HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF GERONTO

Diploma Course in Applied Gerontology

(I/DIP/C2)

The Hong Kong Association of Gerontology is one of the pioneer providers of training courses in Hong Kong. It has 20 years of experience in offering professional training to professionals working in various elderly fields in Hong Kong.

The Hong Kong Institute of Gerontology will launch the Diploma Course in Applied Gerontology. This program is designed for professionals who are interested in developing a career specialized in working with older people. Participants from a variety of professional backgrounds may apply for the course which is designed to meet the diverse training needs of different professional disciplines including social workers, nurses, occupational therapists, physiotherapist and other health related workers who are interested in aged care policies and practices.

AIMS

The course aims to upgrade and extend the knowledge, skills and attitudes of professionals working with older people. On completion of 3 basic modules, participants can acquire Basic Certificate in Applied Gerontology. On completion of 3 basic modules and 3 advanced modules, participant can acquire Advanced Certificate in Applied Gerontology. On completion of 3 basic modules and 7 advanced modules, participant can acquire Diploma in Applied Gerontology.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

On completion of the course, participants should be able to:

Integrate biological, sociological, psychological and mental health knowledge to understand the ageing process and older people
Investigate concepts, principles, knowledge and policies relate to health promotion and health maintenance, clinical practice and rehabilitation within the context of residential and community settings
Formulate and implement various assessment tools
Apply research concepts and studies to improve the care service
Formulate and implement advanced care plan and skills
Acquire and implement micro counseling skills
Acquire and implement palliative counseling skills
Demonstrate an understanding of quality improvement and risk management
Demonstrate an understanding of principles in management and their application in aged care
Understand the importance of interdisciplinary professional contributions to gerontology
Understand the different roles and responsibilities of the professionals in the residential care homes for the elderly

PREREQUISITES AND REQUIREMENT:

To be eligible for admission, a participant shall hold a professional qualification in either social work, nursing, occupational therapy, physiotherapy or other allied health. A participant will normally be required to have post qualification practice in the residential care homes for the elderly, community service for the elderly or interested in aged care.

DURATION OF THE COURSE:

Basic Certificate in Applied Gerontology

This course is offered to participant to be completed in one to two years on a part-time basis. It consists of 3 basic modules and 54 hours. Each module consists of 18 hours.

Advanced Certificate in Applied Gerontology

Following the completion of the Basic Certificate in Applied Gerontology, participants are required to undertake three advanced modules and 54 hours in one to two years on a part-time basis. Each module consists of 18 hours.

Diploma in Applied Gerontology

Following the completion of the Advanced Certificate in Applied Gerontology, participants are required to undertake 4 advanced modules and 72 hours in one to two years on a part-time basis. Each module consists of 18 hours.

STRUCTURE AND EXAMINATIONS

Examinations of the course may be assessed either through presentation required by course assignments, case study, problem-based assessment or project submission. Participants must have 80% attendance to be eligible for the assessment.

DATE OF COMMENCEMENT

April 2007

TIME

Teaching time for each module will be on evening of Tuesday and Thursday from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. or Saturday morning or afternoon.

VENUE

Hong Kong Institute of Gerontology

1/F, HKSR Lam Tin Complex, 7 Rehab Path, Lam Tin, Kowloon.

(Next to Exit D1 of Lam Tin MTR Station)

ACADEMIC STAFF

Teaching staff from various universities will be invited to teach the course. Besides, some experience professionals working in medical, nursing or social work fields and other allied health fields will also be invited to teach the course.

MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION

The medium of instruction will be Chinese supplement with English. All lesson notes and course content will be in English.

COURSE CONTENT:

Participants are required to complete a total of 3 modules, 6 modules or 10 modules in order to fulfill the requirements of the Basic Certificate in Applied Gerontology or Advanced Certificate in Applied Gerontology or Diploma in Applied Gerontology.

The total modules are 13

Each module will consist of 18 hours and 9 lectures

INTRODUCTION OF THREE BASIC MODULES

DAG 01 Introduction to Applied Gerontology (1 module)

The module introduces core concepts and theories from a multidisciplinary perspective. It enables students to understand the dynamic interplay of knowledge, skills and values in effective professional practice in the health care, social work and social care fields. It identifies issues on the growth of the aging population, the needs of an ageing population, theories of ageing, social policy and services for older people.

DAG 02 Communication with Older People (1 module)

This module aims to provide participants with opportunities to develop knowledge and skills on communication and forming relationships with older people. This would be achieved by introducing the concepts, theories and methods of communicating with older people. Additionally, participants will be engaged in class activities so as to bring the theoretical aspects of communication into practice.

DAG 03 Health and Disease in Aging (1 module)

This module introduces health and disease problems commonly occur among older people. Participants have to understand the causation, symptoms and types of health and disease problems encountered by older people.

COURSE FEES

1 module: $2,200 (HKAG member) / $2,500 (non-member)
3 modules: $5,940 (HKAG member) / $6,750 (non-member)
6 modules: $11,280 (HKAG member) / $12,800 (non-member)
10 modules: $17,860 (HKAG member) / $20,260 (non-member)

* The course fee includes costs of teaching and learning materials, lecture, examination and enrolment

** All fees paid are neither refundable nor transferable.

*** The course will not commence unless there are sufficient numbers of enrolled participants.

AWARD OF CERTIFICATES:

Upon successful completion of 3 basic modules, the Basic Certificate in Applied Gerontology will be awarded by the Hong Kong Association of Gerontology.
Additionally, this module is accredited by the Nursing Council of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Physiotherapist Association and Hong Kong Occupational Therapist Association. CNE / CPD / CPE points will be awarded by the above professional associations.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

A completed application form must be accompanied by the following documents: photocopies of degree / diploma certificates and testimonials or other relevant evidence of the applicant’s working experience.

The completed application form together with copies of appropriate certificates and cheque should be sent to: 1/F, HKSR Lam Tin Complex, 7 Rehab Path, Lam Tin, Kowloon. Please make cheque payable to “Hong Kong Association of Gerontology”