Retirement Communities Management
Support the aging population - become a leader in this fast-growing industry.
- Curriculum aligns with the Retirement Home Act of Ontario, making you career-ready
- Provides the unique skills and specialized knowledge for a career in the high-demand retirement communities field
- Learn from seasoned industry professionals who are committed to your success
Program Availability and Schedule
Availability
Open
Closed
Waitlisted
Start Term
Availability
International
Availability
Competitive?
Winter 2025
No
Fall 2025
No
Schedule
Program Summary
Credential
Program Delivery
Program Code
Area of Interest
School
Campus
Work Integrated Learning
The Retirement Communities Management Ontario College Graduate Certificate program provides the specialized skills and knowledge to help you meet the demand for skilled managers in the retirement communities field.
Learn from seasoned industry professionals. The program aligns curriculum with Ontario`s Retirement Homes Act, 2010 and prepares you for entry into this expanding field, or advancement within retirement communities....(read more)
Overview
Support the aging population - become a leader in this fast-growing industry.
The Retirement Communities Management Ontario College Graduate Certificate program provides the specialized skills and knowledge to help you meet the demand for skilled managers in the retirement communities field.
Learn from seasoned industry professionals. The program aligns curriculum with Ontario`s Retirement Homes Act, 2010 and prepares you for entry into this expanding field, or advancement within retirement communities.
Discover the organizational structures and day-to-day operations within the industry, including:
- human resources
- recruitment
- fiscal management
- resident care
- food service operations
- marketing
- recreation activities
- legislation and regulatory bodies
Apply management skills related to all of these areas through activities, case studies and industry work. Plan, implement and execute fiscal and operational strategies to optimize organizational efficiency. Focus also includes knowledge of resident care best practices.
A three-week field placement in the industry expands your real-world experience. During this time, you make valuable industry contacts.
Graduates may find positions in administration and/or sales and marketing in retirement communities, long-term care facilities and hospitals.
SUCCESS FACTORS
This program is well suited for students who:
- Are motivated to lead.
- Possess a compassionate and gentle approach.
- Are customer-service oriented.
- Possess strong organizational, time management and communication skills.
- Have strong problem-solving skills.
- Adapt well to change.
- Are interested in life-long learning.
Courses
Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with virtual learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.
Code:
HOS0031
Course Name:
Recreation/Lifestyle and Hospitality Management
Course Description:
The planning and execution of recreation and lifestyle and hospitality is a cornerstone of building a sense of home for residents in retirem... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
MGT0104
Course Name:
Introduction to Retirement Community Management
Course Description:
A comprehensive view of the fundamental organization of retirement communities in Canada is vital for successful management. Participants ex... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
MGT0105
Course Name:
Financial and Business Management
Course Description:
In order to make strategic business decisions professionals must have an understanding of management finance and accounting principles. Stud... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
MGT0109
Course Name:
Human Resources Management
Course Description:
Human capital is a critical organizational resource that contributes to goal attainment, strategy, execution, financial results and sustaina... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
MKT0014
Course Name:
Sales and Marketing for Retirement Communities
Course Description:
The development and implementation of effective sales and marketing is critical for retirement communities. Students acquire an understandin... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
ENL0075
Course Name:
Communication and Customer Services
Course Description:
Maintaining exceptional resident and staff relations and communication is critical to the success of retirement communities. Students focus ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
ENV0020
Course Name:
Environmental Services
Course Description:
Environmental services including housekeeping, laundry and maintenance require effective management practices for the successful operation. ... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
FLD0005
Course Name:
Field Placement: Retirement Community Management
Course Description:
Experiential learning is the foundation to professional and personal development. Workplace experience and experiential training provide stu... + Read More
Hours:
98.0
Code:
HOS0034
Course Name:
Resident Care Best Practices
Course Description:
Developing plans for resident care is critical to ensure resident satisfaction and to promote quality of life in retirement communities. Stu... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
LAW0036
Course Name:
Retirement Communities Legislation and Regulatory Bodies
Course Description:
A comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the legislative requirements for retirement for communities is vital for successful managemen... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
MGT0106
Course Name:
Entrepreneurship
Course Description:
Today's business environment necessitates an elevated focus towards entrepreneurial spirit. Emphasis is on skills to assist in developing a ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Careers & Pathways
Careers
Graduates enhance their existing practice, expand career opportunities and remain current to work in the retirement community field. Graduates possessing previous related experience may find entry-level positions contributing to retirement communities as retirement community assistant managers, administrators or program leads in health related fields - administration, human resources management and long-term care associated non-clinical administration.
Pathways
Please use our Pathways tool to search for pathway options.
Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Plan and implement strategies and leadership practices in the retirement communities sector to enhance operations.
- Analyze, forecast, and budget revenue and expense targets to recommend effective strategies for the organization.
- Develop and promote sales and marketing strategies to attract and retain suitable seniors to retirement communities.
- Design and implement facilities management, continuous quality improvement, life safety and environmental capacity plans for the effective operation of a retirement community.
- Enhance employee and management relations in accordance with ethical standards, current laws, regulations and professional needs to establish a human resource management framework.
- Identify and promote awareness of the psychological, physiological, social and spiritual needs of seniors.
- Assess, plan, and implement proper nutrition standards for residents.
- Communicate effectively with staff, family and residents to create a caring and inclusive environment.
- Coordinate and manage human and physical resources present in a retirement community.
- Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.
Tuition & Fees
Get an idea of how much each semester will cost with our Tuition and Fee Estimator.
2024/2025 Academic Year
Tuition and related ancillary fees for this program can be viewed by using the Tuition and Fees Estimator tool at www.algonquincollege.com/fee-estimator.
Further information on fees can be found by visiting the Registrar`s Office website at www.algonquincollege.com/ro.
Fees are subject to change.
Additional program related expenses include:
Textbooks cost approximately $750.
Admissions Requirements
Program Eligibility
Ontario College Diploma, Ontario College Advanced Diploma, Degree or equivalent in one of the preferred subject areas:
- Health Science/ Community Services
- Food and Nutrition Management
- Nursing
- Recreation and Leisure
- Hospitality and Tourism, with Accommodation or Food and Beverage
- Business Administration
OR
Applicants with partial post-secondary education(minimum two years full-time,in good academic standing) and relevant work experience may be considered for admission. These applicants will be assessed individually and will be required to complete an Eligibility Package. Eligibility Package submission details can be found on the Algonquin College Additional Admission Requirements website: www.algonquincollege.com/admissionspackages.
Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject-specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).
IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each band; OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT)-overall 88, with a minimum of 22 in each component: Reading 22; Listening 22; Speaking 22; Writing 22; OR Duolingo English Test (DET) Overall 120, minimum of 120 in Literacy and no score below 105.
Application Information
RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES MANAGEMENT
Program Code 1105X01FWO
Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:
ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228
Applications are available online at www.ontariocolleges.ca.
Applications for Fall Term and Winter Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.
International applicants applying from out-of-country can obtain the International Student Application Form at https://algonquincollege.force.com/myACint/ or by contacting the Registrar`s Office.
For further information on the admissions process, contact:
Registrar`s Office
Algonquin College
1385 Woodroffe Ave
Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8
Telephone: 613-727-0002
Toll-free: 1-800-565-4723
TTY: 613-727-7766
Fax: 613-727-7632
Contact: https://www.algonquincollege.com/ro
Additional Information
Program Resources
Contact
Phil Rossy
Program Coordinator
Phil Rossy
Phil Rossy is the coordinator and principal developer of the Retirement Communities Management Program. Having worked in the industry for over 20 years, Phil has gained valuable experience and insight into the role and responsibility of an Administrator and General Manager in a Retirement Community setting and Long Term Care Home. With over 40 years of Hospitality experience in Hotel and Restaurant Management as well as contract management and consulting in Hospitals, LTC’s and Retirement Communities. He has provided operational support to major industry leaders in financial analysis and senior management as well as new construction projects including start-ups and turnkey facilities. As a partner/owner of PHR/JDR Consulting, Phil has provided project management to short/long term developments including feasibility and marketing studies, competitive analysis and functional plans for new communities in Eastern Ontarioand Western Quebec. A multilingual executive who speaks more than 4 languages, Phil has worked in Healthcare all across Canada providing clients with subject matter expertise in contract management and other important portfolios. Phil has a BA from St. Patrick’s University (Carleton) as well as advanced level graduate certificates in Hospitality Management and Advanced Practices in Hospitality from Guelph University.
Jenna Lacharity
Professor
Jenna Lacharity is a new professor at Algonquin College. Jenna brings a wealth of practical knowledge and a genuine passion for working with seniors to her role.
Born and raised in Ottawa, Jenna’s roots in the community have fostered her deep commitment to enhancing the lives of the older adults. Jenna holds a degree both in Psychology and Gerontology, equipping her with specialized knowledge in aging, health, and senior care.
Jenna’s career trajectory has seen her excel as an experienced sales leader in senior housing. Her ability to connect with seniors and understand their unique needs has made her a trusted figure in the field. Her empathy and strategic acumen have consistently led to successful outcomes in sales and community-building initiatives.
Jenna is enthusiastic about sharing her practical insights and theoretical foundations with future seniors housing professionals.
Melanie Lefebvre
Professor
Wes Wilkinson
Professor
Room H217
Wes Wilkinson began his culinary career in 1976 as an apprentice Chef at Whittington’s in London Ontario.
In 1983 he accepted a position as Sous-Chef at Crab Apples and Auberge du Petit Prince. In 1998 Wes was a Gold medal winner at the New Zealand Lamb Marketing Board, and Culinary Coach for The Berlin Culinary Olympics while at Fanshawe College in London Ontario taking a Silver medal.
Throughout the 1990’s Wes traveled, consulted and worked as a Vice-President in research and development for Sobeys, President’s Choice, Loblaw’s and Wegmans’ under Windsor Marketing Private Labels.
Wes has his Red Seal Cook certification, Baker, Pastry Chef, Food and Nutrition Management (CSNM), Certified Chef de Cuisine (CCC), a diploma in Food Science and Technology from the American Institute of Baking in Kansas and has completed his Masters of Hospitality and Tourism Management with a specialization in Indigenous Education.
Paul Zwicker
Professor
Paul Zwicker recognized across the Canadian healthcare industry as a subject matter expert in EVS and other life support services. A bilingual executive, administrator, leader, trainer and coach (25 years) providing consulting services ranging from strategic advisory roles, operational assessments, operations re-design and change implementation, environmental hygiene auditing and re-dress, EVS technical training (Design and Delivery) as well as project management roles.
Broad-based and progressive senior positions with three major employers: Aramark Canada Ltd., Lacasse Enterprise Inc., and Canada Post. Paul was self-employed for four and a half years as a technical consultant (Health Care-Support Services). He’s a subject matter expert in EVS operations management and hygiene. Clients include Federal Government (Health Canada), Acute Care Hospitals, Ambulatory Care and Long Term Care (LTC) Hospitals, LTC Homes, Nursing Homes and for profit Retirement homes. Worked on projects across Canada & USA.