Gerontology Online Degree Programs

Gerontology online degree programs are ideal for professionals who enjoy working with elderly people and senior citizens.

Professional areas to choose from include geriatric health management and long term care management. Gerontology is the study of aging; the study of the social, psychological and biological aspects of aging. Geriatrics on the other hand is a sub-specialty of medicine and health care that focuses on health care of the elderly. Its goal is to promote health and to prevent and treat diseases, ailments, and disabilities in older adults. With higher life expectancy, an aging baby boomer population, and advancements in medical technology and research, the demand for gerontology professionals in the United States over the next few decades with continue to be on the rise. Gerontology study includes online gerontology certificate programs and related geriatric and gerontology course requirements.

Gerontology Online Degree Programs

University of Phoenix

• Master of Health in Administration/Gerontology

Capella University - Online

• MS in Human Services - Gerontology

Kaplan University

• Geriatric Care Management Certificate
• B. S. in Human Services/Gerontology

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Gerontology Education and Training

In an online gerontology degree students learn the skills, knowledge, and strategies for meeting social, emotional, physical, social, and spiritual needs of aging patients and clients. Students in online degree gerontology programs also learn how to manage and oversee long-term care facilities. Online gerontology courses may include anatomy and physiology, psychology, counseling, psychology of dealing with death, sociology, health care management and administration, etc. Particular gerontology courses may include:

• Psychology of Aging
• End of Life Care
• Sociology of Aging and Life
• Cognition and Memory
• Management of Long-Term Care Facilities
• Nutrition and Dietetics
• Legal Issues in Gerontology

Gerontology university students may also be required to take an online gerontology course in government health policies, and medical funding and filing insurance claims. Online gerontology classes may also include business management, policy, and policy planning and management. The gerontology certificate is a popular add-on or alternative area of preparation for students who are pursing degrees in nursing, social work, psychology counseling, and other areas.

Students can also earn a specialist certificate in aging - online gerontology certificate, a bachelor's degree in gerontology, a master of geriatric health, online masters gerontology - master of health administration with a gerontology specialization, or a master's of science degree in geriatric nursing. Some universities also offer PhD gerontology degree programs. In addition, some states require professionals to attain licensure or certification, and the requirements vary from state to state.

Gerontology Careers

Careers in gerontology can include working in a variety of settings such as long term care facilities, hospitals, departments of health and human services, social services agencies, health care facilities, long-term care facilities, mental health centers, social service agencies, residential facilities, government agencies, aging research laboratories, advocacy groups, and community agencies.

With an gerontology online degree, you can also work in areas such as public policy, social sciences, and social work. Skills or success in the career include:

• Excellent communication skill
• Ability and interest in working with older adults
• Sensitivity, patience, empathy, and compassion

Expected Salary and Projected Career Growth

The United States of Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that opportunities in social and human service assistants will grow by about 34% over the next several years, and jobs for gerontologists will continue to be available to interested professionals. The average salary of social workers is about $52,270 in 2008 according to the BLS, and average job growth of about 16% for social workers between 2008 and 2018.

The income level with a gerontology online degree varies depending on whether one is a paraprofessional – aide or assistant - to whether one is a nurse, doctor, health care administrator etc. An average annual salary is around $42,000 with a range of $29,000 to $56,000 a year.