Course of Studies

Course Name Credit
GERO 200 Contemporary Issues in Gerontology Online 3
IPHE 400 _Interprofessional Care of the Older Adult Online 3
IPHE 402 _— Physiologic Functioning in the Aged Online 3
IPHE501 = Psychosocial Issues in Aging Online 3
TPHE 503 Delirium, Dementia and Depression Online 3
IPHE504 Social and Environmental Contexts Influencing Aging Online 3
IPHE505 Maximizing Physical Function in Aging Online 3

Total 18

ELECTIVES

Course Name Credit
IPHE 401 _— Spirituality and Aging Online 2
IPHE 410 Medication Use and Abuse Online 2
IPHE512  ~=Mental Health, Addictions and Wellness in Later Years Online 2
IPHE513 _ End-of-Life Care and Palliaton Online 2

Total 8

Program Summary

The largest growing health cohort is the geriatric
population. By 2030, 2596 of Canadians will be over
65; 12% will be over 85 years of age. 7596 of nursing
medical time will be spent with older adults by 2020.

All health professionals (Nursing, Rehab, Social

Work and Human Services) who work with aging
adults need specialized knowledge and training to
effectively educate, assess and care for older people.
They require tools and skills to meet the complex
physical, social, environmental, cognitive and spiritual
needs of the elderly. Health professionals need the
ability to analyze trends and challenges in the field

of Geriatrics, and the skills to work with multiple
disciplines to proactively respond to these.

SCOPE OF PROGRAM

Following an overview of the emerging field of
Geriatric studies, participants will consider the
elements that contribute to healthy aging and analyze
factors that deter or undermine wellness. The course
modules will help each student develop a conceptual
framework for geriatric assessment in the spheres of
psychosocial, physiologic and mental health. A choice
of several electives will allow each person to enrich
their personal educational needs.

selkirk.ca/programs

GENERAL LEARNING OUTCOMES
— Interpret basic geriatric trends and issues

— Accumulate and test a wide variety of health
assessment tools

— Be equipped to provide leadership in team settings

— Demonstrate critical, innovative thinking in
problem solving

— Illustrate how to educate towards wellness

— Develop advocacy skills at relational and policy-
making levels

PROGRAM DESIGN

This versatile Diploma Program will appeal to
registered nurses, licensed practical nurses,
registered psychiatric nurses, physical therapists

or occupational therapists, social workers or human
services diploma professionals working in any care
venues who seek specialization in gerontological care
and who desire to take elective courses of personal
interest in gerontology. Some courses may also be
credited as electives in other university programs
programs.

Distance Education allows professionals the flexibility
to immerse themselves in a dynamic specialty while
pursuing other life and career goals. Self-paced study
allows each participant to adjust their education to
their lifestyle and learning needs.

Gerontology

selkirk.ca/gerontology

LENGTH OF STUDY:
2 Years, Part-Time

ACCREDITATION:
Advanced Diploma

CAMPUS:
Online

Variety and choice within course assignments
encourages the student to pursue topics of personal
interest. Online interaction with other health
professionals enhances learning and application

of course content, and allows professionals to
appreciate varied scopes of geriatric practice.

Careers

FIND REWARDING CAREERS
— Acute and residential care (all levels)

— Community Care (home care and case
management)

— Mental health

— Health promotion agencies

— Clinics and primary health care settings
— Research and administration

— Small health care business owners

Graduates will have the ability to analyse trends

and challenges in the field of Geriatrics, and the
tools and skills to meet the complex physical,

social, environmental, cognitive and spiritual

needs of the elderly. Facility care (all levels), acute
care, community nursing (home care and case
management), mental health, health promotion
agencies, clinics and primary health care settings
are all potential areas of employment for nurses with
specialized skills and knowledge in gerontology.

Admission Requirements

Completion of a health care provider credential (e.g.
LPN, BSN, BSW, etc.)

Selkirk College Academic Calendar 2018-19 99