Social Service Worker (Gerontology)

Langara College, located in Vancouver, British Columbia, is a public college known for accessible, career-focused education and strong transfer pathways to Canadian universities. Although its institutional roots go back to 1965 and it became an independent college in 1994, Langara today serves about 22,000 students including approximately 1,500 international learners from more than 80 countries. The college provides a friendly, campus-based experience in one of Canada’s most livable and multicultural cities.

Langara offers around 72 programs spanning arts and sciences, business, health and community services, technology, and continuing studies, with an emphasis on small class sizes and experiential learning. The college is particularly well regarded for university-transfer credentials, diploma programs that lead directly to employment, and pathways that simplify progression to four-year degrees. Student supports include academic advising, tutoring, career services, and language assistance for newcomers.

For international students, Vancouver’s safe, diverse neighborhoods and strong employer market make Langara an appealing option for academic preparation or career-oriented study. Housing, health insurance, and practical settlement resources are available through the college, and students benefit from English-language support and orientation programming. Prospective applicants should explore transfer agreements, program start dates, and available scholarships to align study plans with Canadian credential and immigration goals.

The Social Service Worker (Gerontology) Certificate program is for those who want to support older adults and their families. This one-year program at Langara College in Vancouver, Canada, offers a unique approach to social service work, focusing on strengths-based and social justice principles.

The curriculum covers social work, gerontology, psychology, and recreation, with a focus on developing advocacy skills and hands-on experience. Students complete over 200 practicum hours in a field setting, gaining direct experience working with older adults in various community-based senior settings.

Graduates can pursue careers as social service workers, case managers, or recreation therapists in residential senior living settings, neighbourhood houses, or senior centers. They may also work in adult day programs, recreation centers, or other community-based senior settings, supporting older adults and their families.