About Geriatric Studies

Ageing and the science behind it will be the primary subject of focus of Geriatric Studies. Geriatrics, often known as Geriatric Medicine, is a medical speciality that focuses on the care of the aged. Its goal is to improve the health of the aged by preventing and treating illnesses and impairments. Nurses, physician assistants, pharmacists, social workers, and a variety of other geriatric health professionals frequently collaborate with geriatricians.

　　Some common course modules students can expect to study are Anatomy, Psychology, Physiology, Nutrition, Exercise, Pain Management, and the study of age-related diseases such as Dementia, Heart Failure, Frailty, Arthritis, Cataracts, and Osteoporosis.

　　

Is Geriatric Studies right for me?

Like most courses in medicine and healthcare, Geriatric Studies requires intense intellectual curiosity and years of study and training. According to most estimates, you will most likely be studying or under some form of training for 10 to 12 years after high school. Rest assured it’s a rewarding degree because you get to help people embrace ageing gracefully and lead a healthier life.

　　Geriatric Studies can lead you to multiple career paths such as becoming a geriatric doctor, public health official that specialises in ageing, researcher, educator, geriatric nurse, or even a pharmacist. If you love studying medicine and are interested in healthcare as a field, a degree in Geriatric Studies could unfold a very fulfilling career for you. If you are an empathetic individual who wants to help others lead a better life, particularly the elderly, then this degree might be the right fit for you!

　　

Study options and costs 

　　Obtaining a bachelor's degree is the first step towards becoming a geriatrician. Students will pursue an undergraduate degree after the completion of their secondary education. The bachelor’s degree is recommended to be in a science field such as Biology, Chemistry, or Psychology. After this you will clear your medical college entrance exam to secure admission into a medical school. A four-year medical school programme is followed by a three-year residency. Following residency, a doctor can either work for a period or apply to a geriatric medicine fellowship programme right away.

　　In most cases, you will also have to apply for a license to practice as a medical professional and this is usually done right before applying for a residency. You can also opt for a career in research or education and can pursue a PhD after medical school. Clinical research in Geriatric Studies will allow you to research the different pathways and the science behind the ageing process. You can also work on drugs used to prevent or treat ageing-related issues.

　　In the UK, international undergraduate tuition rates range from$14,130 for undergraduate degrees to $53,700 or more for geriatric related studies.

　　

Future outlook

The job prospects for Geriatric Studies is highly encouraging. The need for geriatricians is predicted to rise in the coming years, owing to the necessity of physicians to care for an ageing population. In fact, the geriatric care service market is expected to grow at the rate of 10% between 2021 and 2027!

　　Geriatricians are learning new treatment techniques and working in an area that is both expanding in demand and techniques. Geriatricians may now treat diseases and injuries in novel ways because of developments in medical technology and research that are enhancing treatment choices for the elderly. Laparoscopic surgery, for example, now allows elderly patients to undergo a variety of surgical procedures that were previously thought too dangerous.

　　

Career Pathways for Geriatric Studies graduates

　　

Geriatric Doctor

　　Geriatric doctors, often known as geriatricians, are doctors who specialise in caring for elderly people who have a variety of medical problems. They are concerned with helping the elderly lead a functional and high-quality life. Geriatric doctors are familiar with the responsibilities of carers and work closely with family members.

　　

Geriatric Pharmacist

 

　　Geriatric pharmacists, sometimes known as consultant pharmacists, specialise in delivering drugs to elderly patients and providing medication guidance. While all pharmacists label drugs and administer them according to a physician's or other health professional's prescription, some geriatric pharmacists do not.

　　

Geriatric Researcher

  

　　Geriatric researchers promote clinical and translational research on ageing-related health and illness. They also study ageing across a lifespan, including its effects on health. They concentrate on the creation of innovative therapies for age-related disorders, as well as the prevention and treatment of a variety of chronic illnesses in the aged.