Overview of Master Degree Programs in Nursing Home Administration
Majors Overview August 15, 2018This article talks about master’s degree programs in nursing home administration and their educational requirements, coursework, job and wage outlook, and continuing education options.
Master’s Programs in Nursing Home Administration
Nursing homes are managed by nursing home administrators along with federal and state health and safety guidelines. While professionals in the field would need at least a bachelor’s degree, many also pursue master’s degree programs in healthcare administration. Enrollees can expect to become adept at managing patient admissions, personnel, long-term care facilities and facility operations, along with budget planning and accounting.
Schools offer both traditional and distance-learning classroom programs in part- and full-time formats. Full-time students complete most master’s programs in healthcare administration in two years. Graduates typically receive training to pursue state-mandated nursing home administrator licensure. Certifications and continuing education programs are available through professional nursing organizations to graduates with the requisite education and experience.
Educational Requirements
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a bachelor’s degree in a healthcare field. They are also required to complete the GRE, meet a GPA standard and have prior work experience in the healthcare field.
Coursework
Program coursework may cover every aspect of healthcare management. Core coursework supplements a training practicum. Coursework may cover topic areas such as:
•Gerontology
•Sociology of Aging
•Legal issues in healthcare
•Managerial Accounting
•Regulatory management
Job and Wage Outlook
Medical and health services managers are expected to see a faster-than-average job growth at 20%, over the 2017-2022 decade. In 2017, these professionals brought in an average annual wage of $98,350 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Continuing Education Options
Nursing organizations and schools offer continuing education and certification programs aimed at nurse administrators; these include certification as a nurse educator or nurse executive. Nursing home administrators are also required to gain and maintain registration and licensure to satisfy state guidelines, which include annual continuing nursing education (CNE), work experience, and passage of a test. Program graduates who seek continued education may pursue a doctorate.
