With the average age in the population increasing, the field of gerontology is becoming more and more important in today's society.
Gerontology is the study of aging and encompasses some of the issues that elderly people may encounter. In addition, this degree covers policy decision-making regarding aging care, as well as how aging affects different cultures and societies. Gerontologists work as caretakers, nurses, and other administrative roles to serve the aging. Gerontology is also very integrated within the field of psychology. Geropsychologists work with older patients to address issues such as depression, and to help those who are going through life changes.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of people aged 65 years or older is expected to more than double between 2012 and 2060. This will no doubt cause a significant demand for aging healthcare workers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics also states that medical and health service managers will experience a growth of about 17 percent from 2014-2024. Based on these statistics, those who possess a Master's in Gerontology are likely to have several career options open to them.
What kind of gerontology degree should you get?
The most common master's in gerontology degree is a master of science or a master of arts degree. Sometimes these degrees are in conjunction with other degrees, such as health administration. In general, a master's in this field focuses on research and professional development in order to prepare people for administrative roles in the field of aging care. Most students must complete an internship or clinical hours in order to graduate. Because these programs are aimed at working professionals, some schools offer programs entirely online as well.
On the other hand, an MS in nursing with a specialization in gerontology is specifically for already registered nurses who wish to specifically continue their career as a nurse. These programs always require clinical hours to graduate. The good thing about this program is that students will be eligible to sit for advanced nursing/licensure exams upon completion of the degree.
Another option is to earn the degree online. If you are interested in that check out the rankings for Best Online Master's in Gerontology Degrees.
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How much money do people make with a degree in gerontology?
Because a degree in gerontology can take one down many paths, average salaries within the field vastly differ depending on profession. For instance, according to the Bureau Labor Statistics, healthcare social workers earn a median annual salary of $52,350 in May 2015. According to Payscale, the median annual salary for a geriatric nurse in 2016 was $60,206. Geriatric psychologists earned $70,649.
In general, people who work in clinical settings tend to make more on average and have higher earnings potential in the long run.
What can you do with a degree in gerontology?
Because gerontology is a specialized field rather than a general healthcare administration program, the majority of people work as health services assistants, social workers, nurses, health services managers, or other health care top professionals that directly work with the aging. Aging care career options are not just limited to the public sphere in places such as hospitals but are also increasingly spreading into the private sphere due to the aging population. For example, gerontologists that work in the private sphere may be a personal care assistant that makes house calls.
It is important to note that each position within gerontology might require a slightly different certification and/or licensure. For instance, nursing aids require a minimum of 75 hours of training along with an exam. Social workers must be registered within the state they wish to practice. Most schools will guide students with this process before they graduate so they can get the job they desire, along with the necessary qualifications.
What are the requirements for a degree in gerontology?
General MS or MA programs in gerontology require that the applicant has a bachelor's degree from an accredited university, with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Although the undergraduate degree does not have to be related to health or gerontology, students who have previous knowledge within the field will find the coursework to be significantly easier. In addition, some schools require the GRE.
Nursing programs in gerontology require a bachelor's degree in nursing from an accredited university, also with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Students must also possess an active nursing license, letters of recommendation, transcripts, resume, and a personal statement.
What are the best master's in gerontology?
CollegeChoice has compiled the 15 best master's in gerentology degrees based on overall institutional excellence and student success. Data was gathered from the U.S. News & World Report, Payscale, the National Center for Education Statistics' IPEDs database, and individual college websites and rankings. Institutional excellence was based on a variety of data points such as graduation rate, entering students' test scores, and endowment size. Student success was measured based on financial aid given, average starting salary for early grads, and tuition cost.
Best Master's in Gerontology Degrees
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