Health Careers - College of Medicine - University of Vermont
Health Careers - College of Medicine - University of Vermont
Health Careers - College of Medicine - University of Vermont
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Gerontologist<br />
Gerontologists know all about what it means to grow<br />
old. They help tailor goods, services and public policy<br />
to better meet the needs <strong>of</strong> the elderly. Gerontology is<br />
an emerging field. Elderly Americans represent one <strong>of</strong><br />
the fastest growing segments <strong>of</strong> our population. Their<br />
social, emotional and health needs are greater than<br />
ever. Gerontologists meet these needs by working in<br />
existing fields, such as psychology, social work, dietetics,<br />
medicine, or even law and business; and also by<br />
working in newly developing nontraditional fields.<br />
Education Programs<br />
The following programs lead to either a minor or a<br />
certificate in Gerontology, which must be combined<br />
with another base specialty in order to be useful in<br />
the job market.<br />
Green Mountain <strong>College</strong> (<strong>of</strong>fered as a minor)<br />
One <strong>College</strong> Circle<br />
Poultney, VT 05764<br />
800-776-6675<br />
www.greenmtn.edu<br />
<strong>University</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Vermont</strong> (certificate program)<br />
Department <strong>of</strong> Continuing Education<br />
322 South Prospect Street<br />
Burlington, VT 05401<br />
800-639-3210<br />
http://learn.uvm.edu<br />
Work Environments<br />
Educational institutions<br />
<strong>Health</strong> care and long term care institutions<br />
Senior citizen centers and retirement communities<br />
Academic and research settings<br />
Business and industry<br />
Gerontologists may work in any number <strong>of</strong> places,<br />
depending on their area <strong>of</strong> interest.<br />
Job Outlook<br />
As the size <strong>of</strong> the American elderly population grows,<br />
the demand for people with expertise in gerontology<br />
will increase.<br />
Salary<br />
Salary levels vary in relation to work setting and level <strong>of</strong><br />
education.<br />
Education, Certification and Licensing<br />
High school course work should focus on college-prep<br />
classes, including math, science, and humanities. After<br />
high school, a minor or certificate in Gerontology can be<br />
combined with a major in any number <strong>of</strong> fields. The<br />
length <strong>of</strong> training in those majors is entirely dependent<br />
upon the area <strong>of</strong> study. There are currently no licensing or<br />
registration requirements in <strong>Vermont</strong> for gerontologists.<br />
In addition, the following are available through the<br />
New England Regional Student Program (RSP),<br />
www.nebhe.org.<br />
Gateway Community-Technical <strong>College</strong> (CT)<br />
Naugatuck Valley Community-Technical <strong>College</strong> (CT)<br />
North Shore Community <strong>College</strong> (MA)<br />
Quinsigamond Community <strong>College</strong> (MA)<br />
New Hampshire Community-Technical <strong>College</strong> at Manchester<br />
Community <strong>College</strong> <strong>of</strong> Rhode Island<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>essional Organizations<br />
Association for Gerontologists in Higher Education (AGHE)<br />
Washington, DC<br />
202-289-9806<br />
www.aghe.org<br />
MENTAL HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES / 49
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