Gerontology Degrees in North Dakota - ND

Gerontologists study the process of aging and specialize in the physical, mental and social changes people experience as they age. Of North Dakota’s total population of 617,600, approximately 26% are over the age of 65 (according to statehealthfacts.org). With more than one quarter of its population seniors, the need for those who specialize in aging is very high in North Dakota.

While this state does not require a certificate for those who want to work in gerontology, there are many different options when it comes to getting a gerontology degree in North Dakota. Some opt to get a certificate and become a home health worker, working with the elderly in their homes. You can get an associate degree in one of the human service fields, such as sociology or psychology, with a concentration in gerontology and then work as a social service assistant in a community, long term care, medical or other setting. Another option is to get a bachelor degree in one of the human service or health care disciplines, with a focus on gerontology. This will qualify you to work in a variety of settings. Many decide to get a bachelor in nursing and then work with the elderly. Graduate degrees are best suited for those who want to counsel the elderly and/or their families or work in research about gerontology. The Association for Gerontology in Higher Education (AGHE) accredits many programs that lead to careers in gerontology. Because this is such a wide field, there are many schools both online and located within North Dakota that train students to work in gerontology.