How to Become a Nursing Home Administrator
Nursing homes provide medical assistance to patients who do not need to be in a hospital but cannot take care of themselves. Staffed by nurses, aides and other medical personnel, nursing homes provide residents with 24-hour care. Patients often receive physical, speech and occupational therapy in addition to medical treatment. Although a variety of employees work in a nursing home, one of the most important roles within the facility is the job of the nursing home administrator.
What is a Nursing Home Administrator?
Nursing home administrators are the leaders of nursing home facilities, skillfully managing staff, patients, admissions and budget. They are responsible for business operations related to the nursing home’s maintenance.
A typical day for nursing home administrators may include interacting with employees, admitting new patients or organizing records. Administrators may spend their days giving tours to prospective residents and their families or purchasing upgraded equipment and technology for the nursing home.
Most importantly, they stay abreast of new state and federal requirements and regulations to ensure that patients are healthy and safe. Since nursing home administration is such a demanding job, it’s not unusual for them to work evenings, weekends and holidays. They must be skilled at managing stress and able to deal with a variety of challenging situations that arise in the workplace.
Nursing home administrators work in different kinds of settings. Some administrators may work with patients requiring round-the-clock care. Other administrators may manage assisted living or retirement communities where residents are able to have more independence. No matter where nursing home administrators work, they are a vital part of a nursing home facility, providing the necessary leadership that helps the nursing home operate in a safe and effective manner.
Long-Term Care Admin Careers
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for nursing home administrators are expected to grow 17 percent by 2024. As the U.S. population ages, nursing home administrator jobs will continue to be in high demand since the country will need additional long-term care facilities. These facilities require well-educated, experienced professionals to direct operations and serve in this important leadership role.
Salary Potential
The average salary for nursing home administrators is $78,540 a year. Salaries depend on the geographic location of the nursing home as well as the facility’s size.
Nursing Home Administrator Education
Many nursing home administrators begin their careers as registered nurses (RNs) before returning to college to pursue a health care administration degree. Prospective administrators who are not RNs must first earn a degree in health care administration. Education requirements vary, but a nursing home may prefer applicants who possess a master’s degree. After earning the health care administration degree, many states require graduates to complete training. It’s important that graduates gain experience so they can effectively manage medical professionals. Finally, graduates must successfully complete the state and national licensing exam for nursing home administrators.
Touro University Worldwide offers a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences with a concentration in Long-Term Care Administration that can help prepare individuals for careers as nursing home administrators.