Enhanced Professional Practice - Gerontology and Chronic Illness
- Credential:
- Ontario College Graduate Certificate
- Program Code:
- 1362
- School:
- Health & Life Sciences
- Academic Year:
- 2021/ 2022
- Accelerated Delivery?
- No
Notice:
This is an eText program. Learn about our eText initiative.
To effectively participate in remote learning, students in this program must have reliable Internet access and meet these device requirements.
About the Program
This one-year graduate certificate program is geared to experienced internationally educated nurses holding a four-year bachelor's degree in nursing. Through theory, labs, simulation, and clinical practice, this program focuses on caring for seniors throughout the continuum of care in a variety of settings. It allows students to deepen their capability to care for seniors who are living with chronic illness and their families. Nursing excellence across the domains of practice is optimized within the context of the Canadian health-care system. A professional socialization framework will be emphasized.Program Information
Length: One-year Ontario College Graduate Certificate programLocation: Doon (Kitchener)
Start: September, January and May
First-Year Capacity: 36
Admission Requirements
- A bachelor's degree in nursing and registration as a registered nurse in the applicant's country of nursing education
- Successful completion of a program equivalent to Enhanced Nursing Practice Clinical and Critical Care.
Note re: Admission Requirements
- Preference is given to students who have at least one year of clinical experience in their home country.
- Applicants with transcripts from institutions where the language of instruction is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency with a minimum test score on one of the following language proficiency tests or equivalent scores from another internationally recognized English language test:
- IELTS overall band of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0
- TOEFL iBT 88
- CAEL 70, no sub-test band score less than 60
- PTE Academic 58
- Conestoga English Language Test (CELT) Band 6
- We offer a language program for students whose English language skills are below the standard required for admission but all other admission criteria have been met. An applicant will be eligible for admission to the graduate program after completion of level 4 of the General Arts and Science - English Language Studies (ELS) program with an overall grade average of 80% and no grade less than 75%. Placement in the ELS program is determined by scores on an in-house English language test or TOEFL or IELTS.
Admission Procedures
- Attach proof of Admission Requirements.
- Final selection is made following an assessment of the admission requirements.
Program Requirements
- This is an eText program. Learn about our eText initiative.
- Mandatory work-integrated learning (WIL) health and safety requirements must be completed by students prior to student field/clinical WIL experiences. Successful WIL completion is required for students to progress to program completion. To qualify for field/clinical WIL learning experiences, students must present the following at the start of the program in accordance with pre-admission information provided by the College:
- A complete immunization record including MMR, polio, Tdap, varicella, and hepatitis B. Seasonal flu vaccination is required during flu season (October - March).
- TB Testing: Evidence of current 2-step or previous 2-step + current 1-step if more than one year has passed since 2-step testing.
- Standard First Aid and CPR - HCP or BLS level (must be completed in Canada)
- An annual Police Check for Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS) to be completed in Canada. Police Checks must be clear of any unpardoned criminal offences. An unclear criminal record may result in the inability to participate in WIL experiences which will jeopardize progress in the program. Acceptance for WIL is at the discretion of the agency; some agencies may request students to provide a VSS completed within six months of WIL start date. Students with criminal records are advised to meet with the program chair for academic counselling to determine program suitability.
- Students are responsible for costs associated with respirator fit testing required for clinical practice.
- In preparation to pursuing a nursing career, we encourage all prospective nursing students to carefully consider the requisite skills and abilities for nursing practice in Ontario outlined by the College of Nurses of Ontario.
Tuition & Fees
Tuition fee details for the 2020-2021 year are listed below. Fees for the next academic year are unavailable at this time. Books and supplies are additional.
Estimated International fees based upon the previous academic year (2020 / 2021) for
Enhanced Professional Practice - Gerontology and Chronic Illness - Program # 1362
| Description | Fall 2020 | Winter 2021 |
|---|---|---|
| Recreation/Athletics Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Graduation/Alumni Services Fee | $20.95 | $20.95 |
| Administration Fee | $18.40 | $18.40 |
| Technology Enhancement Fee | $142.75 | $142.75 |
| Program Supply Fee | $0.00 | $75.00 |
| Capital Development Fee | $77.08 | $77.08 |
| CSI Association Fee | $84.50 | $84.50 |
| CSI Health Plan Fee | $295.00 | $0.00 |
| Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Documentation Fee | $84.00 | $0.00 |
| ISR | $375.00 | $375.00 |
| ONE Card Fee | $12.75 | $12.75 |
| eText Fee | $126.00 | $0.00 |
| CSI Legal Protection (optional) | $30.00 | $0.00 |
| CSI International Health Fee | $500.00 | $0.00 |
| Grad. Cert. Program Tuition | $6500.00 | $6500.00 |
| CSI Advocacy Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| CSI Event Fee and Campus Life (optional) | $15.00 | $15.00 |
| CSI Student Clubs and Societies (optional) | $3.50 | $3.50 |
| Locker Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Alumni Services | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Student Spaces | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Graduation fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Academic Support Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| CSI Academic Support Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Health and Wellness Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| CSI Health and Wellness Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Career Services Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| CSI Career Services Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Sustainability Fee (optional) | $5.00 | $5.00 |
| Student Services | $50.65 | $50.65 |
| CSI - Student Frosh Kit Fee (optional) | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Session Total | $8340.58 | $7380.58 |
| Year Total | $15721.16 |
| Description | Fall 2020 |
|---|---|
| Recreation/Athletics Fee | $0.00 |
| Graduation/Alumni Services Fee | $20.95 |
| Administration Fee | $18.40 |
| Technology Enhancement Fee | $142.75 |
| Program Supply Fee | $75.00 |
| Capital Development Fee | $77.08 |
| CSI Association Fee | $84.50 |
| CSI Health Plan Fee | $295.00 |
| Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Documentation Fee | $0.00 |
| ISR | $375.00 |
| ONE Card Fee | $12.75 |
| eText Fee | $62.00 |
| CSI Legal Protection (optional) | $30.00 |
| CSI International Health Fee | $500.00 |
| Grad. Cert. Program Tuition | $6500.00 |
| CSI Advocacy Fee | $0.00 |
| CSI Event Fee and Campus Life (optional) | $15.00 |
| CSI Student Clubs and Societies (optional) | $3.50 |
| Locker Fee | $0.00 |
| Alumni Services | $0.00 |
| Student Spaces | $0.00 |
| Graduation fee | $0.00 |
| Academic Support Fee | $0.00 |
| CSI Academic Support Fee | $0.00 |
| Health and Wellness Fee | $0.00 |
| CSI Health and Wellness Fee | $0.00 |
| Career Services Fee | $0.00 |
| CSI Career Services Fee | $0.00 |
| Sustainability Fee (optional) | $5.00 |
| Student Services | $50.65 |
| CSI - Student Frosh Kit Fee (optional) | $0.00 |
| Session Total | $8267.58 |
| Year Total | $8267.58 |
| Description | Winter 2021 | Spring 2021 |
|---|---|---|
| Recreation/Athletics Fee | $0.00 | $70.50 |
| Graduation/Alumni Services Fee | $20.95 | $28.45 |
| Administration Fee | $18.40 | $25.90 |
| Technology Enhancement Fee | $142.75 | $142.75 |
| Program Supply Fee | $0.00 | $75.00 |
| Capital Development Fee | $77.08 | $77.08 |
| CSI Association Fee | $84.50 | $110.00 |
| CSI Health Plan Fee | $197.65 | $0.00 |
| Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Documentation Fee | $84.00 | $0.00 |
| ISR | $375.00 | $375.00 |
| ONE Card Fee | $12.75 | $12.75 |
| eText Fee | $126.00 | $0.00 |
| CSI Legal Protection (optional) | $20.10 | $0.00 |
| CSI International Health Fee | $335.00 | $0.00 |
| Grad. Cert. Program Tuition | $6500.00 | $6500.00 |
| CSI Advocacy Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| CSI Event Fee and Campus Life (optional) | $15.00 | $30.00 |
| CSI Student Clubs and Societies (optional) | $3.50 | $4.00 |
| Locker Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Alumni Services | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Student Spaces | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Graduation fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Academic Support Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| CSI Academic Support Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Health and Wellness Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| CSI Health and Wellness Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Career Services Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| CSI Career Services Fee | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Sustainability Fee (optional) | $5.00 | $5.00 |
| Student Services | $50.65 | $50.65 |
| CSI - Student Frosh Kit Fee (optional) | $0.00 | $65.00 |
| Session Total | $8068.33 | $7572.08 |
| Year Total | $15640.41 |
| Description | Spring 2021 |
|---|---|
| Recreation/Athletics Fee | $70.50 |
| Graduation/Alumni Services Fee | $28.45 |
| Administration Fee | $25.90 |
| Technology Enhancement Fee | $142.75 |
| Program Supply Fee | $0.00 |
| Capital Development Fee | $77.08 |
| CSI Association Fee | $110.00 |
| CSI Health Plan Fee | $97.35 |
| Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Documentation Fee | $84.00 |
| ISR | $375.00 |
| ONE Card Fee | $12.75 |
| eText Fee | $126.00 |
| CSI Legal Protection (optional) | $20.10 |
| CSI International Health Fee | $165.00 |
| Grad. Cert. Program Tuition | $6500.00 |
| CSI Advocacy Fee | $0.00 |
| CSI Event Fee and Campus Life (optional) | $30.00 |
| CSI Student Clubs and Societies (optional) | $4.00 |
| Locker Fee | $0.00 |
| Alumni Services | $0.00 |
| Student Spaces | $0.00 |
| Graduation fee | $0.00 |
| Academic Support Fee | $0.00 |
| CSI Academic Support Fee | $0.00 |
| Health and Wellness Fee | $0.00 |
| CSI Health and Wellness Fee | $0.00 |
| Career Services Fee | $0.00 |
| CSI Career Services Fee | $0.00 |
| Sustainability Fee (optional) | $5.00 |
| Student Services | $50.65 |
| CSI - Student Frosh Kit Fee (optional) | $65.00 |
| Session Total | $7989.53 |
| Year Total | $7989.53 |
Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance is not available for this program.Students who successfully complete the Enhanced Nursing Practice - Clinical and Critical Care (Graduate Certificate) program will be eligible to apply for a scholarship of $1,000 towards tuition for the second program, Enhanced Professional Practice - Gerontology and Chronic Illness (Graduate Certificate).
Graduate Opportunities
This program will prepare graduates with the knowledge and authentic experience necessary for them to enter confidently into the Canadian health-care workforce. Equip yourself with the capabilities to work as a nurse in the areas of long-term care, community-based care and general internal medicine.For more details on related occupations, job market information and career opportunities, see the Government of Canada website: https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/home
Pathways & Credit Transfer
Conestoga pathways enable students to build on their academic achievements in order to earn a degree or additional credential. Pathways are formed through agreements between Conestoga programs or partner institutions.Often applicants have earned credits from another college or university that may allow a student to be granted advanced standing or exemption. Learn more about credit transfer opportunities at Conestoga.
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)
Conestoga recognizes prior learning of skills, knowledge or competencies that have been acquired through employment, formal and informal education, non-formal learning or other life experiences. Prior learning must be measurable at the required academic level and meet Conestoga standards of achievement. Challenge exams and portfolio development are the primary methods of assessment. Other methods of assessment may be available depending upon the nature of the course objectives. PLAR cannot be used by registered Conestoga students for the clearance of academic deficiencies, to improve grades or to obtain admission into a program.Learn more about PLAR.
Program Courses
| Course Code | Course Title and Description |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | |
| COMM8210 | Professional Communication and Conduct
Description: This course emphasizes professionalism as a key foundation for nursing practice in Canada, in order to provide safe, effective and ethical care. Professional standards such as communication, advocacy, conflict of interest, consent and privacy and confidentiality are reinforced. |
| CON0101 | Conestoga 101
Description: This self-directed course focuses on introducing new students to the supports, services, and opportunities available at Conestoga College. By the end of this course, students will understand the academic expectations of the Conestoga learning environment, as well as the supports available to ensure their academic success. Students will also be able to identify on-campus services that support their health and wellness, and explore ways to get actively involved in the Conestoga community through co-curricular learning opportunities. |
| FPLT8140 | Field Placement I (Enhanced Nursing Practice Gerontology and Chronic Illness)
Description: The student is provided with opportunities to build on their first clinical experience with added gerontology-based knowledge of theory and skills to continue to provide professional entry-level competencies for safe, competent, and ethical care. This clinical setting will support the integration of knowledge for individual planning, intervention, and evaluation to supports older adults through health programs that span across rehabilitation, restoration, and chronic/complex continuing care. The focus will be on chronic illness management, supports, and advancements in treatment options available to older adults and their family for individual functioning/ability, improved quality of life/well-being, and return/integration to the community. |
| HEAL1895 | Gentle Persuasive Approaches (GPA)
Description: GPA Basics is an innovative, 4-module dementia-care curriculum based on a person-centred approach to care. The curriculum is evidence-based, interactive, and practical. The program guides participants to fully understand responsive behaviours, in order to be able to respond effectively and appropriately in a workplace setting. GPA Basics also includes respectful self-protective and gentle redirection techniques for use when catastrophic behaviours do occur. |
| NURS1445 | Nursing Theory and Research
Description: This course will build upon previous knowledge of nursing theory and strengthen student's ability to apply nursing theories in a variety of health care contexts. This course will assist students to examine basic principles of research, the needs of the research consumer, and develop skills of critical appraisal and evaluation of health care literature. Students will be introduced to Evidence Informed Decision Making (EIDM), and utilize their research skills within the context of the EIDM model. |
| NURS8587 | Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment
Description: The student will examine the physical and cognitive challenges of an older adult, through gaining knowledge of a holistic comprehensive geriatric assessment and geriatric syndromes. Students will learn how to care for older adults and how to support their families through application of the nursing process, utilizing case studies to enhance learning. |
| NURS8615 | Professional Practice Applications in Seniors Care
Description: The role of the professional nurse will be examined utilizing simulation with standardized patients, application scenarios, and case based learning. The concepts of ageism and stereotyping related to older adults will be examined.Comprehensive geriatric assessments will focus on therapeutic communication, time management, priority setting, decision making/problem solving, and critical thinking. Students will gain a greater understanding of cultural and health origins of Canada's first people. |
| NURS8686 | Seniors Care in the Canadian Health Care System
Description: Students will gain a greater understanding of the role of the gerontological nurse and the interprofessional team when caring for seniors and their families in the Canadian health care system. Concepts of healthy aging and aging in society will be examined. Influences related to the role of the gerontological nurse will be discussed including individual and family care/relationships, cultural competencies, economic and legal issues, and documentation. |
| NURS8725 | Living With Chronic Illness
Description: This course will focus on older adults living with chronic illness. Students will examine the quality of life and well-being of seniors who live with chronic illnesses such as visual/auditory changes, bone and joint disorders, pain, diabetes, cardiac/respiratory disorders, stroke and Parkinson's disease. Promoting effective learning/communication, quality, and continuity of care within the health care continuum will be supported as students gain a greater understanding of community resources to support chronic illness and exacerbation as they occur. |
| OHS1320 | Safety in the Workplace
Description: This course focuses on developing awareness and skills for the student to safely manage and conduct him or herself within a variety of employment settings. Through the units of the course, participants will have the opportunity to enhance their understanding and knowledge of general Health and Safety guidelines, including WHMIS, Fire Safety and Workplace Violence. The unit on Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act will instruct the student on the requirements for Accessible Customer Service and Integrated Accessibility Standard Regulations. General information on Safe Driving, Privacy of Information and Hand Washing will be addressed as well. The course also provides participants with critical information regarding their insurance coverage (WSIB or other) while employed. As well as guidelines to follow in the event of an injury. Participants will receive a printable Record of Completion upon successful conclusion of this course, in order to demonstrate awareness of safe working practices to their employers. |
| Level 2 | |
| FPLT8150 | Field Placement II (Enhanced Nursing Practice Gerontology and Chronic Illness)
Description: The student is provided with opportunities to apply and consolidate knowledge, skills and abilities gained in previous nursing theoretical and practical courses while caring for older adults in a long term care setting. Students will be provided the opportunity to explore various roles which contribute to care for the older adult such as the family of nursing, interprofessional team members, and leadership roles. Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care legislation will be explored and applied. |
| HEAL1811 | Mental Health First Aid
Description: Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is the help provided to a person developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. Just as physical first aid is administered to an injured person before medical treatment can be obtained, MHFA is given until appropriate treatment is found or until the crisis is resolved. This course aims to improve mental health literacy, and provide the skills and knowledge to help people better manage potential or developing mental health problems in themselves, a family member, a friend or a colleague. |
| NURS8375 | NCLEX Preparation
Description: This course addresses the competencies required for entry to practice as a Registered Nurses (RN) in the Canadian Health Care System under the categories of professional responsibility and accountability, knowledge-based practice, ethical practice, service to the public and self-regulations. Students will review entry to practice competencies expected of a RN and be provided with NCLEX exam preparation opportunities through simulated testing. |
| NURS8580 | Achieving Success in Your Health Care Career
Description: This course will prepare professional nursing students to transition into entry to practice, specifically examining essential employability skills and professional career development. Students will focus on developing oneself as the professional nurse including personal reflection, goal setting, and caregiver and self-care strategies. Professional communication and behaviours will be examined. Application of professional practices related to seeking, selecting, and securing employment opportunities will occur through participation in simulated employment procedures. |
| NURS8747 | Nursing Leadership and Management
Description: Nurses take on various aspects of leadership and management. This course will support growing learners while transitioning into the professional nursing role. Professional socialization will be examined, with topics to include professional accountability/ responsibility, coordination of care, team work and conflict resolution within the contexts of interprofessional collaboration and the Canadian health-care system. Reflective practices will be utilized to help the emerging professional recognize personal strengths and leadership/management qualities and skills. |
| NURS8945 | Policy & Advocacy: Throughout the Lifespan and Across the Continuum of Care
Description: In partnership with Canadians, registered nurses play a pivotal role in setting the stage for equitable access to factors that predetermine health and wellness. This course will explore the role of the registered nurse in influencing healthy public policy at the community and population levels in Canada. Students will ground their learning in the fundamental role that nurses play in our health system with respect to reducing conditions that predispose individuals, families, communities and population to vulnerability. |
| NURS8955 | Practical Foundations of Community Service
Description: This course provides the student with opportunities to learn about and devise strategies to address community defined needs while promoting students' sense of civic engagement and social responsibility. Working with agencies within the community service sector, students will apply critical thinking, problem-solving and communication skills and explore opportunities related to community leadership. Students will acquire knowledge related to the effective functioning of communities and their inter-relationships with agencies and the people who live there. Therapeutic communication for assessment and teaching of groups and communities is incorporated. The promotion, restoration and maintenance of health for individuals and families are stressed during community-based experiences. |
| NURS8965 | Care of the Person and Family at the End of Life
Description: This course will examine the role and value of the registered nurse within interprofessional collaborative palliative/end-of-life care delivery models. Holistic approaches to the care of the dying person and family will be emphasized. This course deepens the learners understanding of authentic therapeutic relationships within the context of death, dying and diversity. A person- and family-centered approach will be emphasized as foundational. Emerging trends and issues will be explored. |
| NURS8975 | Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) Preparation
Description: This course introduces Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), a performance-based testing methodology which allows students to demonstrate their nursing knowledge, skill and judgement. Students are provided with opportunities to care for standardized patients through a series of stations, as well as apply nursing competence through paper based assessments. Students will apply all aspects of the nursing process while being observed and evaluated. Scenarios are designed to bear similarity to real-life practice environment. Emphasis will be placed on person- and family-centered care throughout the lifespan. |
Program Outcomes
- Integrate nursing research and theoretical underpinnings as they relate to gerontological nursing practice within the context of the Canadian health-care system.
- Uphold the principles of accountability, diversity, equity and dignity in the care of Canadian seniors and their families through the examination of the role of the registered nurse.
- Differentiate between normal age-related changes and pathological changes in the older adult to support the promotion of healthy aging and disease prevention.
- Conduct comprehensive geriatric assessments to design individualized plans of care.
- Comply with legislation and regulations governing nursing practice within the Canadian health care system through practice demonstration in clinical, simulated and real-life environments.
- Promote person- and family-centred care and strengthen interprofessional collaborative practice to meet the therapeutic needs of those affected by chronic illness, multiple comorbidities and/or life-limiting illness in clinical, simulated and real-life environments.
- Respond in a way that meets the needs and expectations of persons, families and populations at the end of life.
- Examine strategies to promote professional self-care to optimize resilience in the provision of safe and quality nursing care.
- Implement strategies to enhance professional leadership capabilities at the levels of the professional, organization and health-care system.
- Analyze the health impact of public policy on the Canadian population
- Determine appropriate responses to clinical scenarios using evidence-informed methods and tools.
Program Advisory Committees
The College appoints Program Advisory Committee members for diploma, degree, certificate and apprenticeship programs. Committees are composed of employers, practitioners and recent program graduates. College representatives (students, faculty, and administrators) are resource persons. Each committee advises the Board on the development of new programs, the monitoring of existing programs and community acceptance of programs.For a list of the current members, please visit our Program Advisory Committees.
Program Handbook
Apply Now
International students should apply online using the Ontario Colleges.ca International applicant portal. Please note that not all programs are open to international students; check the list of open programs on our International Student Programs web page before applying.Disclaimer
The College reserves the right to alter information including requirements and fees and to cancel at any time a program, course, or program major or option; to change the location and/or term in which a program or course is offered; to change the program curriculum as necessary to meet current competencies in the job market or for budgetary reasons; or to withdraw an offer of admission both prior to and after its acceptance by an applicant or student because of insufficient applications or registrations, over-acceptance of offers of admission, budgetary constraints, or for other such reasons. In the event the College exercises such a right, the College’s sole liability will be the return of monies paid by the applicant or student to the College.
Students actively registered in cohort delivered programs who take longer than the designed program length of time to complete their studies are accountable for completing any new or additional courses that may result due to changes in the program of study. Unless otherwise stated, students registered in non-cohort delivered programs must complete the program of study within seven years of being admitted to the program.
Program Recognitions
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