Course Summary

📚 Course Overview

This course combines theoretical knowledge with real-world applications to help you understand the intricacies of nursing home administration — from regulatory compliance and operational management to leadership development and resident-centered care.

Additionally, it addresses other pertinent exam topics including:

  • Health, emotional and social aspects of aging

  • Medicare and Medicaid coverage

  • Accounting and business principles

  • Human resources and employee management

  • Activities, social work and other services

  • Dining and environment of care

Through online study, textbook readings, mentorship opportunities, and hands-on experiences, you’ll build a strong foundation for success in today's healthcare environment.

🎯 Course Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will:

  • Develop a thorough understanding of the principles of nursing home administration

  • Analyze both theoretical concepts and real-world case examples

  • Gain the knowledge necessary to efficiently and ethically manage a skilled nursing facility

  • Prepare for licensure and leadership in long-term care settings

  • Enhance practical skills through shadow days, site visits, and expert interactions (optional but encouraged)

🖥️ Course Format and Implementation

  • Self-paced, online delivery — enroll and begin at any time

  • Study guided by the textbook:
    The Principles of Health Care Administration by Joseph Townsend

  • Opportunities to schedule shadow days, meet experts, and participate in mentorship for real-world exposure

  • This course is to act as a guide. Students are strongly encouraged to work closely with their preceptor to gain hands on experience.

  • Regular communication and support available through instructor check-ins and email guidance

🕰️ Timeframe

Participants have up to 12 months from the date of enrollment to complete the course.
If not completed within 12 months, re-enrollment will be required.

📖 Learning Context

This program blends structured academic learning with hands-on experience through the AIT practicum, providing a well-rounded educational experience:

  • Theoretical foundations through assigned textbook and online materials

  • Practical exposure via shadow days, expert meetings, and site visits

Participants who are currently in an Administrator-in-Training (AIT) program, under the guidance of a licensed preceptor, will find this course a strong complement to their hands-on training.
However, students not yet active in an AIT program are welcome and encouraged to enroll to gain early familiarity with the field.

📝 Assessments and Checkpoints

  • Regular quizzes and tests to assess understanding and retention

  • Periodic instructor check-ins via email to offer guidance and additional support

  • Access to departmental audits to help maximize learning (and check for regulation accuracy)

📦 Materials & Resources

  • Primary Textbook:
    The Principles of Health Care Administration by Joseph Townsend (Approved by the Board of Examiners of Nursing Home Administrators)

  • Comar Regulations Maryland Department of Health 10.07.02 Nursing Homes (Office of Health Care Quality)

  • This is the CURRENT AIT guidelines. This site will keep up to date with ongoing changes AIT Guidelines and Forms

  • Be sure to check in periodically with the Maryland Department of Health to keep up to date with new regulations and requirements for licensure.

  • Supplemental materials and resources provided via the course website and email communications

👩‍⚕️ Who Should Enroll?

  • Aspiring Nursing Home Administrators preparing for licensure

  • Healthcare professionals seeking to expand into facility management roles

  • Individuals interested in building a career in long-term care leadership

🚀 Get Started

Sign up online today and begin your journey toward becoming a confident, capable, and compassionate Nursing Home Administrators