Employability and Educational Needs of Gerontology Degree and Certificate Graduates

State aging unit training officers were surveyed to help determine if gerontology degree and certificate credentials assisted graduates in attaining aging network positions and other forms of recognition after completion of studies. Perceptions and recommendations of training officers regarding the educationl preparation and training needs of persons with gerontology credentials were sought. The findings indicate that gerontology graduates are not uniformly rewarded or recognized for their accomplishments within aging network systems. Sixty precent of the respondents did not believe that gerontology credentials were needed in order to qualify for positions in their aging agencies. Training officers stressed the importance of strengthened course content dealing with public policy, legislation, social planning and program development, psychology and demography of aging. Course content that better prepared graduates for administrative/management and direct service roles with the elderly was recommended. More systematic linkages and increased dialogue between academic institutions and aging network agencies were considered vital for future development of gerontology credential programs.