Healthcare professionals can benefit from obtaining gerontology training

Healthcare professionals can benefit from obtaining gerontology training

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there will be an increased demand for trained healthcare providers who can satisfy the needs of the elderly. As a result, numerous institutions of higher learning are increasing their online course offerings.

For example, Ashford University recently announced the launch of a bachelor's degree in gerontology. The program is designed to instruct students about the elderly, and give potential caregivers instruction in the fields of aged care.

"This new interdisciplinary degree provides graduates with insights and understanding of aging based on current research, in order to work with and advocate for a growing aging population," said Alice Vestergaard, Ashford University's College of Health, Human Services and Sciences program director.

She added that students who study in this degree program will develop the skills that are necessary to analyze aging issues, policies and challenges, and make recommendations for improvement and change to promote positive aging models.

By the year 2030, a total of 22 percent of America's citizens will be older than 65, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

By Mark Danson