How do I become an LTC Administrator?

As a student who is nearing the end of my undergraduate career, I am constantly thinking about what my next move is going to be, whether it be educational or career-wise. I know that I want to go to graduate school to pursue a Master's Degree in Health Service Administration, but what can I do with such a degree?

According to worldwidelearn.com, a degree with a focus in long term care "prepares you to manage the business and administrative aspects of residential care for the elderly and chronically ill. As the population ages, the need for quality long term care increases so that employment opportunities are expected to grow much faster than many other areas of management."
Such degrees will help prospective administrators develop the leadership and critical thinking skills to succeed in the unique business environment of long term care, while also focusing on the practical aspects of managed care. Those who wish to manage nursing homes, assisted living facilities, retirement communities, hospices, or other LTC institutions require an understanding of business theory, an ability to apply and supervise the theory's delivery in the dynamic environment of health care.

A Master's Degree in Health Services Administration, Long-Term Care Administration, Health Sciences, Public Health, Public Administration or Business Administration is the standard credential for most generalist positions in the field of health care.
Some graduate programs seek out students with undergraduate degrees in business or health administration, however, a liberal arts or health profession background is generally more preferred. Most programs allow students to specialize in one type of facility, while other programs encourage a generalist approach to health administration education.

For example: a Long-Term Care emphasis can introduce emerging technology issues in the LTC field, the ethical and legal considerations in the industy, as well as the knowledge necessary for understanding, designing, and processing the delivery of healthcare for the elderly or chronically ill.

After obtaining a degree that one believes best suits them for a future as an LTC administrator, the next step is to become a licensed administrator, if needed. According to the National Association of Long-Term Care Administrator Boards, Florida has no specific Residential Care & Assisted Living Licensure Requirements, while others do require the passing of a state examination.
However, Nursing Home Administrators Licensure Requirements for the state of Florida specify: a minimum age of 18, minimum degree of BA, AIT Training (including, 1000/2000 period and a board approved preceptor), a national exam, a state exam, and 40 CE hours biennially. In Florida, there is an average of 678 Nursing Facilities, and an average of 1433 licensed administrators.
The NAB (National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards) offers candidates for licensure many different resources in preparing for the national licensure examination.

These are all things that need to be taken into consideration before one decides if they would like to be an LTC administrator. If this is still the career path you feel you would like to follow in, preparations should not be left to the last minute. There is much growth in the field of LTC administration. Working in long term care is something that I have been considering, and I feel well educated on the tasks, responsibilites, and problems that may face me, if I so choose such a career.





Resources:

National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards. www.nabweb.org