Online Gerontology Degree Programs

This article talks about how you can benefit from pursuing a gerontology degree. Gerontology is the study of the social, psychological and biological aspects of aging.

Gerontology is all about the study of how people age. It is different from geriatrics, which is the branch of medicine, which studies diseases of the elderly. This is a subject that covers diverse issues including the sociological mental and physical aspects of aging. It covers not only how an individual ages but also how societies affect and are affected by this and how the information gathered on this subject can help in providing better care for the aging population. There are several good reasons why you will want to pursue a good gerontology course. One of these reasons is that it offers better job security and then there is also a growing aging population to take care of. There are also a diverse numbers of career options available to those with such a degree. This means that you will not be locked into a single and narrow career path.

Locate Gerontology Degrees in your area

Search for Online Gerontology Colleges

Selected Gerontology Degree Programs

University of Phoenix

• Master of Health in Administration/Gerontology

Capella University

• MS in Human Services - Gerontology

Kaplan University

• Geriatric Care Management Certificate
• B. S. in Human Services/Gerontology

Gerontology Education and Training

In order to qualify for a Gerontology Degree, it is necessary to have basic qualification such as a high school diploma. Besides these qualifications, it is also necessary to possess outstanding communication abilities and skills. Geriatric nursing certification is a related area of study for those who wish to work as a geriatric nurse practitioner.

Studying gerontology means getting to understand the social mental and medical aspects of aging. A masters degree or a related degree can help you tremendously. You can become a nurse or occupational therapist or a healthcare provider.

Basically, such a degree offers you a chance to develop a closer understanding of all the different problems associated with aging and also how to take care of these problems. One of the most important of all skills that you will need to develop is that of being a good communicator.

You will also be entrusted with the task of recording as well as relaying patient/client information. As a gerontologist, you will need to work with different kinds of people most of whom are old adults. Therefore, you must have a burning desire to provide help to elderly people.

Gerontology Careers

With a good gerontology degree in hand, you will not find it hard to find work in any field in which taking care of aged people is the main concern. You can find employment in a retirement community and in a nursing home as well as in an assisted living facility as well as long term care facility. You can also become a social worker or social scientist and a nursing aid as well as healthcare manager.

A career as a gerontologist will help you earn between thirty thousand and sixty thousand dollars per year. How much you earn will depend on whether you are working in a supervisory capacity or not. Entry level salaries fall in the range of twenty two to thirty five thousand dollars per year. The job outlook for gerontologists is expected to increase as there is a growing elderly population to take care of. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, nursing professionals can expect to see thirty nine percent increases in opportunities by 2016. Some geriatric nursing education careers include positions in:

• Health facilities
• Assisted living facilities
• Nursing homes
• Mental health centers
• Social service agencies
• Residential facilities
• Government agencies
• Community agencies
• Advocacy groups

Expected Salary and Projected Career Growth

The number one reason why it pays to enroll in a gerontology degree course today is that this is one of the best fields in the country. With this degree in hand, it will not be hard to find employment, which is another good reason to enroll in gerontology courses. Employment opportunities for gerontologists are expected to grow faster than the average for all other occupations. Over the next decade employment opportunities will increase by over 36%. The average Annual Salary for someone with a gerontology degree is $41,800. The salary range is $28,500-$55,300, and this varies greatly depending on one’s education and experience.