Ontario College Graduate Certificate in Gerontology - Interprofessional Practice in Toronto Canada | Fanshawe College

The Gerontology program is a one-year graduate certificate that equips students with essential knowledge and skills for caring for older adults. Participants will study geriatric mental health, cultural diversity, end-of-life care, and therapeutic recreation. Graduates can pursue careers in retirement communities, long-term care facilities, group residences, and adult day programs.
This specialized certificate program provides professionals with enhanced competencies for working with elderly populations. Individuals with backgrounds in social services, recreational therapy, occupational therapy, developmental support, and healthcare will expand their expertise in client-focused elder care through advanced studies in mental health, cultural sensitivity, grief counseling, therapeutic activities, and inclusive approaches. Many graduates apply these new competencies in their existing professions, becoming valuable resources in community organizations that serve aging populations.
The program includes a 200-hour interdisciplinary practicum with a community partner, culminating in a capstone research project presented through both a written paper and visual poster. This hands-on training prepares graduates for diverse roles in senior centers, recreational programs, research institutions, retirement communities, long-term care settings, residential facilities, and home care services.
Designed to strengthen professional capabilities, this certificate program focuses on the unique needs of aging adults. Students will cultivate expertise in recreational leadership, developmental support, mental health interventions, grief counseling, and social strategies that promote dignity and individualized care. Through collaborative fieldwork and research with community partners, graduates gain practical experience for careers supporting older adults across various service settings.