Do you ever wonder what it takes to be a nursing home administrator? A nursing home administrator acts as the manager in the facility or institution. They offer counselling services to both the residents and the nursing home staff. Aside from the counselling role, they are also responsible for keeping the budget and any constraints that comes with it. Recruitment, maintenance of the facility and keeping everything in order are the other responsibilities of the nursing home administrator.
If you are seeking an administrator job in your nearest home, following are important facts on the basic requirements, examination and licensing procedure that you should know.
Requirements For The Job
According to the report of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of 2008 the median yearly salary of medical and health services managers were $80,240. Of course, salary of administrators in these facilities depends on the type and size of the institution and the scope of duties and responsibilities. Moreover, the requirements for the job can differ depending on the institution and the state governing the facility. However, nearly all states require applicants to have at least a bachelor's degree in nursing home administration. Applicants can also opt to complete an extra internship program. Moreover, a comprehensive examination for nursing home administrators is available for people who wish to apply for the position. Those with experience can also have more advantage than those of the fresh graduates or those with no health care experience whatsoever.
Examination
Nearly all states in America require the aspiring administrators to have a bachelor's degree in nursing home administration. They are also required to take and pass a licensing examination. They are also encouraged to finish a State-approved training program and pursue continuing education. Since the requirements for the examination can vary, aspiring candidates must contact the state agency that regulates the licensing of nursing home administrators. It is the same state that they wish to be licensed. The primary purpose of the exam is to protect the public. Knowledge as well as the skills and abilities of the aspiring administrators are measured in the examination.
Candidates of the examination can expect objective and multiple-choice type of questions. The questions will test the basic knowledge of the applicant. They will also be tested on how well they understand the information given. Lastly, there will be problem solving and evaluation wherein the candidate must learn to organize the given facts and interpret the data based on knowledge of previous courses.
Licensure
To register for the examination, the applicant must schedule to take the examination. Since 2000, the licensing exam is given via computer through the Prometric multi-state network testing facilities. To schedule, the candidate can contact the CSCC or the Prometric's Candidate Service Call Center directly. Both first time applicants and repeaters can apply in a computer-based examination. They need to complete the application form in order to qualify for the examination.
According to nabweb.org, the examination covers five important areas. Each area has an assigned percentage of questions. They are as follows:
1.Resident Centered Care and Quality of Life (38%)
2. Human Resources (13%)
3. Finance (13%)
4. Environment (15%)
5. Leadership & Management (21%)
The passing scores of the examination is determined by the state board that regulates the licensing of nursing home administrators.
Working in nursing home facility is not solely for caring for the sick and the elderly. Administrator jobs are also open for those who qualify the requirements given above. If you are keen to apply as an administrator, be sure that you complete the necessary training, examination and licensing requirements by the states where you wish to practice.
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