Master of Applied Gerontology
Program Entry Date: September 2021
From my peers in class to the faculty, and to the quality of the program itself – what a year. I moved to St. Catharines from a rural northern community – unsure of what to expect. I’m a Registered Nurse who graduated from Laurentian University, and I work mostly in primary care. I knew that working with older adults in the clinical setting was in my plans, but I also knew that I wasn’t done my studies. I remember reading about the MAG program on the Brock University website and thinking – this is where I belong. The opportunity to study in the MAG program allowed me to grow as a person to best support my grandfather, and to be a better nurse. It’s frustrating when you want to help – but you feel like you just don’t have the knowledge or the skills to do so. The MAG program allowed me to gain that knowledge in the process of aging and allow me to plan and navigate care with patients and families – to name a few. I’ve developed strong critical thinking skills to be able to be creative and think ‘outside the box’ to support older adults and their families.
The MAG program includes 10 courses (5 per semester), and students finish the program in a very special practicum. I spent this time in a long-term care facility and led the development of best practice guidelines to facilitate a palliative approach to care at the end of life for the patient and their families. It was an opportunity to apply the knowledge that I had acquired in the MAG program, as well as a time to immerse myself in a multidisciplinary team to work together and make a difference for our patients and families. As you can probably tell, my time in the MAG program at Brock University has brought nothing but a smile to my face!
After the completion of my studies at Brock U, I became a part-time faculty member at Laurentian University in the Sciences Infirmières (BScN–French) program. I taught a human development course, which transitioned well with a Master of Applied Gerontology. I was excited to share this knowledge and experience with students. I am now a first-year medical student at NOSM University. I hope to continue to work with older adults as I transition into being a medical student and future physician.
For anyone considering a career in healthcare and/or working with older adults, I wholeheartedly recommend the MAG program at Brock University. Thank you to all the faculty who truly make this a beautiful and unique program!