Gerentology - Interprofessional Practice GIP

Holland Code: S (Social)

What academic skills do I need to be successful in the program?

This list does not replace the admission requirements you must have for admission to the program. Please see website for details.

• This program is a graduate certificate meaning applicants need a diploma, advanced diploma or a degree.
• A combination of related work experience and post-secondary education may also meet the admission requirements.
• A diploma, advanced diploma, or degree in social or health care fields is recommended.
• Fluency in written and spoken English is necessary.
• Report, essay, and literature review writing; reading various mediums (articles, textbooks); and presentation skills are necessary abilities.
• Basic computer skills are required (Microsoft office, email, internet, checking student portal daily, possible online reading and online orientations for placement).

What personal qualities should someone interested in this career have?

• Patient with others (e.g. frail elderly adults whom may have physical, mental, and/or memory challenges)
• Want to “make a difference” in the lives of the aging person and their families
• Adaptable to change
  • Flexibility and ability to adapt to changing environment
  • Able to deal with uncertainty and changing situations, especially as it relates to the aging person with dementia
• Mature, dependable and responsible
• Compassion
• The ability to self-reflect
• Advocacy skills
• Commitment to service
• Ability to self-regulate and maintain good health to prevent vicarious trauma if working with the grieving person or their family   
• Caring and have empathy
• Prepared to work with people in vulnerable situations
• Understanding, gentle, and non-judgemental
• Ongoing desire to learn
• Sensitive to the physical, social, cultural, spiritual, and psychological effects of aging
• Able to work independently, take initiative and make decisions confidently
• Ability to work on a team, collaborate, and problem solve interpersonal situations
• Ability to listen, socialize, and interact well
• Excellent organizational and time management skills

Useful background experience for this program would be

Any background in health or human services will be useful, especially in the fields of DSW, Social Work, Recreation and Leisure, Physiotherapy, PSW, or any area of health sciences. Experience or will to work with and support the elderly is also an asset.

What kind of work could I do when I graduate?

Graduates of this program may go on to become a

When a student graduates from the GIP program, they will become a geriatric specialist in their chosen field.  This program will allow the student to apply the knowledge and skills gained in the field of gerontology to an area of practice from their diploma or degree. For example, students can apply content related to aging to their diploma in Recreation and Leisure to develop and deliver programs that target the health and well-being of the aging person. Social Workers can become case managers/case coordinators for seniors programs or initiatives. A student with a DSW diploma can develop programs or become team leaders for agencies as they support any aging population. Job titles may include (but are not limited to): Health and Wellness Coordinator, Life Enrichment Coordinator, Therapeutic Recreational Specialist, Resident Care Services Coordinator, Lifestyle and Program Coordinator, Public Education Coordinator, SMART Fitness Instructor, Director of Care, among others. Students will leave the GIP program with an abundance of knowledge and hands-on experience related to geriatrics, making them an ideal candidate for many roles in the ever expanding field of gerontology.

Places you may find yourself employed include

Retirement residences, long term care homes, group homes, hospitals, home support services, day programs, respite services, clinical teams or case management teams, and community recreation and leisure programs.

Typical working conditions for this kind of work:

• Residential and community based services for the aging person vary significantly.  Some graduates will work shift work while many will work primarily day time Monday to Friday.  Holiday and weekend work may be required.
• Some programs will provide services to people with mental health issues or dementia and graduates should be prepared to work with challenging behaviour. It is essential to be passionate about working with the elderly, and understanding of their related behaviours. It may also be necessary to support formal and informal caregivers.
• Lifting, bending, and standing for longer periods of time may be required.

Tasks a graduate may do in the workplace

• Develop therapeutic relationships with an aging person and their families or caregivers
• Develop and implement groups, programs and therapeutic interventions for the aging person
• Play an active role in interprofessional program planning and delivery with an ability to adapt to each person’s unique needs
• Conduct physical and environmental assessments and help develop interventions suited to the needs of the person, family, group or agency
• Support linkages to community resources
• Provide advocacy skills considering all parties involved in working towards the best quality of life for the seniors supported 
• Provide support, skills, knowledge and resources for supporting bereaved families during a time of loss of a loved one

Helpful links for further research into this Fanshawe College program and career opportunity

• Ontario Partnership on Aging & Developmental Disabilities (opadd.on.ca)
• South West Health Line (southwesthealthline.ca)
• Age Friendly London (website)
• Fanshawe’s library has prepared a subject guide for current students in this program. You may find the links and information provided very useful in learning more about this career.

Opportunities for further development or education

• Graduates may be qualified to apply for Fanshawe College graduate certificates.

The National Occupation Classification (NOC) system is used by the Canadian government to provide detailed information on careers. Click on the links below to learn more about careers associated with this Fanshawe College program. Please note: These codes are listed here for information purposes only. Fanshawe College does not guarantee graduates careers in these fields.

NOC Code 4212 Social and community service workers
NOC Code 3144 Other professional occupations in therapy and assessment
NOC Code 5254 Program leaders and instructors in recreation, sports and fitness

The Working in Canada website is an excellent resource for labour market information (wages, jobs available). Go to the website, type in the NOC code from this program and your postal code to get detailed information.

Last Modified: June 1, 2022