A gerontologist needs between 3 years to 7 years of schooling depending on what field the gerontologist is working in.
To become a gerontologist you have to complete at least 1 or more of the following which includes either an associate, degree, bachelor's degree or master's degree or a doctorate in gerontology.
You need a bachelor's degree or higher in a related discipline and a substantive gerontology certificate.
A 4 year bachelor's degree in gerontology or a related field can be a starting point although it can limit career options.
And a master's degree in gerontology or a related field like social work, psychology, or public health is generally considered the standard for professional gerontologists.
A doctorate "PhD or EdD in gerontology or a related field is needed for more advanced research and leadership roles.
Certificates in gerontology or related fields like aging studies can also enhance qualifications and career prospects.
And gaining practical experience through volunteer work, research opportunities and internships can also strengthen your qualifications.
If the gerontologist is also a medical doctor that specializes in geriatric care, the gerontologist will also have to go through the standard medical training, including undergraduate college, medical school and residency in family or internal medicine, followed by a fellowship in geriatrics.
Some gerontologists do go to med school and some don't.
Gerontologists that do go to med school are geriatricians who are physicians that specialize in the medical care of older adults and they have to complete medical school as well as residency in internal medicine or family medicine.
However the broader field of gerontologists don't go to med school and have a more diverse educational background and they may even hold degrees in psychology, gerontology, sociology, public health or related fields.
They may also have advanced degrees such as a doctoral degree or master's degrees in gerontology or related fields.
A gerontologist is not always a doctor or nurse although some can be.
Although nurses that specialize in geriatrics and gerontological nursing are considered to be gerontologists, the term gerontologist also refers to a broader range of professionals that study and work with older adults, which include doctors, psychologists, social workers and more.
Some gerontologists are doctors or nurses but not all are as it depends on the field they are working in.
The two types of gerontology are biogerontology and social gerontology.
Biogerontology examines the biological and physical changes that are associated with aging and social gerontology focuses on the social, psychological and the cultural aspects of aging.
Biogerontology studies the biological processes of aging at the cellular levels and molecular levels and investigates how cells and tissues change with age, explores the causes of age related diseases and researches interventions to slow, prevent or in some cases even reverse the aging process.
Social gerontology explores the impact of aging on social structures, individual lives and relationships and examines how aging affects social roles, family dynamics and community participation and also seeks to develop policies and programs to improve the quality of life of older adults.
The three main areas of gerontology are social aging, psychological aging and biological aging which are areas of gerontology that encompasses the physical, social and mental aspects of aging.
An example of a gerontologist is a geriatrician who is a medical doctor that is specially trained to meet the unique healthcare needs of older adults, both while they are sick in the hospital and in the outpatient setting.
Gerontologists work in various types of settings which include social services, healthcare and research as well as focusing on the psychological, physical and social aspects of aging.
The work of a gerontologist can include researching of the aging process, providing direct support to older adults and educating the public about aging.
Other examples of a gerontologist include.
Gerontological nurses and geriatric nurses who focus on the medical and physical health of older adults.
Gerontological social workers who work with older adults to address their social and emotional needs as well as provide counseling, support and access to resources.
Geropsychologists who study the cognitive and emotional aspects of aging and helping older adults to adapt to life changes and maintain their mental health.
Gerontology researchers who study the aging process, investigating factors that influence healthy aging and developing interventions to improve the older adults quality of life.
And gerontological educators who teach courses on aging and older adults and preparing future professionals to work in the field of gerontology.