by Elizabeth Armentor
elizabeth.armentor@online-masters-degrees-programs.org
Online Masters Degrees Programs Columnist

Lately, the news has been replete with stories about how the aging of the baby boomers is going to soon change the health care industry. It’s true that the boomers aren’t getting any younger and that they are the most influential generation this country has seen. Those two factors combined ensure that this demographic is going to demand adequate and appropriate health care.

It stands to reason that if your calling is health care you should seriously consider focusing your education efforts in the field of geriatric health. Not convinced? Read on for a few reasons why.

Job Security in Geriatric Health

Getting a graduate education is an investment in time and money and you need to make sure you get your money’s worth. The U.S. Census Bureau predicts that the population of Americans over 65 will double in the next 25 years. The Census Bureau has also found that people over the age of 85 are the fastest growing segment of the population. It stands to reason that an online master’s degree dealing specifically with the health care needs of the aging will provide stability.

Intellectual Challenges with Online Master’s Degree

Career concerns are important, but equally important is the opportunity to participate in challenging geriatric health care research whether your talents run toward patient care or administration. Some of the online classes offered are: epidemiology, health care delivery for the elderly, health care economics and long-term care management.

Improved Earning Potential in Geriatric Health

The U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics reports the average salary for a long-term care facility manager is around $90,000 per year. Salaries for managers in other departments for which an online master’s in geriatric health would be useful are: physical therapy, $87,700; home health care, $88,800; and $94,400, rehabilitation services.

If you have experience in health care, a desire to help others and are looking for a career path that can provide stability for years to come, an online master’s degree in geriatric health will be time and money well spent.

Sources

Bureau of Labor Statistics
U.S. Census Bureau

About the Author

Elizabeth Armentor is a former university instructor who writes about education issues.

Posted on March 7, 2007 at 12:34 PM