Langara College Gerontology Program

Location/Community:

Vancouver

Description of organization and/or specific programs:

In 2018, snəw̓eyəɬ leləm̓ Langara College launched its two-year Diploma in Gerontology program after extensive research and community consultation. Designed as a specialization option within Langara’s long-standing Social Service Worker program, this Diploma prepares students to work with older adults from a social justice and strengths-based approach. The curriculum is interdisciplinary in order to give students a broad understanding of aging from social, structural, physical, and psychological perspectives. In March 2022, the College added a new credential to the program: a one-year Social Service Worker (Gerontology) Certificate. Both credentials are ideal for those who are new to the seniors-serving sector, or those already employed who want to gain additional training.  They are available to take full or part time and start every September.

Strengths

The strengths of the Langara Gerontology programs lie in their low-barrier accessibility (no previous post secondary courses required), small cohorts with face-to-face instruction, and focus on relational support and advocacy. One key to the success of both programs is the close connection between Langara and its network of seniors-serving agencies. Students regularly benefit from guest speakers and lessons that draw on current issues, programs, research, and events related to older adults in the province. These connections extend to the practicum placement component, where students are partnered with local agencies and programs to integrate their passion, classroom learning and real world experience under the guidance of experienced community leaders.

Claudia, Class of 2020  Outreach Worker, Seniors Services Society of BC 

Langara Gerontology gave me the tools and knowledge I needed to fulfill my passion for connecting, better understanding, and being part of a team to help enrich our older population’s lives in any way possible.

I 100% recommend this program to anyone, as it also helped me reflect on my own personal lifestyle. Thanks to this program, I have a better understanding that whichever way I choose to live my life now it will contribute to how well I age both physically and mentally. This program is a benefit regardless of what one chooses to do with it.

Diploma Program:

https://langara.ca/programs-and-courses/programs/gerontology/index.html 

Certificate Program:

https://langara.ca/programs-and-courses/programs/social-service-gerontology/index.html

Information Sessions Sign Up:

https://langara.ca/programs-and-courses/programs/social-service-gerontology/information-sessions.html

Contact:

Jasmyne Rockwell
Coordinator
jrockwell@langara.ca
604-323-5511 (ext 2424)