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Langara College

Vancouver , British Columbia ,Canada

Diploma in Gerontology

Looking for a meaningful career? Do you care about older adults in your life and community? If so, then you want to be part of the dynamic and growing field of gerontology. Langara offers two programs in this field.

DIPLOMA IN GERONTOLOGY (62 CREDITS)

In the two-year Diploma in Gerontology program, students develop advanced skills and knowledge for positions related to program development, administration, and management. Graduates are prepared to provide innovative services to older adults that prevent social isolation, promote mental, physical, and emotional health, and support older adults to age in place while staying active in their communities.

SOCIAL SERVICE WORKER (GERONTOLOGY) CERTIFICATE (31 CREDITS)

In the one-year gerontology specialization program, students develop practical skills and knowledge to meet the needs of the rapidly growing population of older adults. Students in the certificate program take the first two terms of the Diploma in Gerontology program and exit with the recognized credential of Social Service Worker. Graduates are prepared to work with a population of older persons from diverse backgrounds.

HANDS-ON TRAINING
Combining theory with practice, students gain specialized knowledge and skills to work with individuals, families, and communities to promote health and resilience throughout the aging process. These programs prepare graduates for employment in the field of gerontology within a wide range of service settings such as: health and wellness, education, recreation, community support, advocacy, residential, and palliative care. The gerontology service sector expresses resounding support for the program, provides practicum placements, and hires graduates. Learn more about the hands-on training provided in our practicum opportunities. 

Who makes a good Gerontology student?

Empathy, understanding, compassion, and a heart for social service and social justice - if these qualities describe you, perhaps a career working with older adults is for you.

Our students are passionate about working with older adults and develop practical skills and knowledge to meet the needs of this rapidly growing population. We value our connections with the local senior-serving agencies who contribute to our program through guest presentations, field trips, and especially, practicum placement opportunities.

Intakes

  • Jan
  • May
  • Sep

Application Processing Time in Days: 10

Minimum English Language Requirements

English Level Description IELTS (1.0 -9.0) TOEFL IBT (0-120) TOEFL CBT (0-300) PTE (10-90)
Expert 9 120 297-300 86-90
Very Good 8.5 115-119 280-293 83-86
Very Good 8 110-114 270-280 79-83
Good 7.5 102-109 253-267 73-79
Good 7 94-101 240-253 65-73
Competent 6.5 79-93 213-233 58-65
Competent 6 60-78 170-210 50-58
Modest 5.5 46-59 133-210 43-50
Modest 5 35-45 107-133 36-43
Limited 4 32-34 97-103 30-36
Extremely Limited < 4 < 31 < 93 < 30

Job Opportunity Potential

Langara offers a team-based, collaborative, and collegial work environment with opportunities for continued professional development. Please visit our People and Culture website to learn more.

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from qualified candidates who will contribute to this diversity, including members of visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, and peoples with disabilities.

PSW Opportunity

Eligibility for Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP):
Graduated from a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada.
Desire to stay in Canada temporarily for work.

Important Note:
Graduating from a DLI doesn't automatically qualify you for a PGWP.

Validity of PGWP:
Depends on the length of the study program or the expiry date of your passport, whichever comes first.

Duration of PGWP Based on Study Program Length:
Less than 8 months (or 900 hours for Quebec credentials): Not eligible for PGWP.
At least 8 months (or 900 hours for Quebec credentials), but less than 2 years: PGWP may be granted for the same length as the study program (e.g., a 9-month program results in a 9-month PGWP).
2 years or more: PGWP may be valid for 3 years.

Completion of Multiple Programs:
PGWP may combine the lengths of each program if:
Each program is PGWP eligible.
Each program is at least 8 months (or 900 hours for Quebec credentials) in length.

Important Restriction:
You cannot obtain a PGWP if you already had one after completing an earlier program of study.

Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria

Academic Requirements
Completion of BC Grade 12 or equivalent, or be 19 years of age.
One of the following:
Successful completion of English Studies 12 or equivalent (see note);
Successful completion of a post-secondary English or communications course for which Langara College awards transfer credit;
LET (Langara English Test) Level 2;
LPI (Language Proficiency Index) Level 4 with essay 24;
TOEFL (paper-based) with a total score of 550 or higher and an essay score of 4.0 or higher;
TOEFL (Internet-based) with a total score of 80 or higher and a minimum of 18 in Listening, 20 in Reading, 18 in Speaking, and 20 in Writing;
IELTS 6.5;
Duolingo English Test with a score of 110 (Fall Semester 2020, Spring Semester 2021, and Summer Semester 2021 intakes only);
CAEL 60 overall with essay 60;
Successful completion of LEAP Level 8;
ELA (English Language Assessment) 145 offered by Vancouver Community College (VCC);
Successful completion of VCC English 099; or
Successful completion of at least four years of full-time studies in English in a country where English is the principal language.
Applicants who have completed 24 credits or more of post-secondary study must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.33 or higher.

  • Course Type: Full Time
  • Course Level: Under Graduate Diploma or Certificate
  • Duration: 02 Year  
  • Total Tuition Fee: 38274 CAD
    Annual Cost of Living: 20635 CAD
    Application Fee: 155 CAD
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