[News] New UBC Micro-Certificate in Healthy Aging

The Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Aging (ELCHA) is pleased to announce that registration is now open for the new UBC Micro-certificate in Healthy Aging launching February 1, 2027.

As populations age, professionals across many sectors are increasingly supporting older adults with diverse health, functional, social, and communication needs. The UBC Micro-certificate in Healthy Aging brings together expertise from across UBC to provide learners with an interdisciplinary understanding of healthy aging and practical approaches they can apply in their work. This part-time, online program provides practical, evidence-based education for professionals who support older adults across healthcare, community, social service, and residential care settings.

An interdisciplinary approach to healthy aging

The development of the micro-certificate was led by Dr. James McKendry, Assistant Professor of Nutrition and Healthy Aging at UBC, in collaboration with other faculty and staff from the Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Aging and experts across UBC.

Together, the courses explore healthy aging from biological, behavioural, social, cultural, and environmental perspectives, with an emphasis on translating current evidence into practice.

Designed for professionals supporting older adults

The program is designed for allied health professionals, staff working in community-based seniors’ services, professionals working in seniors’ residences and long-term care, and others who support older adults and aging populations.

The micro-certificate is 100% online and part-time, allowing learners to complete course content on their own schedule. Each of the four courses involves approximately 12–15 hours of learning over six to eight weeks and includes readings, videos, case studies, applied assignments, quizzes, and discussion activities. Learners also receive feedback and support from course facilitators.

The first offering of all four courses begins February 1, 2027. An Information Session will be offered October 28^th, 2026. Register here.

Funding available through the StrongerBC future skills grant

The UBC Micro-certificate in Healthy Aging is an eligible program for the StrongerBC future skills grant. Eligible B.C. residents aged 19 years or older may receive up to $3,500 toward eligible short-term training at B.C. public post-secondary institutions, regardless of income. Grant applications for the 2026/27 year are now open.

As funding and program spaces are limited, prospective learners are encouraged to explore their eligibility and register early.

Learn more and register for course