What Education is Needed for a Nursing Home Management Career?
The most recent statistics from the Center of Disease Control and Prevention indicate that just over 16,000 nursing homes exist in the United States, serving approximately 1.5 million residents. As the number of persons aged 65 and older grows, the field of nursing home management should continue to be in demand. Read on to find out more about what education is necessary for a career in nursing home management.
Education Overview
<p>Certain educational requirements must be fulfilled before one can pursue a career in nursing home management. At least a bachelor's degree is necessary to be eligible for a state license examination. In some cases, a master's degree may be required for a career in nursing home management. Some institutions offer a continuing education program for those already working in the field.
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<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutNursingHomeManagementEducation">Important Facts About Nursing Home Management Education</h3>
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<table border="1"><tr><td>Prerequisites</td><td> High school diploma or GED for bachelor programs, bachelor's degree for master programs</td></tr>
<tr><td>Common Courses</td><td> Healthcare ethics and law, healthcare economics, healthcare information management systems</td></tr>
<tr><td>Concentrations</td><td> Informatics, Gerontology, Education</td></tr>
<tr><td>Online Availability</td><td> Both degree programs are available fully online</td></tr>
<tr><td>Median Salary (2021)</td><td> $101,340 (<i>for medical and health services managers</i>)</td></tr>
<tr><td>Job Growth (2021-2031)</td><td> 28% growth (<i>for medical and health services managers</i>)</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
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<h3 id="section---BachelorSDegree">Bachelor's Degree</h3>
<p>A bachelor's degree program in healthcare administration or healthcare management will prepare a student for a career in nursing home management. Many programs offer courses in long-term care administration. In all 50 states, at least a bachelor's degree is required before one can apply to take an examination to obtain a mandatory state license.
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<h3 id="section---MasterSDegree">Master's Degree</h3>
<p>A master's degree may be a requirement for a career in nursing home management, particularly for larger facilities, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, <i>www.bls.gov</i>). Professionals in this field often hold a master's degree in health administration, health services administration, business administration, or long-term care administration. Some graduate programs allow students to choose an area of study in a specific type of care facility, such as a hospital or nursing home.
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<h3 id="section---ContinuingEducation">Continuing Education</h3>
<p>Some online continuing education programs are available to those seeking to become nursing home administrators. Topics covered in these programs include nursing home administration policies, effective nursing home management, and nursing home finances. Continuing education is a requirement for state license renewal for those in nursing home management, and the programs must be approved by the National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards (<i>www.nabweb.org</i>).</p>