School of Health, Human Care and Wellness

Social Service Worker - Gerontology

2 years – Ontario College Diploma

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Experience through a field placement opportunity

Overview

Train hands-on for this in-demand career field and gain the skills necessary to work with Canada's aging population. As the baby boomer generation ages, there is an increased demand for caring professionals with knowledge and expertise in aging. This program will teach you the skills and knowledge required by social service workers to assist older adults in maintaining their independence and enhance their quality of life.

Your Future Career

  • Long-term health care 
  • Retirement homes and assisted living settings
  • Community care
  • Hospice
  • Adult day programs

What You Learn

  • Gerontology 
  • Mental health across the lifespan
  • Leisure, recreation and health promotion 
  • Canada's First Peoples
  • Family dynamics
  • Therapeutic case management
  • Interpersonal skills related to death and bereavement

Note: Graduates may apply to register with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW).

OSSD or equivalent, ENG4C or ENG4U

If English is not your first language you must provide proof of English competency. You must have a minimum overall band score of 5.5 on the Academic International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or equivalent accepted English language proficiency test to be admitted to a postsecondary program at the college. Notwithstanding the above, the English proficiency standards required to obtain Study Permits and Temporary Resident Visas from Canadian Embassies vary around the world. The higher English language proficiency standard will apply.

The Student Direct Stream (SDS) is an expedited study permit processing program for those who are applying to study in Canada at a post-secondary designated learning institution (DLI). The language requirement is more stringent than listed above, as such an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.0 or higher in each language skill: listening, reading, writing and speaking is required.

For more information on the Student Direct Stream (SDS) program please see:

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/temporary-residents/study-permits/direct-stream.html#toc02

Academic Upgrading

Semester 1

CMM125 College Communication I
CLT100 Canada's First Peoples
HSP105 Interviewing & Helping Skills I
PSY200 Lifespan Development
SOC100 Foundations of Sociology
GENED General Education Elective - Online (Ger Sem 1)
SSW101 Introduction to Social Service Work Practice I

Semester 2

ENG200 Creative Writing
SSW104 Introduction to Social Service Work Practice II
SSW103 SSW Methods: Community Organization
HSP160 Interviewing & Helping Skills II
HSP165 Mental Health Across the Lifespan
HUM219 Group Work
HSP155 Family Dynamics

Semester 3

GER300 The Study of Gerontology
SSW294 Accountable Professional
GER301 Therapeutic Program Planning and Case Management
GER302 Fieldwork Preparation
GER303 Death, Dying and Bereavement
GER304 Volunteer Program Management
GER305 Leisure, Recreation and Health Promotion

Semester 4

SSW293 Fieldwork Integration (1st 7 weeks)
GER295 Fieldwork Placement
GENED General Education Course (Ger Sem 4)

2019-2020 – 2 years – Ontario College Diploma

College Drive Campus – Domestic
Year Tuition Ancillary Fees Material Fee Trip Fee Total
1 $2720.24 $1046.72 - 1186.72 $70 - $3976.96
2 $2720.24 $911.72 - 1051.72 - - $3771.96

2019-2020 – 2 years – Ontario College Diploma

College Drive Campus – International
Year Tuition Ancillary Fees Material Fee Trip Fee Total
1 $12422.97 $1696.72 - 1773.72 $70 - $14266.69
2 $12422.97 $1561.72 - 1638.72 - - $14061.69

Ontario College Diploma
Students can apply to register with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.

Learning outcomes represent culminating demonstrations of learning and achievement. In addition, learning outcomes are interrelated and cannot be viewed in isolation of one another. As such, they should be viewed as a comprehensive whole. They describe performances that demonstrate that significant integrated learning by graduates of the program has been achieved.

View Program Vocational Learning Outcomes

View course outlines

Business Management – 8 months to complete
Human Resources Management – 8 months to complete
Mental Health and Addiction Worker (Intensive) – 10 months (condensed) to complete
Project Management – Information Technology – 8 months to complete
Recreation and Leisure Services (Fast Track) – 8 months to complete
Recreation Therapy (Fast Track) – 8 months to complete
Strength and Sport Conditioning (Fast Track) – 8 months to complete

*Social Service Worker and Social Service Worker – Gerontology students can earn a second credential in 8 months into either program.

 

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