Questions About How to Become a Gerontologist
What Aptitudes do Gerontology Students Need?
All gerontologists must develop professional verbal and written communication skills, professional objectivity, and respect for empirical knowledge and evidence-based practices:
- Arts degree (AA and BA) programs are a good fit for students who enjoy interacting with and helping others, whether or not they have a strong aptitude for math and science.
- Science degree (AS and BS) programs are a good fit for students who enjoy interacting with and helping others, have aptitudes for math and science, and aspire to earn a higher degree.
What Level of Degree is Needed to Become a Gerontologist?
To become a professional gerontologist, you must complete one or more of the following:
- An associate, bachelor, or master’s degree or doctorate in gerontology,
- A bachelor’s degree or higher in a related discipline and a substantive gerontology certificate,
- A master’s degree or doctorate in a related discipline and confirmation of gerontological knowledge by one of two means:
-
- Publishing an article in a peer-reviewed gerontological journal,
- Ongoing participation in the activities of a professional gerontological organization.
- Visit the National Association for Professional Gerontologists website for information about credentialing.
What to Look for When Selecting a Gerontology Program?
- A location that is accessible to you,
- The availability of online coursework,
- National accreditation or recognition as a Program of Merit,
- Visit the Accreditation for Gerontology Education Council (AGEC) for information about accreditation.
- Visit the Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education (AGHE) for information about Programs of Merit.
- Ideally, gerontology courses and gerontology program curricula are designed and taught by educators with a master’s or doctorate in gerontology who have experience in the field of aging. When choosing programs, review the faculty curriculum vitae (CV) for answers to these questions:
- What degrees, doctorates, certificates, and credentials do the program faculty hold?
- What are the research and interest areas of the program faculty?
- Which professional organizations do the program faculty participate in?
What Employment Pathways Do Gerontology Associate Degrees Open?
Occupational Gerontology AA or AS (typically 30-36 core units + 60 units of general education)
- Employment opportunities with an occupational degree vary based on experience:
- With internship experience only, initial positions are likely to be entry-level.
- With prior work experience, internship experience, and strong verbal and written communication skills, mid-level staff positions are attainable.
Regular Gerontology AA or AS (typically 18-21 core units + 60 units of general education)
- Employment opportunities with nonoccupational associate degrees are limited unless supported by additional gerontology occupational core courses taken as electives.
Educational pathways after completing an occupational or regular gerontology AA or AS:
- Complete an additional occupational AA in a related clinical or nonclinical field, such as:
- Clinical: Funeral services, nutrition, occupational or respiratory therapy assistant, etc.
- Nonclinical: Business, gerontology (2nd focus), human services, kinesiology, recreation, etc.
- Transfer to university to complete a:
- Gerontology BA or BS at Sac State or San Diego State while working in the field of aging.
- BA or BS in a related discipline, such as health science, public health, recreation therapy, or social work, while working in the field of aging.
Gerontology Certificates of Achievement are offered by community colleges with gerontology degrees:
- These certificates require the same core coursework as the gerontology degree offered by the college but do not require 60 units of general education.
- Students who hold an existing AA, AS, BA, or BS and completed the current California general education requirement receive an additional AA or AS after completing a certificate of achievement.
- Employment opportunities for students who complete a certificate and have not completed general education requirements are limited and dependent on the student’s previous experience with older people and the level of their verbal and written communication skills.