Gerontology at NC - Niagara College Canada - Program overview

This program is currently under review and being updated. For the most up-to-date information, please contact us.

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2026-03-23

Program overview

The Gerontology program at Niagara College is an intensive one-year program designed specifically for internationally trained nurses. This program awards an Ontario College Graduate Certificate and focuses on enhancing foundational knowledge and leadership skills in caring for the health of older adults. Graduates will integrate their advanced learning with their previous professional experience to provide exemplary service to a growing population of seniors. The program is delivered at the Welland campus and is eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), allowing graduates to gain valuable Canadian work experience.

Program structure

The Gerontology program is structured to provide a comprehensive educational experience over a one-year period. Key features of the program structure include:

Intensive curriculum designed for internationally trained nurses.
Experiential learning opportunities, including over 100 hours of clinical placement.
42 hours of hands-on learning in state-of-the-art simulation labs.
Access to a Co-Curricular Record program for recognition of student engagement and leadership.
Online simulation learning to enhance knowledge and geriatric assessment skills.

Students will also earn a Gentle Persuasive Approach certificate, which focuses on caring for individuals with dementia and other cognitive diseases. This program is tailored to meet the needs of those looking to specialize in gerontological nursing and is designed to prepare graduates for various roles in the healthcare sector.

Featured Experiences

The Gerontology program offers a variety of unique experiences that enhance the learning process:

Interprofessional education experience with other nursing and allied health programs.
More than 100 hours of clinical placement to gain real-world experience.
42 hours of hands-on experiential learning in advanced simulation labs.
Over 50 hours of online simulation learning to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical skills.
Access to international student-specific advisement and transition supports.
Certification in Gentle Persuasive Approach, focusing on care for individuals with cognitive challenges.

Career Options

Graduates of the Gerontology program can pursue a variety of career opportunities in Canada, including:

Clinic or Medical Centre: Work in outpatient settings providing care and support to older adults.
Community Healthcare Organization: Engage in community-based programs aimed at improving the health and well-being of seniors.
Hospital: Provide specialized nursing care in acute care settings, focusing on geriatric patients.
Long-term Care Facility: Deliver comprehensive care in facilities dedicated to the long-term needs of older adults.
Seniors' Residence: Support independent living for seniors while addressing their health and social needs.

These roles allow graduates to make a significant impact on the lives of older adults, ensuring they receive the care and support they need in various healthcare settings.

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

Visit NC - Niagara College Canada official website

Last updated on 2026-03-23

Program overview

Academic Requirements

For the Gerontology program at Niagara College, the following academic requirements must be met:

A College Diploma or University Degree in Nursing is required.
If English is not your first language, proof of English proficiency may be required.

It is important to note that transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

Additionally, all students who participate in clinical placements must meet the expectations mandated by the Ontario Hospitals Act and the Ontario Long Term Care Homes Act. These non-academic requirements include:

A Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screen.
Confidential Communicable Disease Surveillance (CDS).

All requirements must be met and remain current for the student’s duration of the program, subject to the Placement Agency’s requirements. If any documentation expires before the end of the term and the student’s last day of clinical placement, the student will not be able to register for that term’s clinical course or its co-requisites.

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

Language Requirements

If you have completed your studies outside of Canada, you may be required to provide proof of one or more of the following:

Secondary Education: A minimum of two years of full-time secondary-level education (in the final two years of study) in a country where English is the official first language.
Post-Secondary or Higher Education: A minimum of one year of full-time post-secondary or higher education in a country where English is the official first language.

If English is not your first language, you can meet Niagara College’s admission requirements by submitting one of the accepted language proficiency test scores listed below:

Cambridge English Exams (B2 First/FCE, C1 Advanced/CAE or C2 Proficiency/CPE): 176 – No skill under 169.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 6.5 – No individual band under 5.5.
Internet-based (IBT) Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): iBT: 85, Minimum 22 in Writing and Speaking.
Pearson Test of English (PTE): 60+, with no individual skill below 57.
Duolingo English Language Test: 120+, with no individual subscore below 100.
Oxford ELLT: 7.0 – No individual band under 6.0.
Canadian Academic English Language Test (CAEL): 60 – No individual band under 50.
Niagara College’s English for Academic Preparation program (EAP): Completion of EAP Level 5 with 75% and no individual grade under 60%.

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 2026-03-23

Program overview