Graduate Certificate in Gerontology and Palliative Care - Interprofessional Practice

at Georgian College - Barrie Campus Canada

An accounting education helps you to understand “the numbers” which is critical to the success of every type of business. If you are a logical thinker and enjoy the challenge of unravelling the mystery of numbers then this program is for you. In this increasingly complex and competitive business environment, accounting skills are very much in demand.

The program provides a foundation in all of the functional business areas and a comprehensive education in specific accounting practices and theory. Through a strong focus on application both in the classroom and through co-op work terms, students develop the skills needed for success in the business world; analytical thinking, problem solving, communication and teamwork. Students graduate ready to enter the workforce and support the accounting activities of any organization.

In this program, students focus on computer programming, web development and leveraging data to help organizations make meaningful business decisions. Throughout the program, students learn how to write code using a variety of languages such as Arduino, ASP.NET, C#, C++, Java, JavaScript, PHP, SQL and Swift. Students gain experience developing software for diverse platforms including embedded systems, desktop, mobile, and mainframe systems. In addition, students are exposed to advanced concepts including systems analysis, Business Intelligence (BI), application security, data structures, and game and simulation programming. With a strong emphasis on business and entrepreneurial values, students gain experience in problem solving, troubleshooting and systems building through a series of applied assignments, projects, and co-op work terms.

Students in this program prepare for success in the rapidly evolving and growing industry of civil engineering. Students are exposed to the construction of roads, bridges, sewers, water mains, and other infrastructure; are introduced to cost estimation; and experience field work, material testing, and project management. The application of codes and standards, site management techniques, and related computer technologies to integrated work placements prepares students to work with engineers, designers, and construction project managers as an integral part of the engineering team.

In this program, students are prepared for professional and essential support positions in the automotive industry by providing general business and specialized automotive education. Through eight months of co-op work experience and opportunities to network with industry professionals, students explore the automotive industry and learn from industry experts. Upon completion of the program students have the skills, knowledge, and experience to build a career across a broad range of sectors in the automotive industry.

Flight Attendants are ambassadors of the passenger experience in the Airline industry. In this program, students focus on the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to provide exceptional passenger service and deal effectively with the travelling public. Through theory and hands on experience, students gain knowledge of the various duties and responsibilities of a flight attendant and how to provide quality service and leadership. Emphasis is placed on passenger safety and use of emergency equipment through simulated experiences.

Discover and engage in the exciting world of tourism at Georgian College. Experience a unique blend of supportive academic instruction and active hands-on learning opportunities designed to provide a solid foundation for entry into the world's fastest growing industry. The demand for new tourism experiences has created many exceptional career possibilities. A practical co-op work term also allows students to gain and sustain valuable industry knowledge and skills that set them apart from other applicants upon graduation. Join this dynamic global industry and explore a world of possibility. Sustain. Engage. Discover. Experience.

Practical Experience:
Co-operative Education is a mandatory component of all Co-op programs at Georgian College; it has been designed as a process by which students integrate their academic education with work experience related to their programs of study. This integration affects much more than simply earning a salary, including the adjustment to the work environment and the development of professionalism. It also reinforces skills and theory learned during academic semesters, develops professional contacts, job knowledge and career path, improves human relations and communication skills, and promotes personal maturity and financial independence.

Students are requested to register, attend and participate in their scheduled co-operative education classes. These classes are scheduled for all first year students and are expected to be completed in order for students to proceed successfully to their first co-op work experiences. To ensure students are eligible to proceed onto any co-op work experience, students should refer to Promotional Status and Eligibility for Co-op as outlined in the College Calendar. Co-op policies and procedures can be located on our website: www.georgiancollege.ca/student-services/co-op-and-career-services/students-tab/

Georgian College follows the Co-operative Education guidelines set out by the Canadian Association for Co-operative Education (CAFCE) and Education at Work Ontario (EWO) by supporting the learning outcomes designed for the program specific graduate profile and curriculum as set out by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities

The philosophy and curriculum of this collaborative program incorporate and utilize the concepts of caring and human science as the basis of nursing practice. Students work collaboratively with peers and faculty to explore nursing knowledge and caring practice. 

In the classroom, student learning activities focus on the nursing care of individuals, families, groups and the global community. In the practice setting, under the guidance of a practicum mentor or preceptor, students integrate knowledge from program courses to provide holistic, client-centred nursing care. In order to provide quality practicum placements, students are placed in a variety of agencies in the region serviced by the campus. Students are required to provide their own transportation to practicum placements.

NOTE: Years 1 and 2 are offered at Georgian and years 3 and 4 are offered through York University.

This program is designed to assist Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs) to work as part of an inter-professional healthcare team in geriatric and palliative care settings. Students acquire the knowledge and expertise to enhance an individual’s quality of living and dying as part of an end of life process.  To meet the individual needs of the client during this transitional phase of their life, students examine current theories and explore best practices to build skills in assessment, planning, intervention, and evaluation. Through a combination of classroom instruction and lab, students focus on the importance of communication, spirituality, ethics, law and culturally responsive nursing care for an aging or end-of-life population.  Students will have an opportunity to consolidate their classroom learning with one practicum placement in a variety of settings that may include hospital, community, home care or long term care.   

Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

• Identify and apply strategies that promote self-esteem, dignity, and independence of geriatric and palliative clients and family to support health, aging, and/or dying and death;
• Communicate effectively to strengthen interprofessional collaborative practice in the delivery of person and family-centred care;
• Provide holistic and culturally responsive care to geriatric and palliative clients and families to ease the stress of aging and/or dying an death;
• Comply with legislation, regulations and ethical standards in the provision of care for geriatric and palliative clients within the health care context;
• Apply an evidence-based perspective to inform care plans, programs and services for geriatric and palliative clients;
• Develop and use personal/professional strategies and plans for professional growth and to improve job performance in a Canadian health care operations context;
• Evaluate the efficacy of care measures delivered to geriatric and palliative clients to manage their symptoms and ensure comfort.

In this program, Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs) enhance their knowledge and understanding of nursing practice in complex care environments in Ontario by developing their theoretical and clinical skills. Individuals with complex care needs often suffer from combinations of multiple chronic conditions, mental health problems, drug interactions and social vulnerability. Using an interprofessional approach, students focus on the application and evaluation of advanced theories and practices related to ethical and legal issues, pharmacology, advanced health assessment, mental health nursing practice, complex health challenges, clinical decision making, communication, cultural diversity and sensitivity. Experienced nursing faculty use a variety of active learning methods, including simulation labs and a practicum placement to assist IENs to consolidate their understanding of healthcare in Canada and the nursing profession in Ontario.

In order to provide a quality practicum placement, students will be placed in a variety of settings. Students are required to provide their own transportation for the practicum.

In this program,students experience a unique blend of health care and business management. Through theory and practical experience in labs/clinics, students learn to competently dispense eyeglasses, contact lenses and sub-normal vision devices, and learn about basic refraction. Students gain  a strong foundation of ocular sciences in optics and anatomy,  and are provided the expertise necessary to layout and edge lenses for frame insertion, as well as repair, customize and modify eyewear to the patient/clients' needs. Emphasis is also placed on professional services. Through critical thinking, problem solving, and entrepreneurial skills, students learn to  how to establish and operate a small business, how to use effective sales techniques, and enhance communication and interpersonal skills in order to be successful in the optical retail environment.

Upon successful completion of the academic and co-operative education semesters, students are eligible to write the national registration examinations which allow them, if successful, to practice in Canada as a Registered Optician.