What Is a Gerontologist?
A gerontologist is a registered nurse practitioner who focuses on elderly patients. Which means their focus is more concentrated on the diseases and illnesses that are most common to this age demographic.
Gerontologists work alongside physicians with the common goal of evaluating lingering and severe illnesses in elderly patients. Their job is to make sure that the overall long-term health of their patients. Gerontologists are traditionally required to hold at least a Master of Science in Nursing.
They are responsible for evaluating symptoms and offering treatment. These nurses weigh any chronic health care problems an elderly patient may have and then give any necessary medications or treatment to the patient. They are instructed to educate these patients and their regular caretakers on how to continue in good health. By way of educating these individuals on the actions they can take to further extend their good health, and make it long-lasting is the primary focus of any gerontologist.
How to Become a Gerontologist
To become a gerontologist and focus on the health needs of elderly patients you will first need to become a registered nurse. The requirements of this particular title entail its own list of prerequisites, and to focus more of gerontologists the place to start is with education. You need to study the position, educate yourself on all of the medical knowledge you will need to possess in order to properly fill this position.
Most gerontologists possess a Master of Science in Nursing with a concentration in gerontology nursing. They study pharmacology, physiology, and aging. Gerontologists are required to complete a clinical training course where they have to pass some examinations in order to become certified. Before any aspiring candidate needs to first earn a bachelor’s degree and become a registered nurse before they can attempt to earn a master’s in nursing.
Beyond education, a great way to get your fit in the door and really discover whether or not this is the right career choice for you is to gain experience through an entry-level positions, volunteering, or an internship. Get to know the position before you pursue it.
Gerontologist Career Outlook & Salary
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that job opportunities for nursing professionals may grow by as much as 39% by the year 2016. And according to Salary.com, the average salary for a nurse practitioner is $80,414.
Future job opportunities for gerontologists are projected to increase as the America’s population continues to age, and present gerontologists start to retire. For this position you may be able to find job opportunities clinics, retirement homes and other health care facilities that are designed specifically to offer care for elderly patients. Further employment can be found through serving as an educator or researcher in either a public or private arena.
The positive aspect of this career is that you are constantly assisting a group of people that will continually be looking for your services. These individuals that are in the winter of their lives can offer you’re the opportunity to make their remaining years full of good health.
