What does a nursing home administrator do?
Nursing home administrators plan, organize, and direct the operations of nursing homes or other long-term care facilities.
What might a nursing home administrator do in a workday?
- direct medical, nursing, and technical personnel and fiscal management activities.
- maintain and develop standards, policies, programs, and operating procedures.
- direct fiscal operations, such as budgeting and accounting, and establish rates for services.
- direct employee hiring and training.
- compile, analyze, and prepare reports.
- speak at community gatherings and conduct public relations and marketing activities.
- meet with families of individuals seeking admittance to a nursing home.
Developing a career as a Nursing Home Administrator:
Most nursing home administrators work in a nursing home; others may work in the business offices of a large nursing home corporation that manages several facilities. They are accountable to a proprietor or governing board. Some administrators may also be involved in teaching, research, or other professional activities.
How much does a nursing home administrator earn?
- $50,000 - $100,000
How do I become a nursing home administrator?
Students intending to pursue a career as a nursing home administrator should prepare by taking the most challenging high school courses available in science, math, business, and English.
In Virginia, licensed nursing home administrators must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher in nursing home administration or in a health administration field. They also must have completed a 400-hour program in nursing home administration and a national exam. Some nursing home administrators also are trained as physicians, registered or licensed practical nurses, or allied health professionals.
Nursing home administrators also can qualify by successfully completing an Administrator-n-Training (AlT) program as specified by the certifying board. The 2,000 hour program must be completed in 24 months and a national examination must be completed successfully.
Where else can I learn about becoming a nursing home administrator?
Virginia Association of Nonprofit Homes for the Aging
4201 Dominion Boulevard, Suite 100 / Glen Allen, VA 23060
tel: (804) 965-5500 / web: www.vanha.org
American Health Care Association
1201 L Street, N.W. / Washington, DC 20005
tel: (202) 842-4444 / web: www.ahca.org
Virginia Association of Area Agencies on Aging
24 E. Cary Street, Suite 100 / Richmond, VA 23219
tel: (804) 644-2804 / web: www.vaaaa.org
State License Requirements for Nursing Home Administrators:
A license is required to practice as a Nursing Home Administrator in the Commonwealth of Virginia. For more information on licensure, applications, and forms, visit http://www.dhp.virginia.gov/nha.
Virginia Board of Long-Term Care Administrators
Perimeter Center
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300 / Henrico, VA 23223
tel: Phone: (804) 367-4595 / Email: ltc@dhp.virginia.gov
