Graduate Certificate in Gerontology - Interprofessional Practice

at Fanshawe College - Toronto Campus Canada

This graduate certificate program is designed to offer students the relevant knowledge and skills needed to enhance their professional practice in the care of the specialized population of aging adults.  Students will have the opportunity to develop skills in recreation and leadership, developmental disabilities, mental health, thanatology, and social interventions that support quality of life and person-centred care.  Participation in an interprofessional field placement and research with community organizations will further prepare graduates for employment in settings that support the aging person.

Learning Outcomes

• Comply with legislation and regulations governing professional practice within the Canadian health care system.
• Apply research in current issues and trends in gerontology to inform senior care plans and services.
• Consider the availability and effectiveness of community resources and referrals to plan, navigate and advocate for senior care.
• Analyze the strengths and needs of seniors independently or with an interprofessional team to plan, implement and evaluate programs.
• Assess the communicative, mental, physical, emotional and social health of older adults to promote healthy aging.
• Communicate effectively to promote person and family centered care and strengthen interprofessional collaborative practice.

This two-year Ontario College Graduate Certificate program in Hospitality and Tourism Operations Management is designed for university and college graduates seeking a career in the tourism and hospitality sector. The program will focus on hospitality operations within a global economy, encompassing leadership, management, and operations of hospitality and tourism businesses of varying size and complexity.

During this program, students will have the opportunity to complete the following industry certificates:

• Wine & Spirit Education (WSET)
• Prud ‘homme Beer Certification
• Smart Serve – Beverage Sales & Service Training
• Certificate in Revenue Management (CRMA) 
• Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) training
• Safe Food Handling training
• Certified Guest Service Professional (CGSP)

Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to

• Identify, select and utilize financial management principles, including cost accounting, management accounting, and audit practices and procedures.
• Select and implement the appropriate management theory and operating practices, including the fundamental principles underlying management planning, organizing, directing and controlling in a service-driven industry.
• Utilize financial operating and statistical reports to assist in intermediate and long-term decision-making.
• Assess the adequacy of strategic and operational decisions through the application and analysis of appropriate financial indicators.
• Develop a sound organizational marketing plan.
• Develop and implement effective customer relations; manage guest problems with empathy and sensitivity.
• Select and utilize industry-specific and generic software packages relating to operational planning and management.
• Contribute effectively to the development and implementation of management procedures for the supervision of employees; identify and use appropriate organizational behaviour principles and motivational or team-building techniques to achieve desired performance.
• Identify, analyze, and work within relevant government legislation and regulations bearing on the hospitality and tourism industry, including occupational health and safety legislation, employment standards and labour relations, and contract law.
• Maintain service standards and address business needs in an ethical and socially responsible manner.
• Develop, implement, and revise strategic operational plans for a department or business.
• Conduct meetings and make formal presentations employing effective public speaking skills and techniques.

The Addictions and Mental Health one-year program will be beneficial for seasoned practitioners who are committed to maintaining currency, and/or who are seeking career advancement. Students who are newly graduated from post-secondary may also wish to enroll in this program to deepen their knowledge and skill base prior to entering the workforce. Opportunities to work in varying sectors such as child, adult, family and gerontology-based programs may broaden for students who complete this Graduate Certificate. 

The intent of this program will be to ready students to work in a variety of Human Services settings such as community programs, residential care, social service programs, early childhood and family centres, recreation and leisure services, gerontology programs, group homes as well as any other settings that support prevention, intervention and treatment of addictions and/or mental illness.

Learning Outcomes

• Use a bio-psycho-spiritual framework when providing addictions and mental health services;
• Provide holistic, client-centred, gender-based, culturally relevant assessments and interventions to individuals, groups and families within social and cultural contexts across the lifespan;
• Integrate skills and knowledge from a range of frameworks and contexts in addictions, mental health and concurrent disorders to provide non-biased services to women and those from diverse and varied populations;
• Educate individuals, families, groups and the community regarding issues and approaches through knowledge translation, knowledge exchange and the dissemination of relevant and current research and practice via formal and informal education;
• Access, utilize and advocate for culturally informed community supports and services for individuals, families and the community;
• Actively participate in and contribute to, relevant networks, groups and organizations promoting development, improvement and advancement in the fields of addictions and mental health;
• Work collaboratively within inter-professional teams providing ethical, effective, timely, and coordinated holistic services;
• Practice ethical and responsible behaviour in all aspects of work;
• Use research results to design and implement client care and services with the participation and contribution of the client, their family, and the community;
• Proactively build collaborative relationships with Indigenous stakeholders to ensure culturally appropriate services.

The Developmental Services Worker two-year diploma program prepares its graduates to support people with developmental disabilities so that these individuals may participate fully in their communities. DSW have the specialized knowledge and skills required to work with people with developmental disabilities across the life span.

Inherent to the role of a DSW is an ability to collaborate and build relationships with people with developmental disabilities and their families and to work with colleagues and members of inter-professional teams to facilitate a seamless network of support for people.

Courses focus on disabilities, person directed supports, inclusion and community resources, dual diagnosis, interpersonal skills, counselling, health, pharmacology, development, teaching and intervention strategies. Field placements in community agencies and/or schools are part of the curriculum.

Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to

• Conduct oneself in an ethical, competent and accountable manner in all professional relationships.
• Provide person-directed supports and services that respect and promote self-determination for people with developmental disabilities
• Provide for the safety of people with developmental disabilities, self and others in compliance with all applicable legislation, regulations and standards of practice.
• Support health and well-being of people with developmental disabilities.
• Employ and adapt formal and informal strategies to support the learning of people with developmental disabilities.
• Provide leadership in the development of inclusive communities.
• Develop professional and personal plans that enhance job performance and well-being.

Through this progressive, interactive program, students will prepare for a career in hotel and resort management.  Students will explore and learn about all the front of house and heart of house areas of a full service hotel or resort operation including: management practices, administration, rooms division and food and beverage services. Students will gain a thorough foundation of national and international markets, exceptional guest service, industry software applications, leadership, cultural diversity and proactive management skills. Students will have the opportunity to network with industry professionals through guest speakers, hospitality events, industry related field trips and extensive work experience. In order to comply with AGCO licensing regulations, students must be at least 18 years of age by the commencement of Level 1 of the program.

Co-op Opportunities 
The Hospitality – Hotel and Resort Services Management program offers a cooperative education component, which provides students the opportunity to gain invaluable first-hand workplace experience within their chosen field. Here are some co-op jobs that have kick-started the careers of some Hospitality – Hotel and Resort Services Management students before even graduating!