How to Become a Gerontologist in Montana - MT

By Laura Wrede, allied health world contributing writer
Published: July, 22 2010

Since the mid-1970s, gerontology has become a growing field in Montana, and across the country. Understanding the aging process and how it affects both individuals and their families brings up unique issues in a broad range of categories spanning the course of human development. Over the course of time, social organizations sprung up with missions unique to each of these various categories. Along with social programs, gerontology also became incorporated into the educational system, and with it came specific certifications designed to ensure the public that their care provider was well trained in a specific subject.

Gerontology certification in Montana begins with the track you choose to complete your certification. There are several ways to accomplish your training. The primary one is completing a degree in gerontology from a qualified school either in Montana or through distance learning. The other possibility is a degree in a related field such as nursing with an added gerontology certificate awarded by your educational institution included in your program. Once you have completed your necessary education, you will likely want to consider membership in the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education (AGHE) that is a part of the Gerontological Society of America (GSA).