Gerontologist Education and Career Guide

Job and Education Fast Facts

A gerontologist studies the physical, cognitive, social, emotional, psychological, and societal effects of the aging process on the human body.

The field is often mistaken for geriatrics, which focuses on the various medical phenomena associated with the aging process. Gerontology, however, is multidisciplinary. It takes a more holistic view of the journey people experience as they grow older, often involving a wide variety of related disciplines such as psychology, sociology, economics, public policy, and marketing.

The Need for Gerontologists

As the large demographic of “baby boomers” in the United States ages, the need for new healthcare professionals with gerontology degrees continues to rise sharply. The latest data from U.S. Census Bureau found that the number of people in the U.S. aged 65 and older has grown from 3.1 million in 1900 to more than 56 million today. At current growth rates, the Census Bureau predicts that, by 2060, nearly 95 million people will be over 65. Many of these people will benefit from the insight and care that gerontologists can provide.

“Not only are we seeing a growth in the numbers of people over 65, we are also seeing a diverse population of persons aging,” says Julie L. Masters, PhD, a professor and Terry Haney Chair of Gerontology in the Department of Gerontology at the University of Nebraska, Omaha. “The profile of the typical older person from the 1980’s, of an older white, widowed female living in a nursing home, has been replaced with people—women and men—from various cultures and backgrounds living to and beyond 85.”

What do Gerontologists Do?

Because the gerontological field is so broad, a gerontologist can develop a career in a number of professions.

A degree in gerontology can lead to jobs in:

In recent years, Masters says, there has been a greater emphasis on supporting people with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia and their families. In the last year, COVID-19’s nationwide devastation of the nursing home industry and the restrictions tied to the pandemic are playing a role in the growing demand for gerontologists.

While the opportunities in gerontology are numerous, it is not a field of study that suits everybody. To excel in gerontology, those entering the field must enjoy being around and working with older adults. They must also pay close attention to their clients’ needs and possess the ability to understand the cognitive and physical limitations that many older people have.

Where Do Gerontologists Work?

Gerontologists can be found in a variety of fields that have aging adults or family caregivers as their main clients, says Masters. “Graduates of gerontology programs are being hired to work in positions such as case management that used to be restricted to persons with degrees in social work or nursing in the past,” she adds.

Some of the areas where gerontologists tend to work include:

In recent years, the need for gerontologists has spread to some more unusual sectors, such as banking, business, and education, where many companies are learning how to cater to a larger demographic of aging customers. The emerging field of segmented marketing that specifically targets an aging demographic has also been on the rise, which may appeal to those looking for business careers in the healthcare field.

“This is an unprecedented time in history,” Masters says. “The opportunity for research, service, and education is boundless. Gerontology is a hot field that will stay hot for the next several decades.” 

How to Become a Gerontologist

A gerontologist is someone who has master’s degree in gerontology. 

A person could also seek a certificate or associate degree in gerontology and work with older adults, but you wouldn’t hold the title of “gerontologist.” People with undergraduate or certificate-level education are referred to as “aging specialists,” Masters says.

To obtain an associate degree in gerontology, students need about two years of instruction to learn the basics of the biological, psychological, and sociological factors in the aging process. This degree will often prepare you for work as a home and personal care aid, a medical assistant, or a social/human service assistant.

A bachelor’s degree requires four years of study, often including an internship or practicum that can lead to entry-level or mid-level positions as social or community service managers, social workers, community health workers, or certified occupational therapy assistants.

“Someone with a bachelor’s degree may have a job as marketing coordinator, program coordinator, or life enrichment specialist,” Masters says, “(while) a master’s or doctoral-prepared individual may be involved in research, strategic planning, and leadership. Advanced education is intended to prepare people to think at a more complex level.”

Advanced Degree Programs—Gerontology Focus

More advanced postgraduate degrees tend to lead to higher-salaried positions. Here are a few examples, and what they entail:  

Degree Programs—Nursing or Business Focus

There are also a wide range of nursing and business degrees available that offer a concentration in gerontology. These are particularly useful for people wishing to transfer into gerontology work.

Bridge Programs

Bridge programs are designed to “bridge the gap” and help you step into a new career field—or advance in your current industry. Each program has its own prerequisites and requirements, but they are for students who hold a bachelor’s degree in a field related to their intended bridge program focus.

Certificate Programs

Many gerontology programs will offer a certificate for 15 to 18 credit hours, Masters says, which “can be focused solely on gerontology or it can have a niche approach.” For example, some schools offer graduate certificates in gerontology that can be combined with other disciplines, such as senior housing, management, or interior design. 

“A specialty certificate is ideal for someone who may already possess a degree or degrees and is wanting to further enhance an understanding about aging,” Masters adds. “Certificates are also a nice way for people to explore the topic of aging before moving into a degree program.”

Can I Take Classes Online?

Nearly all gerontology degree programs offer online courses; either fully online or a hybrid of online and on-campus study. In the hybrid model, most students complete their work online but meet periodically on campus. Fully online courses are individually paced, giving students the freedom to communicate with the instructor through video or email.

Some online courses, however, include stipulations about work experience to present evidence that students have the skills to perform in the workplace. Consult your school for requirements for internship matching or other work-study programs—many of which the schools can provide—to make you more in demand for future jobs.

Certifications and Licensure

Generally, most jobs in the gerontology world do not require a special certification. However, those pursuing gerontology in a medical setting may be required to have additional credentials to do their jobs, Masters says. Many of these certifications will depend on the position and location of the service. For example, a nurse, counselor, or therapist will need to have the necessary credentials and licenses to practice in a given state, she adds. 

The National Association for Professional Gerontologists provides voluntary certification demonstrating a core body of gerontological knowledge. This includes a broad background in the social, psychological, and physical/biological aspects of aging, including theoretical concepts. The certification also represents a student’s knowledge of practice concepts in working with older adults, including ethical issues, and mastery of gerontology skills and competencies.

Median Annual Salary

While the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not list salary data specifically for gerontological work, the salaries for the profession fall under the category of “medical scientists.” Here are median annual wages by state:

The job outlook through 2031 predicts growth in this field of 17.4%, which is much faster than the 5% average overall job growth over the same period.

Masters says the salary that gerontology degree-earners can expect will depend mostly on the position, the education, and the employer. “A non-profit will pay less than a for-profit company with more resources,” she says.

Career Outlook

The outlook for gerontology as a profession has never been rosier. The expected growth in the population of older Americans will put more pressure on corporations and municipalities to handle the unique needs of older clients.

Some ways to get a leg up on what is expected to be growing competition in the gerontology field will be participation in practicums or internships. “These experiences give students a glimpse of what it is like to work in a given industry or field,” Masters says. Such hands-on experience is something employers will take into account when determining if an applicant has the necessary background to be considered for a position.

“The job prospects are tremendous,” Masters says. “We are seeing more employers sharing job postings with us as they know graduates have the passion, the interest, and the ability to make a contribution from day one to any organization whose business is focused on the aging adult.”   

Professional Resources

The best way to stay connected in this field is to build contacts with gerontologists on LinkedIn or Facebook, network with professors, and meet other professionals at gerontology clinicals and internships. Here is a list of associations, blogs, and podcasts that can help you establish and maintain ties with those in the gerontology field: