Program Emphasis:
• Reduce isolation
• Address ageism
• Assist people to age in place
Change perceptions in aging.
DIPLOMA IN GERONTOLOGY | DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

17. In this program:
• Students learn how to promote, support, and advocate for the wellbeing,
health, and resilience of older persons based on current theories and
research that guide practice today.
Program Emphasis
Change perceptions in aging.
DIPLOMA IN GERONTOLOGY | DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

18. • Graduates gain the credential of Social Service Worker with a
specialization in working with older adults.
• They are qualified to work in the burgeoning field of aging in a
variety of capacities
A prior degree IS NOT required for this on-campus face-to-face
program.
Program Emphasis
Change perceptions in aging.
DIPLOMA IN GERONTOLOGY | DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

19. GERO 1100: Introduction to Gerontology
GERO 1115: Helping Relationships with Older Adults I
HSCI 1195: Human Biology of Aging
PSYC 1115: Introduction to Biological, Cognitive and Developmental Psychology
ENGL 1127: Essay Writing and Short Prose
Or
ENGL 1128: Short Prose Selections and Compositions
Year 1 – Term 1 (Fall)
DIPLOMA IN GERONTOLOGY | DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

20. GERO 1200: Understanding Aging Today
GERO 1215: Helping Relationships with Older Adults II
GERO 1300: Social Policy and Aging
GERO 1400: Special Topics in Aging I
PSYC 1215: Introduction to Social, Personality & Abnormal Psychology
ENGL 1129: Modern Novel, Poetry, and Drama
Or
ENGL 1130: Short Prose Selections and Compositions
Year 1 – Term 2 (Spring)
DIPLOMA IN GERONTOLOGY | DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

21. GERO 2100: Older Adults, Mental Health and Addictions
GERO 2110: Aging and Intersectionality
GERO 2315: Practicum I
GERO 2400: Special Topics II
HSCI 2295: Age Related Conditions & Intervention
PSYC 2425: Developmental Psychology (Adulthood & Aging)
Year 2 – Term 3 (Fall)
DIPLOMA IN GERONTOLOGY | DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

22. GERO 2200: Advanced Counselling Practice with Older Adults
GERO 2215: Death and Dying
GERO 2225: Community-Based Practice with Older Adults
GERO 2415: Practicum II
RECR 2395: Recreation and Aging
Year 2 – Term 4 (Spring)
DIPLOMA IN GERONTOLOGY | DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

23. 1. Direct Service
2. Program planning
and evaluation
3. Education and training
4. Administration
and policy
5. Research
Dynamic & growing field
Practice areas.
DIPLOMA IN GERONTOLOGY | DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

24. • Better at Home Programs
• Home Care Services
• Neighbourhood Houses
• Community & Recreation Centres
• Senior Centres & Programs
• Day Programs
• Assisted & Supported Living
• Mental Health Programs
• Substance Misuse Programs
• Healthcare Sector
Employment settings.
DIPLOMA IN GERONTOLOGY | DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

25. • Women’s Support Worker
• Seniors Housing Outreach Worker
• Manager of Community Services
• Director of Resident Programs
• Program Leader, Seniors Programs
• Better at Home Program Coordinator
• Information & Referral Specialist
Employment titles.
DIPLOMA IN GERONTOLOGY | DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

26. • Life Enrichment Coordinator
or Assistant
• Recreation Life Enrichment Attendant
• Recreation Aide
• Activity Worker
• Adult Day Program Coordinator
• Community Liaison Worker (VCH)
• Volunteer Coordinator
Employment titles.
DIPLOMA IN GERONTOLOGY | DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

27. 1. Review the program information session information.
2. Complete the general Langara application form and submit to the Registrar’s office (for
students new to Langara).
3. Complete the Gerontology supplemental application form and submit to the Registrar’s
office.
4. Request transcripts be mailed to Langara from your high school for grade 12 English
(domestic only)
5. Contact the International Education Office at Langara at international@langara.ca if you are
an international student.
Process for applying.
DIPLOMA IN GERONTOLOGY | DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

28. 6. Submit 2 letters of reference from employers
• Letter 1 – verifies you have completed 40-60 hours of volunteer or paid experience in human services and also
speaks to your character
• Letter 2 – general character reference
7. Schedule an interview with Jeanette Robertson (jrobertson@langara.ca) following your
registration at Langara and the submission of your supplemental application to the program
Application forms are available on the Langara website
https://langara.ca/programs-and-courses/programs/gerontology/admission-requirements.html
Process for applying.
DIPLOMA IN GERONTOLOGY | DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

29. “I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to apply the knowledge I am gaining from the Gerontology Program at
Langara College within the Seniors' Programs that I oversee as the Community Programs Director at Kitsilano
Neighbourhood House.
This educational program has been a valuable asset in providing a critical foundation for my work within a community-
based senior serving organization to support this growing and diverse demographic. It has been such a pleasure to
meet and learn with a group of educators and students who are passionate about providing the best care possible to
older adults in our community”.
Romy Senghera, Program Director
Kitsilano Neighbourhood House
Vancouver, BC
Student testimonial.
DIPLOMA IN GERONTOLOGY | DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

30. Langara gerontology students have made valuable contributions to the lives of
seniors through their engagement with various practicum settings:
• Vancouver Coastal Health (Interdisciplinary Long Term Care Team)
• The Bloom Group (Hospice Care)
• Alzheimer Society of BC
• Minoru Centre for Active Living
• Amica Senior Lifestyles
• Yarrow Intergenerational Society for Justice
• University of British Columbia School of Nursing and Westside Seniors Hub
Making valuable contributions.
DIPLOMA IN GERONTOLOGY | DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

31. Class of 2020
Thank you for
your interest!