Graduate Certificate - Gerontology And Palliative Care – Interprofessional Practice (GPCN) at Georgian College - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2026-03-05

Program overview

The Graduate Certificate in Gerontology and Palliative Care – Interprofessional Practice (GPCN) is tailored for Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs) aiming to integrate into inter-professional healthcare teams. This program emphasizes enhancing the quality of life for individuals in geriatric and palliative care settings. Students will delve into current theories and best practices, focusing on assessment, planning, intervention, and evaluation. The curriculum combines classroom instruction with practical experiences, ensuring students are well-prepared to address the unique needs of clients during critical life transitions.

Program structure

The GPCN program is structured to provide a comprehensive educational experience over a duration of 1 year, divided into 2 semesters. The program is delivered in a full-time format, allowing students to immerse themselves in both theoretical and practical aspects of gerontology and palliative care.

Key features of the program structure include:

1 Clinical Placement to gain hands-on experience in real-world settings.
Classes are offered at two locations: Barrie for the Winter intake and Orangeville for the Summer intake.
Focus on inter-professional collaboration and culturally responsive care.

This program is designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively support clients and their families during the aging and end-of-life processes.

Featured Experiences

The GPCN program offers several unique experiences that enhance learning and professional development:

Clinical Placement: Students will participate in a clinical placement, allowing them to apply their classroom knowledge in various settings such as hospitals, community health services, and long-term care facilities.
Interprofessional Learning: The program emphasizes collaboration with other healthcare professionals, fostering a team-based approach to care.
Hands-on Skills Development: Students will engage in lab sessions to develop essential nursing skills specific to gerontology and palliative care.
Focus on Holistic Care: The curriculum includes training on communication, spirituality, ethics, and law, ensuring a well-rounded approach to patient care.

Career Options

Graduates of the GPCN program can pursue a variety of career opportunities in the field of gerontology and palliative care. Potential job roles include:

Geriatric Nurse: Provide specialized care for elderly patients, focusing on their unique health needs and promoting their quality of life.
Palliative Care Nurse: Work with patients facing life-limiting illnesses, offering support and comfort during their end-of-life journey.
Clinical Care Coordinator: Oversee patient care plans and coordinate services among healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive care.
Community Health Nurse: Deliver healthcare services in community settings, focusing on health promotion and disease prevention for older adults.
Hospice Nurse: Provide compassionate care in hospice settings, supporting patients and families during the final stages of life.

These roles allow graduates to make a significant impact in the lives of individuals and families navigating the complexities of aging and palliative care.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

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Last updated on 2026-03-05

Program overview

Academic Requirements

The admission requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Gerontology and Palliative Care – Interprofessional Practice (GPCN) program are as follows:

Applicants must possess an Ontario College Diploma, Ontario College Advanced Diploma, Degree, or equivalent in nursing.
Preference will be given to applicants with:
- A post-secondary degree in nursing from an accredited nursing education program.
- Current registration with the nursing regulatory body in their home province/state and/or country (i.e., letter, membership card, etc.).
- Graduates from Georgian’s Complex Care Nursing for Internationally Educated Nurses program will receive priority.

For international students, it is important to note that:

Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

Students must also meet the following additional requirements:

Up-to-date immunization records in compliance with the Public Hospitals Act.
A valid mask fit test, BLS CPR, and Standard First Aid certification.
Completion and submission of the Clinical Preparedness Permit to document clinical requirements.
Students are responsible for their own transportation to the placement site.

For any clarification and support regarding the application process, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Language Requirements

The Graduate Certificate - Gerontology And Palliative Care – Interprofessional Practice (GPCN) program at Georgian College requires proof of English language proficiency for applicants whose first language is not English. To meet the language requirements, applicants must provide evidence of proficiency through one of the following accepted tests:

Duolingo Language Test: Minimum score of 130
TOEFL internet-based test (IBT): Minimum score of 89
TOEFL paper-based test: Minimum score of 580
IELTS Academic only: Minimum overall band score of 6.5
YELT: Minimum score of 1-5
TOEIC (Public Test): Minimum score of 850
Graduate of Level 8 of Georgian’s GAAS – English for Academic Purposes: Completion of Level 8 with 80% or higher
Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL)/CAEL Online: Minimum score of 60
Pearson Test of Academic English (PTE): Minimum score of 61
Cambridge English: C1 Advanced (CAE): Minimum score of 175

Note: English language tests older than two years will not be considered. Please check with our team for more details.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!

Last updated on 2025-10-23

Program overview

Intake	Status	Open date to apply	Deadline to apply	Campus
May 2026	Open	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available
September 2026	Likely Open	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available
January 2027	Open	Not Available	Not Available	Not Available