How to Become a Gerontologist in West Virginia - WV

By Kathy Foust, allied health world contributing writer
Published: July, 22 2010

Gerontology certification in West Virginia can be used in conjunction with existing credentials from a medical field that serves the geriatric community. Whether you choose to practice medicine as physician, develop long term care and technical medical skills as a licensed practical nurse, or pursue healthcare administration, gerontology certification is going to demonstrate your ability to cater to the specific needs of senior citizens.

In other words, gerontology certification in West Virginia is going to denote specialization within your own chosen career path. For instance, a nurse who prefers to work in the field of geriatrics must still be licensed as a nurse, with an educational record and practical experience to demonstrate her knowledge of geriatrics.

Medical professionals holding gerontology certification are respected within the geriatric community in such a way as to obtain a high level position, possibly in administration, as a geriatric physician or as a director of an inpatient facility. They may even work for the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Services as a nutritionist that sets the standards for other community programs in West Virginia. Another option is to be a leader for one of the non-profit programs that serves the senior citizens of West Virginia.