Post-baccalaureate Diploma

Established in 1983, the Diploma Program is designed for those who have completed an undergraduate degree in any discipline and are looking to expand their knowledge of gerontology through a recognized program. It provides a broadly based, multi-disciplinary perspective on aging, and the knowledge and skills required for clinical and practical interventions and for application of research findings to practice. The program is meant for those already working with seniors, or those with a related undergraduate degree who wish to work with older persons and/or pursue further graduate studies in gerontology. Over 300 students have successfully completed the program which is based at Simon Fraser University Harbour Centre Campus in Vancouver with courses also available through distance education. A limited number of courses may be offered at the main campus in Burnaby. Many of the courses offered in class are in the evening to accommodate those working during the day.

Objectives

Upon completion of the program, graduates will have acquired the knowledge and skills that will enable them to:

• identify, describe, and understand the interdependent processes of physical, psychological and social aging;
• apply knowledge of these processes to individual older clients, groups, and communities;
• improve the quality of service to older adults.

CAREERS IN GERONTOLOGY

A Diploma in Gerontology offers a variety of career opportunities with older persons. Some Diploma students already work with seniors as kinesiologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, nurses, social workers, and recreational or educational coordinators. Those looking to break into the work force can take the credential in a number of directions, depending on their undergraduate degree and work/volunteer experience.

Possible employment opportunities with a Diploma include: program coordinator at seniors centres; fall and injury prevention coordinator; peer support program coordinator; allied health professional in a long term care facility or in the community, etc. Workplaces include health care and long-term care institutions; community and religious organizations; federal, provincial and municipal government agencies; retirement communities; parks and recreational programs; social service agencies and business and industry. The practicum component of the program is an excellent opportunity to gain direct experience with seniors and establish contacts in the area of gerontology.

Here are a few examples of the current occupations of recent graduates of the Diploma program:

• Program Coordinator, Volunteer Grandparents
• Co-Executive Director, Caregivers Association of BC
• Seniors Program Coordinator, Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver
• Activity Worker, Adult Day Care Centre
• Wellness & Vitality Coordinator, Amica Mature Lifestyles Inc.
• Coordinator, Interior Health Authority, Lifeline Program

Further information about careers in gerontology is available at: www.careersinaging.com ; www.geron.org, and www.agework.com

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

• Completion of an undergraduate degree from a recognized university with a minimum grade point average of 2.5. *
• Three letters of reference, with at least one from an academic source. Reference forms are available or referees can submit a letter that addresses the following points; the candidate’s level of maturity and ability to work with older persons, ability to complete a post-baccalaureate program of study, and career potential.

**Note: The Office of Admissions determines the minimum GPA for entrance into PBD programs at the beginning of each semester. The GPA required for admission in a given semester varies according to the number of applications received by the University.  Students are advised to apply under the diverse admissions category.  In some situations students have been able to complete transferable courses at other institutions in order to improve their entrance GPA and gain admission. Contact the program advisor for further details.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

- 32 hours of approved course work.

  20 credit hours from the six required courses listed below.

  12 credit hours are from the specified list of optional courses.

- A CGPA of 2.5 is required on courses applied toward the diploma.

- Students entering the program without experience working directly with older persons in a job or volunteer setting may be required to complete a practicum. Some organizations may require students to be cleared through a criminal record search prior to starting the practicum.

Transfer Credit

Transfer credit for work done at other institutions, before or after admission to the program, may be approved toward fulfillment of the program requirements provided that at least 18 of the 32 credit hours are taken at Simon Fraser University. Transfer credit toward the diploma is granted only on approval of the registrar, the Gerontology Program and the Dean of Arts. Credits applied to one diploma may not be applied to another Simon Fraser University certificate or diploma or degree and vice versa.

Part-time/Full-time Study

Students may choose to complete three to fifteen credit hours per semester (1 - 5 courses). Generally, students take between 3 and 6 semesters to finish the program (1-2 years). The time limit for completion is 5 years.

Distance Education Courses

Many courses are available by distance education.

Students will be required to complete GERO 400 and Psyc 357 in class and will need to travel to Vancouver for the spring semester (January - April).

For further information call the Centre for Distance Education 778.782.3524 or visit: www.sfu.ca/cde.

Curriculum

Required Courses

****GERO 300-3   Introduction to Gerontology     

****GERO 301-3   Research Methods in Gerontology

---- GERO 400-4   Seminar in Applied Gerontology

****GERO 420-4   Sociology of Aging

****KIN 46l-3        Physiological Aspects of Aging

---- PSYC 357-3    Psychology of Adulthood and Aging

Optional Courses

****EDUC 351-3   Teaching the Older Adult

****GERO 302-3   Health Promotion and Aging

---- GERO 401-3   Aging and the Built Environment

---- GERO 402-3   Drug Issues in Gerontology

****GERO  403-3 Counselling Issues with Older Adults

****GERO 404-3   Health and Illness in Later Life

---- GERO 405-3   Aging in Small Communities and Rural Areas

****GERO 406-3   Death and Dying

****GERO 407-3   Nutrition and Aging

****GERO 408-4   Families and Aging

- GERO 409-3   Mental Health and Aging

- GERO 410-3   Special Topics in Gerontology I

- GERO 411-3   Special Topics in Gerontology II

- GERO 412-3   Special Topics in Gerontology III

- GERO 414-4   Special Topic in Gerontology VI

- GERO 435-3   Adult Guardianship Law

- SA       319-4   Culture, Ethnicity and Aging

Notes:

1. **** indicates courses available through distance education.

2. Students are advised to complete GERO 300 and 301 during their first semester of study and GERO 400 near the end of their program.

3. The Course Timetable and Exam Schedule lists current and future course offerings. It is distributed by the Office of the Registrar each semester and is also at the following web site: http://students.sfu.ca/forms/1087scheduleclasses.pdf  Some courses are offered only once per year (e.g. GERO 400) or in alternate years (e.g. GERO 402, GERO 406). Students should take course availability into account when making course selections. A schedule of upcoming courses and outlines are listed on the department website at http://www.sfu.ca/gerontology/course_schedules/index.html .

4. Course descriptions are listed in the SFU Calendar, which is available at   www.reg.sfu.ca/calendar/.

Practicum

The practicum is designed to ensure that students graduating from the program have an opportunity to work directly with older individuals in a setting that promotes the particular research or work interests of the student. The practicum may be completed outside of the Vancouver area and can involve work with one or more different agencies, provided that appropriate supervision is available. Students are evaluated upon entrance to the program to determine if a practicum is required. Individuals who have a minimum of one year of work experience may request a waiver of the practicum.

Criminal Record Check

Some organizations may require students to be cleared through a criminal record search prior to starting the practicum.

APPLICATION & ADMISSION

Post Baccalaureate Diploma students must obtain admission to the University and to the program. Students are required to meet the undergraduate admission deadlines. The current deadlines are listed below.

April 30 for entrance to a Fall/September semester

September 30 for entrance to a Spring/January semester

January 31 for entrance to a Summer/May semester

1) Admission to Simon Fraser University

Students apply for admission at: www.reg.sfu.ca/ps/

2) Admission to the Diploma Program in Gerontology

Candidates must submit the Gerontology Diploma Program application form with official transcripts of all post-secondary academic work * and three letters of reference. Application forms, letter of reference forms are available at: http://www.sfu.ca/gerontology/program_info_post_bacc/index.html

* NOTE: Transcripts MUST be received directly from the issuing institution, NOT from the applicant.

The above items should be sent directly to:

Admissions Committee,
PBD in Gerontology
Simon Fraser University at Harbour Centre
#2800–515 West Hastings Street
Vancouver, B.C. V6B 5K3
tel: 778.782.5065 fax 778.782.5066 email: gero@sfu.ca

Post-baccalaureate Diploma in Gerontology - documents:

Letter of Reference Form

Program Application Guidelines

Program Application Form

Cover Letter