One of Farmingdale State College’s (FSC) newest degree programs recently graduated its first class and looks forward to getting even better with age. 

Offered in the Theresa Santmann School of Health Sciences, the Applied Gerontology Program is designed to prepare students for a variety of rewarding careers or an advanced degree in the growing field of aging. 

“We are really proud of this new program,” said Dr. Jack Thomas, chair of FSC’s Nutrition Science and Health Promotion Wellness Department. “There is a huge demand for all of the health sciences, and applied gerontology is no exception to that. It’s a broad field and an interdisciplinary field and our program’s curriculum is focused on positive outcomes helping our students succeed in a growing job market, especially on Long Island.”  

In 2020, the United States Census Bureau reported the U.S. population 65 years and over had reached 16.8 % of the total population--the largest and fastest growth in any census since 1880 to 1890. This increase was largely driven by the aging of the baby boomer generation (those born between 1946 and 1964, during the baby boom that occurred after World War II), according to a May 2023 census report. Additionally, the aging of the baby boom generation could fuel a 75% increase in the number of Americans ages 65 and older requiring nursing home care, to about 2.3 million, as projected by the Population Reference Bureau, a nonpartisan research organization. 

“As the number of elders in America continues to increase, the field of gerontology is expanding quickly as well,” said Thomas. “Our society will continue facing crucial issues about aging which will impact the lives of most Americans. Here at FSC, our Applied Gerontology Program prepares students to meet that growth.” 

However, what may surprise many people is how a Bachelor of Science degree from the program is applied professionally, said Thomas.  

“Our Applied Gerontology Program is relatively new and for many the name doesn't ring a bell,” he said. “And there are some common misconceptions that we oftentimes see. A lot of people ask if they're only going to be working directly with people that need assistance of some sort--physical help, mental help, or social help. And if you wanted to go into that area of gerontology, our program absolutely encompasses that. Compassion is a big component for a lot of our students here. 

“But our program also offers a strong administrative background,” he added. “In this case, it is a bit different than delivering one-on-one patient care. Our students can pursue a variety of administrative careers such as long-term care manager, licensed nursing home administrator, hospital service director, or consultant for the aged.”  

Students can go on to oversee specific areas such as dietary needs or admissions, or work in area agencies on aging, private, state, and federal aging, care management organizations, advocacy organizations and non-profits serving older adults and their families.  

“Studying the aged is a wonderful option that you may not have thought about,” said Thomas. “If you like working with your community, individuals, or groups of individuals or working from a sociology perspective, gerontology is a for many people.  

The hands-on experience students received from this program is irreplaceable and our senior students leave with experience in one-on-one care and empathy with the aged, but also a solid administrative background. They’re set up with all the coursework to seamlessly walk into an internship, licensed positions, and a rewarding career.”  

To learn more please visit FSC’s Applied Gerontology Program webpage. 

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