Meet our gerontology instructor, learn more about the topics and skills covered in the course, and see who the training is geared toward.
Gerontology Certificate
Deepen your understanding of the physical, emotional, mental, social and ethical aspects of aging. Learn practical skills to support the health and well-being of our senior population.
Gerontology Certificate Overview
As our senior population increases, so does demand for skilled and compassionate geriatric care providers.
Professionals who work with seniors must understand the complexities and challenges of aging, and how to support health and well-being in older adults. This is the purpose and goal of the Gerontology certificate.
This training combines cutting-edge research and application to real-life situations to help you learn:
- The functional changes of aging, common illnesses related to aging, and the relationship between aging and quality of life
- The symptoms and treatments of common mental health issues among seniors (such as dementia, depression, and delirium)
- Legal and ethical issues around elder abuse, consent and capacity, medically assisted dying, and advanced care planning
- Techniques for engaging seniors in recreational activities and programs, social engagement, and a healthy lifestyle
- A variety of community resources available to seniors, long-term care, and palliative care
Benefits of Online Gerontology Training at Kompass
The Gerontology certificate is delivered online for maximum flexibility without sacrificing on quality, engagement, or instructor support.
Here’s how it works:
- Study online and fit coursework around your schedule
- Learn from experienced geriatric health care professionals
- Exchange ideas with your peers through online discussions
- Get personalized support and coaching
- Learn practical skills you can apply immediately in your own work
Careers in Gerontology
There are several career paths that focus on the care and support of seniors, in both clinical and community settings.
Some common job titles in this field include:
- Community Support Worker
- Personal Support Worker
- Health Care Aide
- Geriatric Nurse
- Recreation Program Manager
- Social Worker
- Mental Health Clinician
Course Format and Schedule
(Asynchronous)
Instructor Supported courses come with the support of a dedicated Instructor but do not follow a set class schedule. Students work at their own pace to complete the course within a set time period. The Instructor may offer pre-recorded lectures that are available for students to review or monthly check-in sessions that students can participate in via phone or video.
The Instructor Supported format offers students continued support from a dedicated Instructor with the flexibility to complete the certificate over a longer period of time.
The Cognitive Issues in Aging training module will look at issue of mental health as it relates to the aging process. Illnesses such as dementia, depression, and delirium will be explored in the context of causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention. Students will explore various cognitive assessment tools and supports available. Current issues related to mental health and aging will be discussed.
The Ethical and Legal Aspects of Aging training module explores the issues of consent and capacity as they relate to aging. Students will identify and discuss when capacity is assessed and how; issues of consent, including substitute decision makers. Advanced care planning is discussed. The issue of MAID (medical assistance in dying) is explored and discussed. Elder abuse is explored in the context of signs & symptoms and how to report.
The Health promotion training module explores how to engage people in adopting a healthy lifestyle during the aging process. Recreational activities and programs are explored as well as community resources available. This module also explores pain management and issues of sleep. Aging and technology are also explored in this module.
The Community Resources and Social Policy training module explores community resources available for seniors. Social issues related to aging including housing, transportation, income will be explored. Long-term care and palliative care are explored in relation to funding and policy. Edit Course
Instructors
Meet our industry-expert Instructors.

I have been a mental health nurse for 18 years. I have a Masters degree in nursing and am a certified psychiatric mental health nurse with the Canadian Mental Health Association. Most of my experience has been working in adolescent mental health at the Sick Kids Centre for Community Mental Health (formerly the Hincks Dellcrest Centre) in Toronto. I was a volunteer nurse with the Sherbourne Health bus, providing medical care and basic hygiene supplies to marginalized people in downtown Toronto. I am currently a Nurse Clinician at Humber River Hospital, providing mental health assessments, consultation, and staff coaching.
I have experience running various groups such as CBT based groups, structured relapse prevention, and self esteem groups as well as various methods of counselling including Dialectical Behaviour Therapy and Motivational Interviewing.
Overview
Scholarship Offer
Register for a certificate and receive a $500 discount on tuition!
Ready to start?
Classes begin every Monday!
Related Certificates
Who Should Take the Certificate?
The Gerontology certificate is designed for professionals seeking to more effectively support and care for seniors. Anyone who regularly interacts with seniors will benefit from this training, including:
- Healthcare workers
- Social workers
- Community outreach professionals
- Caregivers
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS:
- Post-secondary university degree or college diploma; OR
- Relevant professional experience