How do I become a gerontologist
Get qualified to work as a gerontologist with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.
Related career opportunities
Browse occupations related to Gerontologist.
Common questions
Generally, salaries range from approximately $1,600 to $2,000 per week. Increase your earning capacity by obtaining supporting qualifications in medicine, nursing, health services, public health, and aged care.
Courses.com.au Team
There are no clear employment figures for Gerontologists currently employed in Australia. They generally work in three areas: medical gerontologists (work in hospitals, nursing homes and aged care facilities), research gerontologists (work for academic and public health institutions) and counselling gerontologists (work in private practice as well as hospitals, nursing homes, and community health clinics).
Courses.com.au Team
To become a Gerontologist you will need a Bachelor’s degree in the health or social services disciplines such as nursing, medicine, public health, psychology, counselling, occupational therapy, community services, sociology, or social work — followed by a post-graduate qualification. The Graduate Certificate in Gerontology, Graduate Certificate in Ageing and Health, Master of Gerontology, and Master of Science (Leadership in Gerontology and Rehabilitation) are all excellent choices. The Australian Association of Gerontology can provide more information about this emerging career path.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights 2023
Courses.com.au Team
Further reading
5 jobs for people over 60
21st July 2021
Employment options for seniors
10th September 2019Gerontologist careers
Gerontologists are concerned with the treatment, care, and emotional wellbeing of people over 65 years of age, especially elderly persons. As the world’s ageing population increases and Australians enjoy much longer lives, Gerontologists help them stay fit, healthy, and socially connected.
As a Gerontologist you could be counselling an elderly man who lives in a nursing home away from family, running a focus group for elderly women living in assisted care, conducting physical activity tests on people aged 70-75, meeting with an elderly person’s carer to discuss changes in their daily routine, or collaborating with nursing support staff at an aged care centre to improve patient care services.
Gerontology is a rewarding career path and to succeed you’ll need excellent communication skills and a well-developed sense of empathy and compassion.
