Nursing home administrators lead long-term care facilities, managing staff, finances, and care quality for residents. This regulated career path requires a specific combination of higher education, training, and a professional license. The journey involves distinct educational and examination steps to ensure leaders are prepared for the complex responsibilities of the role.
Required Bachelor’s Degree
The minimum educational requirement for a career as a nursing home administrator is a bachelor’s degree, which most states mandate as a prerequisite for licensure. Licensing boards and employers show a strong preference for candidates whose education is directly relevant to the healthcare industry.
Advantageous fields of study provide a foundation in healthcare systems, business operations, and regulatory policies. Degrees in Health Care Administration, Health Services Administration, or a specialized Long-Term Care Administration program are ideal. A Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) with a concentration in healthcare administration is another effective pathway.
These focused degree programs equip aspiring administrators with an understanding of the multifaceted nature of running a long-term care facility. Coursework includes subjects like gerontology, healthcare financial management, and regulatory management. For those who may have started with a different academic background, such as a nursing degree, a bachelor’s in healthcare administration is often the next step.
Advanced Master’s Degree Options
While a bachelor’s degree is the entry-level requirement, pursuing a master’s degree can be a strategic move for career advancement. An advanced degree can open doors to leadership positions in larger facilities or corporate-level roles within a healthcare system.
Two primary master’s degree paths are common: the Master of Health Administration (MHA) and the Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a healthcare concentration. The MHA is a specialized degree for individuals committed to a career in healthcare management. Its curriculum is focused on the unique aspects of the healthcare industry, including policy, healthcare law, and patient care systems.
The MBA with a healthcare focus offers a different perspective. This degree provides a broad education in core business principles like finance and operations, with specialized courses that apply these concepts to the healthcare sector. An MBA might be a better fit for those who want a versatile degree, while an MHA is tailored for those certain about building their career within healthcare organizations.
State Licensure and Training
A degree alone is not sufficient to practice as a nursing home administrator; every state requires these professionals to be licensed. This mandate ensures that all administrators meet a consistent standard of competency. The licensing process is managed at the state level, so specific requirements can differ significantly from one state to another.
A central element of the licensure process is a national examination developed by the National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards (NAB). The NAB sets the passing scores and ensures the test reflects the current knowledge needed for competent practice. In addition to the national NAB exam, many states require candidates to pass a separate state-specific exam covering local laws and regulations.
Before being eligible for these exams, most states require candidates to complete a supervised internship known as an Administrator-in-Training (AIT) program. An AIT program is a hands-on practicum where the trainee works under the guidance of a licensed administrator. Program duration varies by state but often involves around 1,000 hours of training over six to twelve months, providing practical experience in all facility departments.
Prospective administrators must consult the specific licensing board in the state where they intend to work. For example, New York requires a bachelor’s degree with specific credit hours, a 12-month AIT program, and passing the NAB exam. Virginia offers multiple pathways, including one that requires a degree in a health administration field plus a 400-hour program.
Key Skills for Success
Succeeding as a nursing home administrator requires a diverse set of practical skills beyond formal education and licensure. Strong leadership and management abilities are needed to supervise a wide range of staff and foster a positive work environment. Administrators must also possess several other competencies.
- Financial acumen to manage the facility’s budget, including revenue from Medicare, Medicaid, and private payers, as well as controlling expenses.
- Human resources expertise for handling all aspects of staffing, from hiring and training to performance evaluations and labor law compliance.
- A thorough knowledge of healthcare regulations to ensure the facility complies with state and federal laws, including HIPAA, to provide safe care.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build trust with residents, their families, and staff members.
Nursing Home Administrator Salary and Job Outlook
The career of a nursing home administrator offers a promising salary and job outlook. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) classifies these professionals under the broader category of medical and health services managers. According to the BLS, the median annual salary for this group was $117,960 in 2024, with the highest earners making more than $219,000 per year.
An administrator’s salary is influenced by the size and type of the facility, their level of education and experience, and geographic location. For instance, an administrator with a master’s degree overseeing a large facility in a major metropolitan area will likely earn more than one with a bachelor’s degree at a smaller, rural facility.
The job outlook for this profession is strong. The BLS projects that employment for medical and health services managers will grow by 29 percent between 2023 and 2033, which is significantly faster than the average for all occupations. This demand is driven by the aging of the U.S. population, which is increasing the need for long-term care services and qualified leaders.