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Retirement Home Management

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Program Code: RH511
CIP Code: 52.1501
Credential: Ontario Graduate Certificate
Start Dates: September
Program Length: 3 semesters
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Program Overview

Imagine having a job where every day you can make a difference in someone’s life - while working with the young at heart - while knowing that your career future would be full of opportunity and growth.

If you have work experience, a diploma or degree in business, culinary, hospitality, health care, food and nutrition or finance, there is a career waiting for you in retirement home management. In two semesters, plus a field experience, this Ontario Graduate Certificate program will give you the transferrable business skills you need to apply your prior experience and education so that you can launch your career into the booming retirement home industry.

Retirement homes are very different from long-term care or nursing homes, where support is provided on a daily basis and residents may be housed in multi-resident spaces. Retirement homes include multiple private residences within a single dwelling where residents live independently but interact frequently for recreation, meals and common interests - some are even like working in a resort or on a cruise ship, where the guests live year-round!

The Canadian retirement home industry is forecast to double in the next five years, as Canada experiences a surge in aging baby boomers. This rapid expansion is creating an industry-wide need for qualified staff and retirement home managers.

Guided by industry leaders (Verve Senior Living, Chartwell Retirement Residences, Revera Retirement Living, Delmanor, Schlegel Villages, Amica Senior Lifestyles, Sienna Senior Living and others) and taught by faculty experts, courses include the foundational skills in the areas of leadership; hospitality; sales and marketing; health, wellness and recreation; food and nutrition; finance; and human resource management.

A 160-hour field placement in a retirement home community allows you to fully apply and reinforce your learning in order to launch your career.

If you are ready to prepare for an exciting role that provides just as much personal reward as career success, then the Humber Retirement Home Management Ontario Graduate Certificate program might just be right for you.

Courses Open "Courses" to view individual course delivery modes.

Courses

At Humber, courses are delivered in a variety of formats:

In-Person - An in-person course is delivered fully on campus.

Online Asynchronous (A) - An online asynchronous course has no fixed class schedule and allows students to engage with the course at different times according to their needs. Faculty provide modules, which are completed independently by the students according to established deadlines.

Online Synchronous (S) - An online synchronous course is delivered fully online and requires faculty and students to participate in real-time according to a fixed schedule. Classes are scheduled for a specific day and time.

Hybrid - A hybrid course is a combination of in-person and online classes and follows a set schedule. Students must be available to attend in-person classes at scheduled times during the semester.

The chart below outlines the delivery options available for each course in this program, by campus. For some academic terms, there may be more than one delivery option available. You’ll be able to select your preferred options when building your course schedule during open enrolment. Preferences for course delivery will be considered on a first come, first served basis. Some Humber programs are also delivered fully online, where all courses are delivered online.

International students: the impact of studying from outside of Canada on Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility differs significantly based on when you start your program. Please review the PGWP eligibility before choosing your program and course delivery.

Course code and Name Delivery Type by Location
Course Code Course Name North Lakeshore IGS DL/Online
Semester 1
BISM 5000 Computer Analytic Skills Online (A) N/A N/A N/A
RTHM 5000 Financial Management for Retirement Homes In-Person N/A N/A N/A
RTHM 5001 Health, Wellness & Recreation for Senior Living Online(S) N/A N/A N/A
RTHM 5002 Food, Nutrition & Food Services for Senior Living In-Person N/A N/A N/A
RTHM 5500 Hospitality Operations for Retirement Homes Online(S) N/A N/A N/A
WORK 5006 Career Development and Pre-Placement Seminar N/A N/A N/A N/A
Semester 2
RTHM 5501 Sales and Marketing for Retirement Homes In-Person N/A N/A N/A
RTHM 5502 Human Resources Management and Leadership for Retirement Homes In-Person N/A N/A N/A
RTHM 5503 Canadian Business Law and Risk Management for Retirement Homes Online(S) N/A N/A N/A
RTHM 5504 General Management and Administration for Retirement Homes Hybrid N/A N/A N/A
WORK 5570 Industry Seminar Online (S) N/A N/A N/A
Semester 3
WORK 5600 Field Experience - Retirement Home Management In-Person N/A N/A N/A

Work-Integrated Learning  

This program provides students with the hands-on practical exposure to the retirement home industry and the opportunity to specialize in their chosen area. It consists of a 160-hour in an approved retirement community of the student's choice. Students will have an opportunity to observe and learn from experienced professionals in a real-life work setting, while integrating their classroom learning in order to gain required hands-on experience. Students have the support of a faculty internship co-ordinator and are able to apply to a variety of retirement communities run by our industry partners. They also have the opportunity to seek an employer for an approved placement. This field experience will take place after the second semester. 

Humber Advantages

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International Students can Stack and Stay Longer™ in Canada!

Double your employability with 2 times the education and experience!
Apply now for your first Graduate Certificate and get the opportunity for early admittance* into a second program in the following year. Stack your education to potentially earn credits that will lessen your course load in year two, allowing you to work or spend more time immersing yourself in Canadian culture! Extend your stay and double your employability skills through two work terms across two business programs. The extra year of studies will give you qualifications for a potential 3-year postgraduate work permit.

Program Highlights

  • The program and curriculum have been developed by high-level industry leaders
  • Program advisory committee members have been recognized by the Ontario Retirement Communities Association (ORCA) as high-level leaders in the industry
  • Program faculty are working in the industry while teaching, bringing valuable experience into the classroom
  • The curriculum includes all functional areas of retirement home management as well as career readiness training
  • Program partnerships with the key players in the industry enhances field placements, bursaries, guest speakers, field trips and networking opportunities toward relevant experience and employment

Students will graduate with hands-on experience and knowledge of the retirement home sector and functional operational areas within the industry and a retirement home/community.


Join the Workforce of Tomorrow

The retirement home sector is an amazing career destination! Dynamic, flexible, fun, smart, exciting - with opportunity for growth.

Watch the video to see why other students have chosen a career in the Retirement Home industry!

employee sitting at a table with two people explaining information on pieces of paper

Career Highlights

Make a meaningful impact on the lives of seniors while using your management skills to lead teams and meet organizational goals in a very positive way.

Working in Retirement Home Management, you could lead dynamic teams dedicated to providing excellence in resident care. With overall responsibility for the day-to-day operations, you will work closely with teams to maintain a positive resident-centric culture, promote an understanding of best practices, play a key leadership and collaborative role in quality improvement and ensure ongoing compliance with governing legislation and regulations while working within the organization's budgetary requirements.

Your key responsibilities could include:

  • Ensuring the development of an empowered and motivated staff through effective recruiting, coaching, training management, conflict resolution, participation in labour-management relations and effective team management practices.
  • You could be in charge of staff scheduling and ensuring appropriate training requirements are met. Management duties may include organizing tours for prospective residents and their families, and the management of the admissions process as well as policies and procedures, reflective of daily operations.
  • Management roles typically include the development of strategic plans and goal setting plans, recommendations for future enhancements and changes in policies and processes to achieve quality improvement goals as well as deploying financial resources within budgets.

Core competencies:

Core competencies include team leadership, communication, organization and planning.

Your Career

The Ontario Retirement Communities Association (ORCA) anticipates that within the next five years the retirement home sector will grow dramatically. New homes are being built and others are expanding. This growth means that there will be additional 5,000 jobs in the sector. With this industry growth on the horizon, career prospects in this area are very promising. 

Program Availability

Start dates between Sept 2025 - Aug 2026
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2025 Course-Based North Opening Soon
Start dates between Sept 2025 - Aug 2026
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2025 Course-Based North Open

Humber is a publicly funded institution and does not have a public-private partnership. International students graduating from Humber are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

International students in Canada could be eligible for an automatic scholarship*.  Apply now!

Check out the step-by-step Admissions Road Map for helpful information and additional resources.

Start dates between Sept 2025 - Aug 2026
START DELIVERY LOCATION STATUS
Sep 2025 Course-Based North Open

Humber is a publicly funded institution and does not have a public-private partnership. International students graduating from Humber are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.

International applicants outside of Canada can apply through Humber International. Check out the step-by-step Admissions Road Map for helpful information and additional resources.

Every attempt is made to ensure that information contained on this website is current and accurate. Humber Polytechnic reserves the right to correct any error or omission, modify or cancel any course, program, fee, timetable or campus location at any time without prior notice or liability to users or any other Person.

GET YOUR $125 APPLICATION FEE BACK*

Apply On Us This September!

Apply through OCAS between June 14 - July 19, 2024 and be registered full-time on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 and receive a $125 credit equal to the domestic application fee.

To qualify, get started by filling out the APPLY ON US form.

*This promotion is open to domestic applications for the September 2024 program intakes only. Offer not valid for existing applicants or applications.

International Students with a valid Study Permit or Letter of Introduction (LOI)* can receive a Waiver Code to cover the $100 September 2024 application fee.

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How to Apply

Domestic Students

Applications to Humber are made through ontariocolleges.ca. Be sure to submit your application by July 15, 2024 to receive your Application Fee Credit. Applications for September will remain open as long as the program availability status shows Open.

To check program availability refer to the Campus/Availability listing on Humber’s program pages, search by availability, or ontariocolleges.ca.

To see where you are in the admissions process, visit the Admissions Road Map.

International Students

If you’re an international student, you can apply directly to Humber via our International Centre.

Contact Us

Admissions Questions

General Enquiries

Call 416-675-3111 or email enquiry@humber.ca. If you have already applied, be sure to check your application status on myhumber.ca.

Domestic Applicants Enquiries

Domestic applicants can book a one-on-one advising appointment with an admissions representative.

International Applicants Enquiries

Contact the International Centre for information about full-time programs (including the International Graduate School), how to apply and to follow up on your submitted application.

Program-Specific Questions

Speak to the Program Co-ordinator about the course curriculum, projects and career options.

Virginia Millar, program co-ordinator
virginia.millar@humber.ca

Campus Information

Book a campus tour to take a closer look at what it's like to be a student at Humber.

Want More Info?

Find out more about the student experience and everything that Humber has to offer Future Students.

for more info on Humber, including programs, special events and more!

How To Become An Apprentice

Becoming an Apprentice

Find an employer willing to sponsor you as an apprentice.

Contact the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development to register as an apprentice.

Work with your employer approximately one year before attending Humber.

View Instructions 

Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)

If you’re in high school – grade 11 or 12 – you can earn co-op education credits through work placements in some skilled trades.

Visit OYAP 

How to Apply

Domestic Students

Applications to Humber are made through ontariocolleges.ca. Be sure to submit your application by the equal consideration deadline of February 1. You may apply after February 1, however, post-February 1 applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis depending on the availability of the space in the program.

To check program availability refer to the Campus/Availability listing on Humber’s program pages, search by availability, or ontariocolleges.ca.

To see where you are in the admissions process, visit the Admissions Road Map.

International Students

If you’re an international student, you can apply directly to Humber via our International Centre.

Need Advice?

Program Advising Appointments

Get help narrowing down your program options or book a one-on-one pre-enrolment advising appointment with one of our Recruitment Officers.

Transfer & Pathway Advising

Book a virtual appointment with a Student Mobility Advisor learn more about getting Transfer Credit(s) for previous post-secondary experience, Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR), and Pathways options.

Admission Requirements

Admission selection is based on the academic criteria indicated. Meeting minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission.

Admission selection is based on the following three requirements:

  • Academic

    To be eligible for admission, you must possess the following: 

    • A bachelor’s degree, advanced diploma, diploma or equivalent  

    Mature Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a mature applicant if they have not completed secondary school or other postsecondary school, and will be 19 or older as of the first day of classes. Humber will invite you for testing to demonstrate that you meet all listed course requirements.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a mature applicant if they have not completed secondary school or attended postsecondary studies, and will be 21 or older as of the first day of classes. Mature applicants for degree programs will be required to meet course requirements at the U/M level or equivalent.

    College Transfer Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a college transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a college-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or college courses and grades to determine program eligibility.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a college transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a college-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or college courses and grades to determine program eligibility. Applicants must have an overall minimum grade point average (GPA) of 65 per cent in the program. Applicants are required to disclose and provide academic transcripts for all course work completed at the postsecondary level.

    University Transfer Applicants

    Diplomas and Certificates

    An applicant is considered a university transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a university-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or university courses and grades to determine program eligibility.

    Degrees

    An applicant is considered a university transfer applicant if they have completed some or all of a university-level credential. Humber may use a combination of secondary school and/or university courses and grades to determine program eligibility. Applicants are required to disclose and provide academic transcripts for all course work completed at the postsecondary level.

  • English Language Proficiency

    All applicants whose first language is not English must meet Humber’s English Language Proficiency Policy.

  • International Credit Evaluation

    Canadian citizens or permanent residents with international education are required to provide a credential evaluation. Note, for international High school education course by course evaluations, ICAS must be used. For international post-secondary education, a WES evaluation must be provided. In situations where you expect to apply for transfer credit, it is recommended that a course by course WES evaluation is completed.

International Academic Equivalency

Admission equivalencies for Humber depend on your country of study. Please enter your location or choose detect my location to see the requirements for your country below.

Post-Admission Requirements

Once you have been accepted, and have confirmed your offer, you may need to complete a further set of requirements related to your program (Post-Admission Requirements).

Equipment & Device Requirements

Fees & Financial Aid

The 2024/2025 fee for three semesters was:

  • domestic: $6,676.54
  • international: $19,440.46

Fees are subject to change.

Fees by Semester

Domestic Fees International Fees

Additional Costs

Approximately $300 - textbooks, certifications and other materials.

Financial Aid, Scholarships and Bursaries

Understand the costs associated with coming to Humber and explore resources available from first year to your final year on Student Fees and Financial Resources.

Scholarships

Humber Scholarships

Find out more about scholarships and bursaries that you may be eligible for, visit Student Scholarships. International students can visit International Student Scholarships.

Humber Bursaries

Bursaries are available for Certificate, Diploma and Degree programs primarily based on financial need, visit Humber Bursaries.

External Awards, Bursaries & Scholarships

Find out more information about external scholarships and bursaries, visit External Awards.

Indigenous Student Awards, Bursaries & Scholarships

Humber offers a variety of bursaries and scholarships for Indigenous students, visit Indigenous Student Awards.

Explore Opportunities through Humber Pathways

Humber Pathways include:

  • Opportunities to build on your college education and complete your diploma or degree at Humber.
  • Degree and graduate study opportunities at other institutions in Ontario, Canada and abroad.
View Pathways Into This Program  
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