Gerontologist Career & Jobs: Training, Salary & Certification Requirements

Nations have been struggling for years to provide their residents with access to more medical care and more well informed information about how to remain healthy and active. As this information and access has made its way into the lives of more and more people, and as more employment positions move from manual labor to sedentary, people are living longer lives and requiring specialized health care later into their lives. A gerontologist is a health care professional that is specially trained to be able to provide care for patients that are advanced in age. Some gerontologists specialize in researching illnesses and injuries that are common among elderly people, while others work with aged populations to find out the kinds of problems they are having and the programs and facilities that would most help them to live more fulfilling lives.

Salary Outlook

It is important to note that they level of education that is achieved and the amount of experience that is obtained have a large impact on possible salaries.

Average Annual Salary
$41,800
Salary Range
$28,500 - $55,300

Work Environment

It is possible for gerontologists to be employed in any type of a business or medical facility that offers services to elderly populations. Some of the most common work environments include hospitals, nursing homes, public health departments, and senior citizen advocate organizations. It is also possible to work with other health professionals such as dieticians or physical therapists.

High School Preparation

Students that think they might enjoy a career that allows them to work with the elderly should focus on courses in high school that increase their communications and social working skills. Subjects that should be studied include biology, chemistry, sociology, psychology, and first aid. If available, introductory courses to the medical and health professions should also be taken.  

Requirements

After achieving the high school diploma, it is important for students to enroll in a course of study at an accredited college or university. Although there are a few schools that offer majors in gerontology, it is more common for the student to create their own multidisciplinary course of study. Contacting prospective schools in advance about potential courses of study is a good idea for the graduating high school student. Many people also continue on to post graduate work and advanced degrees.

Career Outlook

Thanks to the increasing population and the growing number of elderly people that are living well into their eighties and nineties, there is an acute demand for trained gerontologists in a variety of different industries. It is expected that the number of jobs available for gerontologists will increase by at least thirty percent in the next ten years.

Professional Organizations

The Gerontological Society of America
1030 15th Street NW, Suite 250
Washington, DC 20005
Phone: (202) 842-1275
www.geron.org