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Online Nursing Home Administrator Degree Programs
Online Nursing Home Administrator Degree Programs
Nursing home administrators manage the day-to-day operations of a healthcare facility, including accounting, human resources, program and policy management. Learn what degree you need to earn, what courses you need to take, what the career outlook is and whether degree programs are available online.
What Degree Do I Need to Become a Nursing Home Administrator?
All states require nursing home administrators to have at least a bachelor's degree, in addition to passing a state licensing exam. Relevant bachelor's degree majors may include gerontology or healthcare administration. Master's degrees in these fields, as well as Master of Public Health degrees, are available at a number of schools. Educational regulations for state licensure vary, and you're encouraged to verify a program meets requirements prior to enrollment.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Program Levels</b></td><td> Bachelor's degree, master's degree</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td> Organizational management, health and aging, geriatric healthcare, public health issues, staff management</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Possible Careers</b></td><td> Healthcare manager</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Online Availability</b></td><td> Fully and partially online programs are available</td></tr>
</table><h3 id="section---WhatCoursesWillINeedToTake">What Courses Will I Need to Take?</h3><p>Degree programs in healthcare administration cover topics, such as legal regulations, staff management, policy development and public health issues, that prepare you to assume a leadership role in a nursing home facility. Master's degree programs integrate more research into the curricula and often allow you to focus your studies in specific areas, such as geriatric healthcare, education or community health. Examples of course topics specific to nursing home administration may include:
</p><ul><li>Elderly cognitive functioning
</li><li>Health and aging
</li><li>Long-term life care
</li><li>Managerial accounting
</li><li>Organizational management
</li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatAreMyJobProspectsForThisField">What Are My Job Prospects For This Field?</h3><p>Job growth for healthcare managers was expected to grow 32% between 2019-2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The Bureau also noted that those with experience in healthcare and business management should have the best opportunities. As of 2021, <i>Salary.com</i> reported the median salary for a nursing home administrator was $118,908 per year.
</p><h3 id="section---CanIEarnADegreeOnline">Can I Earn a Degree Online?</h3><p>Both bachelor's and master's degree programs in health and business administration are widely available online and as hybrid programs. As an online student, you will be able to access course materials through your school's online learning platform. You will also have access to resources, such as online libraries, in addition to academic advising and the ability to interact with instructors and peers using e-mail and discussion boards.
</p><p>Most degree programs include internships that you'll need to complete in person. If you're already a nurse or healthcare professional working in the field, many schools allow you to use practical working experience as credit toward a degree.</p>
