Bachelor in Social Service Worker – Gerontology

Tuition is International student tuition is $18,500 per year..

As global populations age at an unprecedented rate, the demand for specialized care and advocacy for older adults has become a pressing societal challenge. The Social Service Worker – Gerontology (SSWG) program addresses this shift by equipping students with the professional values, biopsychosocial knowledge, and practical skills required to foster independence and enhance quality of life among the aging population.

This two-year diploma is grounded in an anti-oppressive framework and a strength-based approach, ensuring that graduates are prepared to navigate the complexities of modern long-term care, community support, and health systems. Students learn to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams, bridging the gap between clinical health requirements and social support needs.

Distinctive Learning Experience

• Integrated Fieldwork: Students complete 660 hours of field placement, split between therapeutic recreation and service navigation, providing a comprehensive view of the sector.
• Professional Readiness: The curriculum is designed to prepare graduates for registration with the Ontario College of Social Work and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW).
• Accelerated Flexibility: For cohorts starting in January, the program may be completed in 1.5 years by running consecutively through the summer months.

By combining rigorous academic theory with mandatory in-person field placements, the program ensures that students not only understand the systemic issues facing seniors but also develop the interpersonal communication and hands-on intervention skills necessary for a successful career in social services.