A gerontologist is a professional who is an expert in the scientific study of old people and ageing processes along with their psychological and physiological aspects. Although this field of study has emerged in last 50 years or so it is spreading its wings at a very fast pace that may be because of increase in the life expectancy rate in the whole of the world in recent past. However, the huge increase in the elderly population in the post-industrial Western nations like the US and Britain has led to this becoming one of the most rapidly growing fields.
Gerontology has currently become a well-paying field for its practitioners not only in the western world but also any part of the other side of the globe. Gerontology as a study consists of many sub-fields, as well as associated fields such as psychology and sociology that also cross over into gerontology. However, this does not mean that they are the same. For example, a psychologist may specialize in early adults but that cannot be considered as a gerontologist whereas if he specializes in older adults then he will fall under the category of a gerontologist.
Thus there is a good scope for today’s younger generation to make their career in this profession one can claim not only good monetary fortunes but also a high level of satisfaction and respect in society.
But to be a Gerontologist requires a lot of hard work, dedication and spirit to serve the society although with some remuneration in lieu of providing its services. Besides one should have discipline, patience, commitment to excel in their respective field and self-confidence. If you have all these qualities in you then you are fit for being a Gerontologist.
Gerontologist Eligibility
Aspiring gerontologists often have to study a wide range of subjects including nursing, psychology, sociology and medicine to name a few. Although there is no specific level of education that's required to become an expert gerontologist, those who are interested in the field should take courses in sociology, biology, chemistry and psychology. However to be a qualified gerontologist one can follow the below-given path:-
Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)
1. Educational Qualification
To be eligible for joining MBBS course one should be 10+2 Class pass with Physics, Chemistry and Biology (PCB) as main subjects and for institutions with at least 60% marks.
Gerontologist Required Skills
- Gerontologists should have an organised and professional manner; friendly personality and good people skills and excellent communication skills.
- They should have a kind heart with a real desire to help elderly people combat their illnesses and to cope with the social aspects they may cause.
- They should also know about the special type of treatment elderly people may require; extensive knowledge of and an aptitude for medicine.
- They should also be able to work as part of a medical team and as an individual; attention to detail and Good IT skills.
How to become a Gerontologist?
One has to follow below-given steps for becoming a Gerontologist-
Step 1
Interested candidate has to appear in an entrance test conducted by the various state and Independent bodies like PMT, taken by Punjab Government and CBSE-PMT( pre-medical test) taken by the Central board to admit candidates in various medical institutions attached with it according to the rank of the candidate in the entrance exam.
CBSE PMT, conducted by the CBSE, is a highly-coveted national level entrance exam. It is conducted in two stages, the preliminary and the final exam. The exam is objective type and tests you rigorously in subjects like physics, chemistry and biology. Since negative marking is the rule here, the test is extremely competitive.
Separate test are conducted by some of the highly rated medical institutions like AIIMS, PGI, GMCH, AFMC Pune etc
These exams are generally held in the month of May-June and consist of Objective type questions on the subject of English, Physics, Chemistry; Biology through a number of questions and pattern may vary from test to test. The results of these exams are generally out by June/July
Step 2
After completing this four and half years of (MBBS) degree course in which one has to study (subjects which include anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, dermatology to name a few) one has to go for specialization in Gerontology i.e. one has to join postgraduate diploma/degree in the specific filed.
Step 3
After completing the specialized post graduation and registering with the concerned medical association one can either go for some job in Nursing Homes or State-run hospitals or can opt for his own Nursing home after getting some on the job experience.
Gerontologist Job Description
Gerontologist is also responsible for studying physical, mental and social changes in people as they age; investigating the ageing process itself, investigating the interface of normal ageing and age-related disease, investigating the effects of our ageing population on society and applying this knowledge to policies and programs, including a macroscopic and microscopic perspective.
Gerontologist Career Prospects
There are many branches within the field of gerontology. Bi-gerontologists study the physical and biological effects of ageing. Research gerontologists work directly with patients and perform research on how making the lives of the elderly can be made easier and more comfortable. Some places where professionally applied gerontologists may be found include hospitals, nursing homes and centres for senior citizens. Research gerontologists might work in labs or at universities. Gerontologists might also teach at colleges, hospitals and universities. Applied gerontologists are professionals who work directly with elderly patients and their families. Gerontologists may also work, teach or perform research alongside occupational and physical therapists, dieticians, medical doctors or nurses.
Gerontologist Salary
There is a lot of scope for those who are joining gerontologist as a career in the present scenario. Apart from joining a private or government hospital, younger doctors can find lucrative placements with huge salaries in overseas countries with a starting salary anywhere between Rs.1,00,000 to Rs.1,25,000 depending upon the competence of the individual. Also, they often enjoy excellent salaries and health-care benefits.
