How to Become a Gerontologist in Tennessee - TN

Becoming a gerontologist in Tennessee can be accomplished in several ways. You can either get a gerontologist degree, or add gerontology on as a minor or certificate. Here is the number of additional hours you need for the latter two:

Undergrad Minor/Gerontology (12 credit hours)
Graduate Minor/Gerontology (12 credit hours)
Post-Bachelor/Graduate Certificate in Gerontology (19 or more credit hours)

If you already have a degree and want a career working with aging adults, the certificate program is the quickest way to achieve this. The gerontology certificate in Tennessee first involves obtaining your initial degree. This may be in a singular gerontology post-graduate degree or in a number of complementary fields. For instance, you may wish to work with older adults as a legal advocate. Your primary degree would be in law with a certificate in gerontology.

Gerontology certification in Tennessee requires that you complete a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. In order to enroll in the Gerontology Certificate Program, you must first be admitted to Graduate School. You can enroll as student seeking a graduate degree or as a non-degree student with a bachelor’s degree that wishes to obtain the certificate only.

The certificate requirements include:

Seven hours spanning the interdisciplinary field of gerontology.
Six hours internship or practicum.
Six or more hours of electives related to aging
Research course- this may take the place of an elective with permission from your advisor