ERIC Number: EJ1032926
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2014
Pages: 13
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0360-1277
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
The Professionalization of Gerontology: A Canadian Perspective
Pianosi, Birgit; Payne, Holly
Educational Gerontology, v40 n11 p834-846 2014
Globally, the need for development of a competent workforce to serve the burgeoning older population is well documented. Persons with degrees in gerontology are prepared to fill positions in this labor market, yet they are not in demand. This research explores the path of professionalization of gerontologists in Canada as a means of increasing their contribution to the aging services workforce. A cross-sectional online survey of aging-service administrators (n = 66) was conducted in Ontario, Canada, to ascertain their perceptions of gerontologists as professionals in the service delivery to older persons. Aging-service administrators show low rates of hiring gerontologists and low knowledge of gerontological competencies. There was a significant (p <0.05) relationship between the knowledge of gerontologist's competence and their rate of employment. The administrators expressed high interest in regulation and credentialing of gerontologists (63.6%). Credentialing of gerontologists is a means of professionalization that legitimizes the competence of this field as a profession. Education is needed-for governmental agencies and health and social service providers-on the role of gerontologists in meeting aging service workforce demands. Ultimately, regulatory policy considerations are needed.
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Educational Gerontology, Professional Development, Online Surveys, Administrator Attitudes, Occupational Surveys, Minimum Competencies, Vocational Interests, Employment Practices, Qualitative Research, Professional Identity, Role Perception, Predictor Variables, Familiarity, Financial Support, Statistical Analysis, Educational Needs
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Postsecondary Education; Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Canada
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A