Gerontologist Career Profile

What Does a Gerontologist Do?

Gerontologists specialize in services for senior citizens and their families. Working as social workers, registered nurses, counselors, or nursing home care providers, gerontologists use their specialized knowledge to respond to the specific needs of an aging population. While clinical gerontologists are likely to have hands-on work with older patients, some administrative careers are possible through nursing homes, hospice care centers, and government organizations.

A day in the life of a gerontologist depends on the specialty fo the professional. A gerontological social worker might coordinate the transportation needs required for an elderly woman's grocery store trips or monitor a housing situation at a nursing home. A gerontology counselor may spend time in one-on-one sessions with patients and their families in assisted care centers, while a registered nurse specializing in gerontology could help ease the pain of an older patient in a critical care unit.

Working as a gerontologist comes with specific perks and challenges. Workers must have a strong will and the ability to care for adults who may be experiencing confusion or frustration on a day-to-day basis. However, gerontologists enjoy the satisfaction of improving comfort, safety, and health in the lives of their older patients.

Formal Training Required to Become a Gerontologist

Despite the range of potential for a gerontologist career, formal training is required for virtually all of them. Counselors must be licensed with a master's degree, taking coursework that often includes elements of gerontological psychology, Adlerian psychology and psychopathology, and assessment methods with older adults.

Social workers typically must hold a bachelor's degree, completing coursework in social work values and ethics, at-risk populations, social and economic justice, and human behavior. Social and human service assistants specializing in gerontology must have a high school diploma, and hiring managers often look for additional education such as certification in gerontology.

Registered nursing is a popular path for a clinical gerontologist. Completing an associate's degree in nursing with a specialization in gerontology, is the first step towards an entry level career in the field. Further education in the form of a bachelor's or master's degree gives nurses a chance to specialize or move into supervisory positions.

The Typical Career Path of a Gerontologist

Gerontology training can lead to a range of careers. Graduates of gerontology degree and certificate programs may move into work as social and human services assistants or fully licensed gerontological social workers. Certified gerontologists may work as counselors, and registered nurses with additional gerontology training could further specialize.

Social workers specializing in gerontology may advance to work as program managers, supervisors, assistant directors, or executive directors. An advanced degree and years of work experience are typically required for advancement in the industry. Gerontology counselors may advance to become supervisors, researchers, teachers, or advanced clinicians. In general, advancement in this specialized health care field requires education and experience along with a positive employment record.

In general, clinical gerontologists have a high level of patience and a willingness to help an older population live comfortable and productive lives. Workers are open-minded and willing to try a number of different treatments and therapies to correspond with their individual patients. Successful gerontologists keep their skills and knowledge current by maintaining an interest in current research and publications related to the field.

Job Outlook and Salary Information for a Gerontologist

An aging population and an increasing interest in palliative care has helped to boost job opportunities for clinical gerontologists. Employment for registered nurses, who may specialize in gerontology, is expected to grow 22 percent between 2008 and 2018, much faster than the average and among the fastest of all occupations. Medical and public health social worker positions are also expected to grow 22 percent during the same time period.

Gerontologist salary varies by position. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that social and human services assistants earned a median annual wage of $27,280 in 2008. That same year, counselors earned $51,050 and social workers earned $46,650. Registered nurses earned $62,450. With additional experience and education, average gerontologist salary may rise as workers further specialize or move to supervisory or administrative positions.