Nursing Home Administrator

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?

Nursing home administrators:

• 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 salary do Nursing Home Administrator's make?

Annual Mean Wage
$90,970 (national mean wage)

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.