How to Become a Gerontologist in Oregon - OR

By Mat Lindenberg, allied health world contributing writer
Published: July, 21 2010

To become a gerontologist in Oregon, you’ll want to find the kind of school that matches your needs. Online schools are fast becoming the standard for this kind of education, but many well-run campus-based programs are available.

Gerontology is a huge field, covering a wide range of career possibilities. Those with gerontology training in Oregon go on to be counselors, caregivers, policy makers, even yoga and tai chi instructors. As such, there are no hard and fast rules about what steps you can take to begin your career, but, if you follow these rules of thumb, you should be well on your way:

• The amount of education you need will be directly related to your amount of responsibility. Assistants and aides in Oregon typically only need a several-month certification course, or maybe an associate’s degree. Counselors, and those giving more specialized care, will probably need a bachelor’s. Those looking for high level management and policy related careers, or administering sophisticated levels of care, will require a master’s.
• The more you’ll interact with patients, the more internships and work experience hours you’ll need to complete to graduate. Someone training to be a geriatric nurse practitioner can expect to spend the last year of their education actually working under observation in a facility, while someone taking an administrative roll probably won’t venture out of the classroom at all.
• If you’re already an allied health professional looking to shift to a gerontology oriented career, the rules and guidelines for doing so, as well as what you need to undergo, will be dictated by the governing bodies of your profession, and you will still be subject to the rules and regulations of the Oregon state board regarding your profession.

Currently, there is no requirement for anyone to hold a gerontology certification in Oregon, but this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still consider getting certified by a nationally accredited body, like the Gerontological Society of America. It looks great on resumes, since it shows you are committed to your career above and beyond the call of duty. It could also be really helpful, both as a networking opportunity, and to help you stay on top of the latest developments in your field.