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Gerontology Degrees in Maine - ME
By Joanna Pelletier, allied health world contributing writer
Published: August 29th, 2010
Gerontology degrees in Maine are granted through a variety of specialties at the master's and doctoral levels. Depending on the degree and courses you choose, you can expect to spend 1–6 years in Maine's gerontology programs.
Unlike most graduate degrees, master's and doctoral level gerontology degrees rarely have a specific focus. Instead, they focus on giving students a rounded knowledge of gerontology's many facets, and prepare them for careers in academia or research. A typical class roster for this type of program includes core courses in psychology, sociology, social work, and medicine. Elective classes are also available.
If you are more interested in pursuing a career in clinical medicine or psychology, you can find a series of career-specific programs or certifications through any of Maine's graduate nursing, audiology, speech pathology, psychology, medical, or sociology schools. Although the curricula of these programs follow a more traditional path, they do offer geriatrics-focused classes and opportunities for gaining hands-on experience in your field.
If you need to obtain a certificate in order to work, you should know what level of education is required for your intended career path. Geriatric nurse practitioners, for instance, are required to obtain a Master's degree before they can become licensed practitioners in the State of Maine. If this is your intended career path, a Master's degree in Geriatric Nursing or a Master's degree in Nursing with a certificate in Gerontology will serve as an ideal foundation for your career.
