Become a leader in the development and delivery of specialty care for individuals affected by dementia.
This program will capitalize on your experience as a registered nurse and provide you with the expertise needed to care for people living with dementia while advancing the practice of dementia care in your community. As the demographics of our population change, the number of people living with dementia will grow, requiring more experts who can provide leadership in managing their care. Designed to be a flexible university program that fits with the schedules of working registered nurses, this program will help you take a step towards advanced practice in the specialty of dementia studies nursing.
As a program built for working nurses, four of the five courses will be theory-based, with readings, discussions, and assignments delivered online. These courses will also have applied components, such as workshops, and utilize Trent/Fleming School of Nursing’s clinical simulation resources. A fifth, practicum course will allow you to solidify that theoretical knowledge in a clinical placement setting where you will complete 150 hours of dementia care. The program is delivered over five semesters and can be completed in 20 months. Graduates of this program will be awarded a graduate diploma (G.Dip) in Dementia Studies Nursing.
- Earn a post-baccalaureate level graduate diploma in a specialty area of nursing with an increasing need for expert care. Develop practical, in-depth knowledge and evidence-based nursing skills.
- Ready yourself for employment in a variety of care settings that require leadership in dementia care.
"Caring for people living with dementia requires an in-depth understanding of dementia and how it uniquely impacts each person. Your knowledge of collaborative and person-centred care approaches will be advanced as part of the graduate diploma in dementia studies and will improve the health and well-being of both people living with dementia as well as their families."
Dr. Kim Ritchie, RN, PhD, GNC(C), Assistant Professor and co-president of the Gerontological Nursing Association - Central East Chapter.
Next Intake September 2025
APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN
Program Features/Highlights
- Earn a unique post-baccalaureate-level graduate diploma, the first of its kind in the province.
- Focus on in-depth knowledge, evidence-informed practice, and critical inquiry.
- Prepare for employment in an array of positions in dementia care.
Program Options
- Fully online and accessible program for nurses across Canada and beyond
- Mix of theory, virtual workshops, and practical experience
- 5 semesters of part-time study (final semester is 150-hour practicum)
Required Courses
- NURS 5005H Diverse Perspectives on Dementia
- NURS 5006H The Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour
- NURS 5007H Complexities in Dementia Care and Research
- NURS 5008H Strategizing for Dementia Care and Research
- NURS 5021H Practicum: Dementia Care
Mode of Delivery
This program is offered by TFSON using an online format. Online delivery, facilitated online discussions and guided independent learning will be supplemented by 16 hours of synchronous active learning workshops (2 x 8 hours) per course. Students will take one course per semester. The final semester of study is a 150-hour practicum in a practice setting. The time to completion is 20 months of part-time study.
Faculty
Faculty, who are Registered Nurses with graduate degrees, will teach and supervise students in a manner that is consistent with preparation for specialty practice in dementia care.
