Becoming a geriatric nurse is an experience that requires lots of hard work, but offers a rewarding and successful career in the end. The typical career path for geriatric nurses will begin with a certificate education, employment in the field as a geriatric nurse, and continued education and advancement. It’s essential that you complete excellent educational training in order to get your career off to the right start.

If you’re interested in becoming a geriatric nurse, you can get started by taking an interest in biology and science courses in high school, and even offering your time as a volunteer at a nursing home or long term care facility. You can start your formal education as a geriatric nurse by enrolling in a certificate program with a local junior college, technical school, or career college. Once you have completed your certificate education, you will be prepared and eligible to complete an exam that will certify you as a geriatric nurse. As a certified geriatric nurse, you can find a wide variety of places to work, which include:

• Assisted living centers
• Hospitals
• Private residences
• Hospices
• Residential care facilities
• Primary care practices
• Nursing research facilities
• Nursing schools
• Managed care companies

Obtaining a position in one of these jobs will make it possible for you to gain great experience as a geriatric nurse, and further the skills and knowledge that you obtained in your educational training. With this experience, you’ll be ready to pursue higher career opportunities, including completing education to become registered nurse, or working in a supervisory role.

In any case, education is key to creating a successful career in geriatric nursing. Completing as much relevant education as possible will make it easy for you to advance in your career and open you up to excellent job opportunities.