What Does it Take to Become a Nursing Home Administrator?

The long-term care industry is one of the largest growing employment fields in the US. This is due to our rapidly aging population. In fact, over 10,000 Baby Boomers turn age 65 every day.  Thus, careers in the senior living industry are wide open including the position of Nursing Home Administrator.

Duties of a Nursing Home Administrator

The role of the Nursing Home Administrator is to supervise, manage, plan, develop, monitor, and maintain appropriate standards of resident care throughout all departments in a skilled nursing facility.

Depending on the size of the facility, Nursing Home Administrators may supervise the director of building maintenance, dietary director, the head of social services and the financial department. They may also serve as the head of HR and Public Relations departments.

Nursing Home Administrators must keep their staff up to date with training and stay abreast of the newest regulations and laws pertaining to healthcare and long-term care facilities and develop policies accordingly.

Nursing Home Administrator Education Requirements

The vast majority of Nursing Home Administrators hold a bachelor’s degree and majored in healthcare administration and studied law, gerontology, health informatics, and public health regulatory issues.  However, some employers prefer a master’s degree in addition to a bachelor’s degree.

Nursing Home Administrator Licensure

All 50 states require Nursing Home Administrators to hold an active and unencumbered license. They must pass the National Association of Long-Term Care Administrator Boards. This qualification ensures that professionals meet and adhere to standards set by the industry. They also need continuing education hours to stay up on emerging issues and trends.

However, it’s important to note that Individual states set licensure requirements, making it necessary for individuals to contact their state board to learn more.

Average Salary of a Nursing Home Administrator in 2021

According to Salary.com, “The average Nursing Home Administrator salary in the United States is $118,451 as of February 26, 2021, but the range typically falls between $105,350 and $131,835.”

Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession.”

Key Skills of a Nursing Home Administrator

Recently, we spoke with one of MedBest’s seasoned Interim Nursing Home Administrators, and he believes the most important skills and traits of a successful Nursing Home Administrator in a post-Covid era are:

• Leadership especially in calamity situations
• Strong communication & interpersonal skills
• Quick to adapt to emerging situations
• Critical thinking
• Technology skills
• Compassion & empathy for team
• Detail-oriented

Growth of Nursing Home Administrator 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.

For more info or an immediate talent need, contact us at 727-526-1294 / bmiller@medbest.com

ABOUT JULIE RUPENSKI

Julie Rupenski is the Founder, President & CEO of MedBest, opening the doors in 2001. Since then, Julie has gained national recognition for providing top talent solutions exclusively for the Senior Living Industry. Her specialties include filling C-Suite, Vice President, Regional, and Property level positions.

Julie has an in-depth knowledge of the Senior Living Industry.  She previously worked in operations for both Senior Housing and Senior Living prior to founding MedBest. Today, Julie makes it her personal and professional mission to place qualified people in health care positions where they have the greatest impact.

Julie earned her degree in Gerontology at the University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida and continues to cultivate her career through senior living conferences, forums, trade shows, and expos.

(Julie’s industry articles and interviews have been published in Provider Magazine, Argentum Quarterly, LeadingAge Magazine, Florida Health Care Association, Florida Assisted Living Association, Florida Senior Living Association, LeadingAge Florida, LeadingAge Indiana, Pennsylvania Health Care Association, Oregon Health Care Association, and Virginia Assisted Living Association.)

Contact Julie Rupenski at jrupenski@www.medbest.com  / 727-526-1294.

ABOUT MEDBEST

MedBest is an award-winning national Executive Search Firm exclusive to the Senior Living Industry established in 2001.  We recruit and acquire exceptional senior care talent, permanent and interim executives, for the full continuum of LTC facilities across the US including Assisted Living, Continuing Care Retirement Communities, Independent Living, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing Facilities, and Home Health Care.

Contact us at 727-526-1294 / info@www.medbest.com