Clinical Gerontology Practice

A Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from an accredited/recognized institution.
A minimum of 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 point system, over the past two years of full-time study (a minimum of 60 units) of the undergraduate degree.
The equivalent of two years of full-time paid work or a minimum of 3,000 hours of paid and/or volunteer work in the human services field by the application deadline.
What is relevant social work and human service experience?
English Language Proficiency

Offers of admission are valid for the term to which you apply.

"a beautiful segue-way into healthcare"

A lot of people are interested in medical social work and they're trying to figure out their pathway in. Clinical social work with geriatric populations is a beautiful segue-way into healthcare because it's a whole system. If you understand the community parts of the system, you understand the hospital parts of the system. Once I got into hospital work, that’s where I got my career.

Allegra Sahama, MSW'18

Designed for social workers who are interested in pursuing clinical gerontology practice or are currently working with diverse older adults in clinical contexts (e.g., long-term care facilities, social service agencies, community outreach).

You'll explore social policy, legal and ethical issues, research, diagnostic tools and interventions, and theories related to practice with older populations.

Promoting Health and Wellness in Later Life

Explore theory, research, practice and policy relevant to understanding cognitive, mental, and physical health and promoting wellness in later life. We'll critically analyze theories, legislation, policies, and ethical issues.

Explore assessment tools, resources and support, and other interventions. Using practice-based activities, we'll apply these learnings to diverse populations across various settings.

Aging in Place

Explore theory, research, practice and policy relevant to understanding the role of ‘place’ in providing care to older adults. We'll critically analyze theory, legislation, policies, and ethical issues.

Explore place-based assessments and interventions. Using practice-based activities, we'll apply these learnings to diverse older adult populations residing in housing contexts across the continuum of care.

Fostering Inclusion of Older Adults

Explore theory, research, practice and policy relevant to understanding strengths and challenges related to inclusion and exclusion of older adults. We'll critically analyze theories, legislation, policies, and ethical issues through cultural, political, and social perspectives.

Learn the factors that impact isolation, loneliness, and exclusion, and strengthen engagement, social support/networks, and inclusion.

Using practice-based activities, we'll apply these learnings to diverse populations across various settings to support strategies of resistance and resilience.

Supporting Transitions in Later Life

Explore theory, research, practice and policy relevant to understanding significant life transitions during older adulthood. We'll critically analyze theories, legislation, policies, and ethical issues.

Explore assessment tools, resources and support, and other interventions designed for older adults and their caregivers as they navigate transitions in later life. Using practice-based activities, we'll apply these learnings to diverse populations across various settings to support transitions in later life.