Careers With a Master's in Gerontology
Gerontology is the multidisciplinary study of the various issues that involve the aging process. According to the United States Census Bureau, the population of Americans 65 and older grew to an estimate of 38 million by 2009 and is projected to grow to 70 million by 2030. Obtaining a master's degree in gerontology opens up a number of fields that will enjoy respectable job growth in the future.
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Elderly Health Care Administrator
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Graduates with a master's degree in gerontology and a minor in health care administration can forge a career managing the care of seniors in senior homes and other related facilities. Elderly health care administrators typically oversee management of services for seniors and creation of nutrition and activity programs, as well as hiring staff workers, admitting patients and handling finances.
County Commission on Aging Director
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Various county-based agencies exist to serve seniors by providing programs and services that comply with the Older Americans Act. These organizations are typically led by a director who serves as an administrator. The job entails duties such as overseeing the agency's budget, managing the process of hiring workers, serving as a liaison to other agencies and running fundraisers. Directors must have a master's degree in gerontology, social work or other related field.
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Educational Gerontologist
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A career in educational gerontology can lead to many paths, which include becoming a professor teaching gerontology or an administrator of a school's gerontology educational program. A master's degree is a minimum requirement for this field, although university professors tend to have doctorate degrees.
Social Worker
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As of 2010, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts there will be an increasing demand in both the public and private sector for social workers who specialize in providing help for the elderly. Social workers will need to coordinate the provision of long-term care and assisted living options for the elderly. Those specializing in gerontology also will need to provide support for families of the elderly. A master's degree is typically required for social workers employed in this field.
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References
- Diploma Guide: Master of Health in Administration --- Gerontology
- St. Andrews Senior Solutions: Hospital Care Partner
- "101 Careers in Gerontology"; C. Joanne Grabinski; 2007
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition: Social Workers
- U.S. Census Bureau: Population 65 Years and Over in the United States
- U.S. Census Bureau: Table F: Population by Age: 1990 to 2050
- Photo Credit elderly couple image by Peter Baxter from Fotolia.com
