Gerontology Degrees and Specialties
If you are interested in issues that affect the elderly, you should consider a degree in gerontology. Gerontology offers several career paths, such as gerontologist or gerontology nurse, which can be matched to your skills and needs.
Gerontologists
Gerontologists are social scientists who focus their work on aging. They might teach at universities, help form government policies, or conduct research. Topics they study include the effects of an aging population on society and the mental, physical, and social effects of aging. Most gerontologists have at least their master's degrees. If you are interested in teaching at the university level, you should plan on getting your doctorate. The best job opportunities for gerontologists are with the federal government and at colleges and universities. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that sociologists such as gerontologists make $57,870 per year on average.
Gerontology Nurses
Registered nurses and nurse practitioners can also choose to specialize in gerontology. To get started in nursing, students must graduate from a nurse training program and pass a national licensing exam. Nurse training programs offer students the opportunity to choose a specialty. Nurses who specialize in gerontology take extra courses in the physiological and psychosocial effects of aging and public policy that affects the elderly. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of jobs available for nurses in all specialties is expected to grow much faster than average. Registered nurses make an average of $52,330 per year.
Because the U.S. population is aging, there will be more and more demand for people who know about issues affecting the elderly. A gerontology training program can familiarize you with these issues.
Sources:
"Registered Nurses," U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
"Social Scientists, Other," U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Gerontology Degrees and Specialties
If you are interested in issues that affect the elderly, you should consider a degree in gerontology. Gerontology offers several career paths, such as gerontologist or gerontology nurse, which can be matched to your skills and needs.
Gerontologists
Gerontologists are social scientists who focus their work on... read more about gerontology degrees
