ACHCA, NAB to co-launch national NHA training program

The National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards (NAB) and the American College of Health Care Administrators (ACHCA) are jointly launching two new training programs this fall, hoping to fill gaps in national standardized training for nursing home administrators and preceptors.

“There hasn't been a national model, so states have developed their own models,” Randy Lindner, MHSA, CAE, president and CEO of NAB, told Long-Term Living. “We’re try to bring a consistent experience in terms of licensing and preparation for success in the profession.”

The new Administrator-in-Training (AIT) program is the first national training program for long-term care administration. The program includes an internship under a trained preceptor who meets the qualifications of the state where the training is taking place. The program also crosses care-level boundaries for a well-rounded experience, Lindner says. “While it's designed for the skilled nursing environment, it's easily adaptable for assisted living and home- and community-based services.”

The two organizations also are launching an online training program for preceptors, who play a vital role in supervising and mentoring the next generation of administrators. While training and experience are key parts of the program, preceptors also must learn how to collaborate well and foster dynamic, productive relationships with those they supervise.

Best of all, the use of the training programs is free, as long as the facility isn’t trying to generate revenue from them. The official launch will be Nov. 10.

To learn more, visit nabweb.org or achca.org.

Pamela Tabar

Pamela Tabar was editor-in-chief of I Advance Senior Care from 2013-2018. She has worked as a writer and editor for healthcare business media since 1998, including as News Editor of Healthcare Informatics. She has a master’s degree in journalism from Kent State University and a master’s degree in English from the University of York, England.