• How do you become a professional in the field of aging?
• What are the career options in the field of aging?
• What kinds of professionals work in the field of aging?
• How can I learn more about the field of aging?

Did You Know?

The type of work you want to do depends on your level of education, skills and interest. The field of aging is so diverse that a person with any level of education will be able to find employment.

How Do You Become a Professional in the Field of Aging?

The growing interest in understanding the process of aging has given rise to the fields of geriatrics and gerontology. While geriatrics focuses on the clinical aspects of aging, gerontology takes into account a wider variety of perspectives.

Geriatrics is a combination of two words from the Greek language, geras, which means old age and latrikos, which means healing. The Association of Gerontology in Higher Education (AGHE) describes geriatrics as a specialty within fields such as medicine, pharmacy, nursing, dentistry, clinical psychology, social work, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, nutrition and rehabilitation that includes the study of health and disease in later life and the care and treatment of older persons.

Gerontology is a combination of two Greek words, geras, meaning old age and logia, which means the study of the topic. Gerontology is concerned with all the dimensions of age-related changes that occur after age 65. Gerontology includes the study of physical body, memory, intelligence, personality, family relations, retirement, government programs and policies, housing, healthcare, mental health and community programs that impact the quality of life of older persons.

Become a Professional in the Field of Aging

A number of community colleges, four-year colleges and universities offer courses in gerontology or geriatrics. Association of Gerontology in Higher Education (AGHE) has a database of information on educational programs in gerontology and geriatrics. Computer searches can identify programs by subject, level, credential and geographic location.

	Community Colleges Community colleges offer programs that train people through specific courses and skill training experiences. These courses can lead to an Associate degree or a certificate. Credits earned in these programs can be transferred to other four-year colleges. Students in these education and training programs generally have entry-level jobs.  Other students may use these courses to upgrade their skills in the job. Certified nursing assistants, licensed practical nurses, occupational, physical and recreational therapy assistants attend community colleges.

	Colleges and Universities Colleges and universities offer a major or bachelor's degree or a minor in gerontology. Some offer a specialization in aging in other academic majors such as social work, nursing, psychology, physical and occupational therapy. Graduates are qualified for entry-level jobs in direct service, program planning, administration and marketing. Most universities offer a master's degree or a certificate in gerontology or offer specializations in other academic majors in the field of aging.  Master's level training prepares professionals to become skilled administrators, planners, and practitioners. Some professional schools and health professions departments in university have specialty programs in aging. These programs prepare health professionals for careers that focus primarily on the health of older people. Some universities offer doctoral degrees with a specialization in gerontology or aging studies.  Doctoral programs prepare students for careers in research, teaching, administration, or clinical practice.

	Non-credit instruction Non-credit instruction is also available in many institutions of higher education. Non-credit programs may be designed for those preparing for new careers or for people already working who want additional knowledge about aging.