College Diploma – Social Service Worker – Gerontology (B895)

The Social Service Worker – Gerontology diploma program at St. Clair College combines social service worker methodologies with specialized knowledge in gerontology and eldercare:

• Professional OCSWSSW Registration: Graduates who complete the diploma and block field placement are eligible to register with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) to earn the Registered Social Service Worker (RSSW) designation.

• Core Social Work Skills: Focuses on interpersonal communication, case management, interviewing, group work interventions, social justice, and advocacy.

• Specialized Eldercare Training: Covers dementia care, activation and restorative care, therapeutic program planning, adult development, bereavement/grief support, and volunteer management.

• 510-Hour Block Field Placement: Includes a 510-hour block field placement with community agencies, long-term care homes, adult day programs, or retirement facilities.

• University Degree Pathways: Articulation options allow graduates to gain advanced standing toward university degree programs in Social Work (BSW), Gerontology, Disability Studies, or Therapeutic Recreation.

• Placement Requirements: Selected field placement sites may require full COVID-19 vaccination (students unable to fulfill site requirements cannot complete the mandatory field placement).

Academic Background: Grade 12 / High School Diploma.

Minimum GPA: 50.0%

Minimum Language Test Scores:

• IELTS: 6.0

• TOEFL: 83.0

• PTE: 60.0

• Duolingo: 110

Conditional & Direct Admission Options:

• Direct Admission (Pending Scores): Applicants awaiting official language test results can apply directly and receive a conditional offer, provided qualifying passing scores are submitted prior to receiving a final offer letter.

• English Pathway Courses: Applicants may satisfy language requirements by completing English language courses prior to starting the academic program, with length determined by initial language proficiency levels.

Entrance scholarships for international students at St. Clair College are automatically evaluated upon enrollment (excluding ESL and EAP programs):

Scholarship Amounts by Program Structure:

1-Year Certificate: $500 CAD

2-Year Diploma: $1,000 CAD

3-Year Advanced Diploma: $1,500 CAD

4-Year Degree: $2,000 CAD

Application & Assessment: No separate application is required; eligible students are automatically assessed upon admission.

Disbursement Criteria: Funds are deposited directly into the student’s college account after September 18, 2026, upon confirmation of a valid study permit and full-time enrollment in the Fall 2026 intake.