FHDGERO Higher Diploma in Applied Gerontechnology

This is a programme that takes a positive outlook on the ageing society and the opportunities afforded by the silver economy. It trains students to be expert advisers on use of gerontechnology products and related technology applications to enable ageing-in-place.

Objectives

Upon completion of the programme, students should be able to:

• Apply a range of generic skills, including language, interpersonal communication, information technology, problem solving and analytical skills to their daily life, further study and future employment;
• Define the notions of health and wellbeing from a psychosocial perspective;
• Explain the normal functioning of the human body systems and changes in their diseased states;
• Recommend applications and evaluate effectiveness of gerontechnology products and technologies in meeting healthcare and social interaction needs;
• Plan and design appropriate activities and learning programmes for the elderly;
• Design and implement health promotion strategies to promote the general health and well-being of target subjects in various healthcare and community settings; and
• Communicate and work effectively with other healthcare workers and different stakeholders in the healthcare setting.

Applicants are normally required to meet one of the following requirements:

• Level 2 in 5 HKDSE subjects (including English Language and Chinese Language)^; or

• Satisfactory completion of LiPACE’s “Diploma in Nursing Services”; or

• Satisfactory completion of Diploma Yi Jin; or

• Satisfactory completion of a QF Level 3 Diploma or an equivalent programme, e.g. Diploma of Foundation Studies awarded by Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (IVE) or by a post-secondary institution in Hong Kong; or

• Other acceptable equivalent qualifications (including non-local qualifications obtained in or outside HK, or other qualifications/experience deemed to be equivalent); or

• Mature applicants aged 21 or above, preferably with relevant working experience.

Note:
^ Applicants possessing “Attained”, “Attained with Distinction (I)" and “Attained with Distinction (II)” results in an Applied Learning (ApL) subject are deemed to have attained “Level 2”, “Level 3” and “Level 4” respectively in one HKDSE subject, with a maximum of two ApL subjects can be counted for admission purpose.

• Equipment and Technologies for Smart Ageing 樂齡產品與科技

• Caregiving with Gerontechnology 樂齡科技照護方案

• Activity and Programme Planning for the Elderly 長者活動及學習策劃

• Elderly Care Nursing 長者護理

• Community Health Care 社區健康護理

• Human Anatomy and Physiology 人體解剖及生理學

• Human Pathophysiology 人體病理生理學

• Basic Pharmacology 基礎藥理學

• Microbiology and Infection Control Management 微生物學及傳染病控制管理

• Work-integrated Learning in Applied Gerontechnology and Health Care 樂齡科技與健康護理實習^

• Ethical and Legal Issues in Health Care 醫療倫理議題

• Public Health and Epidemiology 公共衛生及流行病學

• Introduction to Psychology 心理學概論

• Sociology and Health 健康社會學

• One Health in Action 實踐「健康一體」

• English for Communication I, II & III 英語溝通技巧 ( 一 )、( 二 )及( 三 )

• Effective Chinese Communication Skills 應用中文傳意技巧

• IT and Digital Literacy 電腦及數位素養

[1] Students who have attained Level 3 or above in DSE English Language can be exempted from taking English for Communication I (ENGL3057EF).
[2] Non-Chinese speaking students can be exempted from taking Effective Chinese Communication Skills (CHIN4006CF). They will have to take a GE course as replacement for fulfilment of the overall credits for graduation.

^ Course includes not less than 100 practicum hours

Graduates can apply to study in top-up degree programmes in health sciences, gerontology, public health and allied health disciplines both locally and overseas:

• Chinese University of Hong Kong Bachelor of Science in Gerontology (2-year full-time)

• Chinese University of Hong Kong Bachelor of Science in Community Health Practice (2-year full-time)

• Chinese University of Hong Kong Bachelor of Science in Public Health (4-year full-time)

• The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Applied Ageing Studies and Service Management (2-year full-time)

• Lingnan University Bachelor of Social Sciences (Honours) in Health and Social Services management (2-year full-time)

• Tung Wah College Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Applied Gerontology (senior year entry)

Career Prospect

Graduates can be employed as gerontechnology assistants in non-government organizations, elderly day care centres, community health centres in the public and subvented sectors.

Graduates may also pursue a career in the private sector, such as companies providing health-related services and health equipment/technology companies as gerontechnology marketing and products specialist, gerontechnology training officers, and health promotion officers.