Gerontology

What Can You Do with a Gerontology Degree?

With a globally ageing population, there has never been a better time to work in the field of gerontology. Responsible for educating health professionals and community practitioners about the ageing process and how society must adapt to the needs of our ageing nation, this career path can be both fulfilling and profitable.

In terms of careers, there are many routes that you could choose to go down once you have your gerontology degree, from social work to assisted living, geriatric care to public policy, and there is demand in nearly all fields relating to gerontology in the United States.

Within the below guide, you will find out about you can expect to study as a gerontology student, plus, how much you can expect to earn once you have completed your gerontology major.

Is a gerontology degree the right choice for me?

As mentioned above, the demand for professionals who specialize in gerontology is on the rise, with the United States is desperate need of people who are trained to work with elderly patients and who have a hands-on understanding of their specific needs.

In fact, with the number of adults over the age of 65 expected to double by 2060, whatever career path you choose once you have your gerontology degree, whether that be in a caregiver role or working on policy reform, you will enjoy much more job security than in other occupations.

In terms of skills and personality traits, if you want to work in the field of gerontology, you need to be a strong communicator, be able to make decisions independently and be compassionate.

What can I do with a gerontology major?

Once qualified, you will have a wide range of options when it comes to your career, and the job you choose will be dependent on how hands-on you want your daily duties to be.

Below are some of the highly popular job for those with a gerontology degree, both in terms of job satisfaction and job security.

Social Worker

The main duties of geriatric social workers are to address personal, social and environmental challenges that arise as people age, as well as to help elderly patients access the services they need.

The regular salary for a social worker is $50,470, with an impressive expected job growth of 13% between 2019 and 2029, significantly faster than average.

Geriatric Care Manager

As a geriatric care manager, your main duties will include helping families navigate the transitions of ageing by discussing complex issues, making home visits, evaluating in-home care needs and coordinating medical services.

The median salary for a medical and health services manager is $100,980, with an expected job growth of 32% between 2019 and 2029.

Grant Writer

If you love to write and you pride yourself on being organized and self-motivated, then a career as a grant writer is a great option for you. Responsible for seeking funding for various foundations and other funding organizations, your role is crucial in helping the ageing population have access to the support and services they need.

The typical salary for a grant writer is $42,812, with the salary range typically falling between $42,147 and $51,868.

How do I pick the right college to study for my gerontology degree?

The importance of picking the right college to pursue your gerontology major should not be underestimated, both in terms of the degree course itself and the quality of campus life.

Although your main focus should be on choosing a college that offers the course you need to obtain the career you want in gerontology, do not forget also to evaluate the campuses themselves.

Fulfilling your maximum potential at college can be even more challenging if you are not happy with your dorm room or you do not feel supported by the faculty, and this is why you need to find out about all of these aspects of college life before you commit to a school.

Fortunately, there is a free online service that can help you choose where to undertake your gerontology degree. CampusReel is an online college review site that offers 15,000 student-made videos all about campuses all across the United States.

Sign up for a free account here today and enjoy virtual walkthroughs, dorms reviews and more, all at the click of a button.