How to Become a Gerontologist in Louisiana - LA

By Joanna Pelletier, allied health world contributing writer
Published: August, 4 2010

The best way to learn how to become a gerontologist in Louisiana is to volunteer at a nursing home or geriatric care center. Exposure to this type of environment can help you figure out which careers define your life goals.

Volunteering in one of Louisiana’s nursing homes can help you decide whether gerontology is right for you, while providing you with some insight on whether you are suited for a career in geriatric nursing, psychiatry, nutrition, event planning or athletic training. If you already have a bachelor's or master's and are working in a health care environment, you should see if you can seek employment in a field that will allow you to easily transition into a career in gerontology.

Gerontology encompasses a number of career paths, which all have their own education, certification, and training requirements. Geriatric psychiatrists in Louisiana, for example, are required to have a doctorate in Psychiatry/Gerontology and two years of supervised experience in their field. Athletic trainers, on the other hand, are required to have a master's degree and at least one year of experience.

Once you have gained enough experience to apply for Louisiana state-issued licensure in your field, you need to take and pass a licensing exam for your profession. Certification exams are usually administered through a state licensing/certification board or a national organization that oversees your profession, and may require an application fee, background check, and proof of degree.

If you provide the Louisiana licensing board with all these affects and pass the exam, you will be able to practice in your field for up to two years before your license expires. To renew your license, you must show the  licensing board that you participated in college classes and/or geriatric training seminars during the time of your licensure.