Langara College’s two-year Diploma in Gerontology program offers a comprehensive, applied and interdisciplinary education that prepares graduates to work in the burgeoning field of aging in a variety of capacities.
Applications are now being accepted for full- and part-time time students to start in September 2019. Information sessions will take place on February 28th and March 27th at Langara College.
In addition to a broad spectrum of both academic and applied courses, students complete a 7-month field placement in the second year of the program. They learn how to promote, support and advocate for the well-being, health, and resilience of older persons based on a thorough understanding of the most current theories and research that guides practice today.
The program is designed to accommodate the learning needs of students from a diverse spectrum, including professionals such as program directors currently employed in the community-based seniors’ services sector, health care aides, and individuals wishing to pursue a new and meaningful career in social services working with older adults.
“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,” says student Romy Senghera.
“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,” he adds.
In a recent interview with the Georgia Straight, Kahir Lalji, Provincial Director of Healthy Aging and Government Relations with the United Way of the Lower Mainland, also emphasized that the program offers graduates a multitude of rewarding career opportunities working with seniors.
Graduates with this credential are prepared for a rewarding career supporting older adults to age in place through community-based resources and programs, as well as working in the dynamic and expanding seniors’ services sector. They will be leaders in the field, providing a range of both private and public services to the growing population of older adults in Canada, such as advocacy, education, information and referral to critical resources, leisure and recreation, policy development, and health promotion.
A prior degree is not required for this on-campus face-to-face program.
For more information, please contact Program Coordinator Dr. Jeanette Robertson at (604) 323-5178 or jrobertson@langara.ca.
