New programs in aging and health will be offered at Queen’s this fall with faculty members from across campus coming together to deliver the courses.

The graduate diploma and the master of science programs will begin this fall, and the PhD program is expected to commence in two to three years. The School of Rehabilitation Therapy and the School of Nursing collaborated to develop the programs.

“The multidisciplinary programs aim to broaden participants’ perspectives about aging and encourage them to consider multiple issues and approaches that influence healthy aging and living well into old age,” says Dr. Marcia Finlayson, Director, School of Rehabilitation Therapy, and Vice-Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences. “We also anticipate many participants will expand their professional network and seek greater leadership responsibilities after completing the programs.”

The programs will be delivered by a multidisciplinary group of faculty members with backgrounds in occupational therapy, physical therapy, nursing, theology, urban planning, geography, family medicine, French studies and others.

“The program is timely given the Ontario government’s action plan for seniors and the emphasis across Canada on helping older adults stay safe, healthy, vibrant and active,” says Dr. Jennifer Medves, Director, School of Nursing, and Vice-Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences. “We really wanted the programs to focus on healthy aging and enabling people to live the lives they want for as long as they can.”

Queen’s will deliver the programs in a blended format. The students will begin their program with an intensive, on-site session taking place in Kingston during the last week of August. They will then complete their coursework online. The program team is consulting with campus partners such as the Centre for Teaching and Learning and the Office of Health Sciences Education to identify the best practices in online education that will help students achieve the desired learning outcomes.

“This blended format will allow students to benefit from both face-to-face interactions and give them the flexibility of online learning,” Dr. Finlayson says. “We think it will be great for students because they can work at a pace that fits their strengths and their other commitments.”

Visit the program website for more information.