Gerontologist Salary In California

Gerontologist Salary in California

The average annual salary for a gerontologist in California is $95,000. However, the salary range for this job can vary widely depending on the experience and location of the individual.

California has many cities with large gerontology communities, such as San Francisco and Los Angeles. These cities offer higher salaries than other areas of the state because there are more opportunities for gerontologists to work at hospitals and clinics that specialize in treating older adults.

In addition to this, California has an aging population that is increasing rapidly due to an increase in life expectancy throughout the state. This means there are more people who need assistance from gerontologists than ever before.

Gerontologist Salary In California

What is gerontology?
Gerontology is the study of how aging affects an individual’s physical and mental health. It involves studying how bodies and minds change over time. Some physical changes that gerontologists study include wrinkling, hair loss, muscle loss and bone loss, and some mental changes include memory loss or slower reaction time. Here are three categories of aging created by gerontologist James Birren, which many professionals in the gerontology field use to categorize their research:

Primary aging: The human body’s natural deterioration throughout a lifespan
Secondary aging: Illnesses that quicken the aging and deterioration process
Tertiary aging: A sudden increase in mental and physical deterioration at the end of an individual’s life.
Gerontologists can choose a specific field of gerontology to specialize in, such as physical aging or mental aging, or they may choose a specific age group to study and work with.

Related: 15 Career Options in Gerontology

What does a gerontologist do?
Gerontologists study psychology, public health research, social science and physiology to understand various ways that aging impacts individuals. Here are some duties that gerontologists complete:

Conduct research on gerontology: Gerontologists perform research to better understand the factors that affect an individual’s aging at various stages throughout their life.
Work with older adults: Gerontologists can work with older adults to study their behaviors and assess their signs of aging. They may perform diagnostic tests on older adults to assess their health, like physical activity tests or mental exams.
Care for older individuals: Gerontologists may work in a hospice facility, nursing home or hospital to care for older patients and ensure they meet their healthcare needs.
Collaborate with healthcare professionals: Gerontologists collaborate with healthcare professionals to diagnose illnesses or design treatment plans using their extensive knowledge of aging.
Meet with caregivers: Gerontologists meet with caregivers to offer recommendations for an older person’s care and treatment.
Improve social policy: Gerontologists work to improve social policies to help older people receive proper insurance benefits and healthcare resources.
Stay updated on gerontology advancements: Gerontologists stay up to date on the latest advancements in gerontology, including new diagnoses, technology or medical equipment.
Understand legal resources for older people: Gerontologists understand the legal resources that the local, state or federal government offer to older people to meet their caregiving needs.
Related: Jobs That Involve Working With the Elderly

What are the job requirements for a gerontologist?
Here are the requirements you need to become a gerontologist:

Bachelor’s degree
To become a gerontologist, you need a bachelor’s degree. Some colleges offer a bachelor’s degree in gerontology, though gerontologists may also receive a bachelor’s in nursing, physiology, psychology or nutrition. It’s useful to complete coursework during your undergraduate degree that relates to gerontology, like the study of mental health, physical health, social policy and adult development.

Graduate degree
Though you don’t need a graduate degree to become a gerontologist, receiving a master’s degree or Ph.D. in gerontology may build your skills and offer you more experience working with older individuals. You may receive a master’s degree or Ph.D. in psychology, policy or health administration with a focus on gerontology.

Related: What Master’s Degree Should I Get? A Guide To Making the Best Choice

Research
It’s common for gerontologists to publish research on their gerontology findings. You can choose a specific area of gerontology to research, or you may conduct a more broad research study that covers several areas of gerontology. Include information about your research on your resume so that employers can see your experience and knowledge of the gerontology field.

Certification
Some employers may require gerontologists to have certification, which can offer you more in-depth skills and knowledge of working in gerontology. You can attend any gerontology program that the Gerontology Education Council accredits to receive a gerontology certification. You may also become a Board Certified Gerontological Nurse, which the American Nurses Credential Center Nursing Board offers that prepares individuals to work as a nurse for older individuals and gives them background knowledge in human aging.

Related: 14 Jobs for Working With the Elderly

Tips for becoming a gerontologist
Here are several tips to help you become a gerontologist:

Network
It’s important for gerontologists to establish relationships with other professionals in their field so that they can collaborate on research, learn about job opporunities or potentially earn career advancement. To meet other professionals, you may consider joining professional gerontology societies, like the Gerontological Society of America. You might also attend gerontology conventions or seminars.

Related: Top Networking Skills You Should Have (And How To Improve Them)

Build your gerontology skills
You can build your gerontology skills by gaining experience with older people or performing research that may give you a better understanding of gerontology. Here are some skills that gerontologists may use while working:

Communication: Gerontologists should use excellent written and verbal communication skills when communicating with older people who may have difficulty hearing or speaking. They may need to adapt their communication methods to better fit the needs of their patient.
Observation: Gerontologists use observational skills to identify trends and changes to older people’s health as they age. They may compare previous observations they’ve made to better understand the rate of change or new research developments in gerontology.
Teamwork: Gerontologists may work with researchers, nurses, doctors or caregiving staff to observe patients and identify issues, then they collaborate with professionals to create treatment plans or facilitate research.
Look for opportunities for professional development
While working as a gerontologist, it’s a good idea to seek professional development opporunities to help you grow your skills and gain further experience in gerontology. Try to identify areas of gerontology that you’re unfamiliar with, then pursue opporunities to familiarize yourself with that specific area. For example, if you have less experience withing with individuals older than 60, you may volunteer in a position that works with individuals above 60.

What is the work environment of a gerontologist?
Typically, gerontologists work in a facility that cares for older individuals, like nursing homes, private clinics or hospitals. Their primary goal while working is to understand and care for older patients to give them a high quality of life. Gerontologists may work weekdays and weekends, depending on the needs of their patients. They often handle emergency situations that might affect their patient’s well-being, which can require them to work overtime. While working, they may handle bodily fluids or hazardous materials, or they may work with older individuals who have difficulty communicating.

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