Gerontology and Palliative Care – Interprofessional Practice Ontario College Graduate Certificate program

Program Overview

This Ontario College Graduate Certificate in Gerontology and Palliative Care – Interprofessional Practice equips Internationally Educated Nurses with the skills to provide compassionate end-of-life care in geriatric and palliative settings. Through a blend of theory and practice, students develop expertise in assessment, intervention, and communication, emphasizing cultural responsiveness and ethical considerations. The program culminates in a hands-on practicum placement, preparing graduates for careers in geriatric and palliative care.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Gerontology and Palliative Care – Interprofessional Practice Ontario College Graduate Certificate

Overview:

This program focuses on equipping Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs) with the skills and expertise needed to effectively contribute to inter-professional healthcare teams within geriatric and palliative care settings. Throughout the program, students gain in-depth knowledge about enhancing the quality of life and death for geriatric and palliative clients and their families during the end-of-life process. By exploring current theories and best practices, students develop critical skills in assessment, planning, intervention, and evaluation, while emphasizing the importance of communication, spirituality, ethics, law, and culturally responsive nursing care for this unique population. The program offers a combination of classroom instruction and laboratory sessions, culminating in a hands-on practicum placement within diverse settings such as hospitals, community centers, home care agencies, and long-term care facilities.

Objectives:

• Foster a deep understanding of the complex needs of geriatric and palliative care patients and their families.
• Equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide culturally responsive, compassionate end-of-life care.
• Develop expert communication skills for effective collaboration within inter-professional healthcare teams.
• Enhance critical thinking abilities for problem-solving and decision-making in complex geriatric and palliative care situations.
• Prepare students for professional practice and career opportunities in geriatric and palliative care settings.

Description:

This comprehensive program provides students with a holistic understanding of geriatric and palliative care, encompassing both the physical and psychosocial aspects of aging and end-of-life care. Through a blend of theoretical and practical learning experiences, students gain valuable insights into:

• The aging process and associated physiological, psychological, and social changes.
• Common health challenges faced by geriatric and palliative care patients.
• Effective pain management strategies and symptom control.
• Ethical considerations in end-of-life care.
• Grief and bereavement counseling.

Careers:

Potential Career Paths:

• Registered Nurse in Geriatric and Palliative Care Settings
• Case Manager for Geriatric and Palliative Care Patients
• Educator in Geriatric and Palliative Care
• Researcher in Geriatric and Palliative Care
• Policy Analyst in Geriatric and Palliative Care
• Advocate for Geriatric and Palliative Care Issues

Other:

• Admission Requirements:
• Ontario College Diploma, Ontario College Advanced Diploma, Degree, or equivalent in nursing.
• Preference given to applicants with post-secondary degree in nursing and current registration with the nursing regulatory body in their home province/state and/or country.
• Priority given to students who have graduated from Georgian's Complex Care Nursing for Internationally Educated Nurses program.
• English proficiency requirement can be met through IELTS with an overall score of 6.5 or other approved English language proficiency tests.
• Criminal Reference/Vulnerable Sector Check required prior to placement.
• Students must have up-to-date immunization records and a valid mask fit test, BLS CPR, and Standard First Aid.
• Work-integrated Learning:
• The program features a clinical placement component where students gain hands-on experience under the supervision of experienced professionals.
• Tuition and Fees:
• Visit the program's tuition and fees page for details.
• Students are responsible for meeting all immunization, criminal screening, and other requirements before starting their placements.
• Failure to meet these requirements may prevent students from completing their program.
• Contact Information:
• Contact the student recruitment team or the Office of the Registrar for program-related inquiries.
• Contact the international recruitment team for international student-specific questions.