Pennsylvania Nursing Home Administrator Training Program

Nursing Home Administrator 120-Hour Training Program

Are you interested in becoming a nursing home administrator (NHA) in Pennsylvania? If so, this Pennsylvania State Board of Examiners of Nursing Home Administrators approved specialty program is designed to provide a knowledge core of education for those interested in pursuing a career in the long-term care administration field. Consisting of sixteen modules, each 7.5 hours in length, the 120-hour program is taught by Penn State University faculty and subject matter industry experts. The past and present experience of these professionals includes operational and corporate level positions, licensing board membership, and professional association leadership. Since its inception, this course has never cancelled an offering.

This training program is required for most unlicensed applicants seeking a Pennsylvania Nursing Home Administrator license. The courses may also serve to satisfy State of Pennsylvania license renewal requirements for current Pennsylvania licensed administrators. Join us for any/all of the programs below and earn 7.5 clock hours of continuing education with each class to satisfy the license renewal requirement.

For information on becoming an NHA in Pennsylvania, please visit the PA State Board of Examiners of Nursing Home Administrators Licensure Requirements page.

Where

All sessions will be offered via Zoom. Registrants will be assisted with creating a student account in order to access course materials and Zoom links.

Time

8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Fridays (please note there are instances when classes meet on a Saturday)

Cost

The registration fee is $2900 for the full program (16 modules) or $200 per module.

Course modules

Spring 2025 Modules and Schedule: Modules will be held as described below from 8 am to 4:30 pm

January 17, 2025 - The Role of Government in Health Policy and Regulation

This module discusses government involvement in establishing long-term care rules and regulations.

January 24, 2025 - Rehabilitation Services and Special Care

This module discusses the skilled therapy services of physical, occupational, and respiratory therapy. Recreation Therapy and the Activities Department are also addressed.

January 31, 2025 - Gerontology, Diseases of Aging

This class presents the biological and psychosocial theories of the aging process. The stages of death and dying process will be discussed at length.

February 1, 2025 - Fiscal Management, Budgeting, and Accounting (SATURDAY)

This session focuses on the financial management of the long-term care facility and introduces basic accounting terms and theories.

February 7, 2025 - Dietary Department and Resident Care

This program will address the nutritional needs of the elderly resident. Common eating problems/digestive problems will present the importance of assessing and corresponding treatment will be discussed.

February 14, 2025 - Preparation for Licensure Certification Accreditation Surveys, and Meeting Other Regulatory Requirements

This module assesses the preparation for surveys and inspections leading to accreditation. Standards of state and federal regulations are reviewed.

February 21, 2025 - Administration, Organization and Management of the Long-Term Care Facility

This session focuses on administration, organization, and management theories.

February 28, 2025 - Risk Management Michael Herald

This session describes risk management in a long-term care facility. Liability and safety issues, insurance issues, and worker compensation issues will be presented.

March 7, 2025 - The Nursing Department and Resident Care Management

This program focuses on the complete nursing care of the resident, utilizing a planned interdisciplinary process. Patient rights, confidentiality, and individualized needs of the resident are preserved. Staff communication skills and ethical behavior are promoted.

March 10-14, 2025 SPRING BREAK NO CLASS

March 21, 2025 - Third Party Reimbursement

Long-term care insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, and private pay reimbursements are discussed with case presentations and the appeal process.

March 28, 2025 - Understanding Regulations, Deficiencies, Plans of Corrections, and Quality Assurance

This class presents understanding of compliance of state and federal regulations to prevent deficiencies. Focuses on examples of citations and guidelines to develop an appropriate plan of action. Discusses importance of a quality assurance program to assist in the process.

April 4, 2025 - Strategic Planning, Marketing, and Public Relations

This module will describe concepts of marketing and public relations in the long-term care facility. Defining and utilizing the mission statement and goal setting to develop a strategic plan will be presented.

April 11, 2025 - Social Services, Family and Community Relationships, and Resident Rights

This class explores the regulations and role of social services in the long-term care facility. Available services to meet resident needs for family and community involvement are discussed.

April 18, 2025 - Personnel Management and Labor Relations

This program addresses personnel issues and labor relations in the long-term care setting. Performance appraisals, employee benefits, staff development, and communication skills are addressed.

April 25, 2025 - Health Support Services

This class will discuss the pharmaceutical requirements of the elderly as well as regulations regarding safe drug and treatment administration. Other diagnostic services and components of the clinical record will also be presented.

Registration

Register online for SPRING 2025 programs.

Full program registration closes once the semester begins and for SP 2025 full registration has closed. Registration for individual modules is open; however, each session registration closes at midnight on the Sunday prior to the start of the module.

Registration and payment must be received prior to the start of the first module you are attending.

Program contact

For general questions, contact: Lisa Clapper, LRC139@psu.edu or Wendy Thomas at 814-863-1523, wjt11@psu.edu or Autumn Montegna-Maginnis at amm10605@psu.edu.

For program content questions, contact Francis King, fjk14@psu.edu.

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions: Q: Where do I find information about becoming a Pennsylvania nursing home administrator (NHA)?

A: The Pennsylvania Department of State provides a snapshot of requirements. Additional links to the full licensing regulations can be found under the Board Resources links.

Q: Where do I register for the Penn State, University park 120-hour course?

A: Visit our website to view course and non-credit student registration details.

Q: If I complete this course, am I prepared to take the licensing exams?

A: No. This course is one of the requirements for most people interested in becoming a Pennsylvania licensed nursing home administrator. Other requirements are related to education and experience. Interested parties are strongly encouraged to review the licensing regulations for a complete listing of the requirements and various pathways outlined in the regulations.

Q: Do I have to attend all 16 sessions?

A: Yes. Pennsylvania licensing regulations require that all 16 modules be completed.

Q: If I miss a module, are there make-up sessions?

A: No. There are no make-up sessions planned. Students will need to find another approved course or wait until it is offered again by University Park. There are no refunds for missed modules.

Q: Is this course a good guide to studying for the federal and state exams?

A: This course is designed to meet the Pennsylvania requirements of a 120-hour course as prescribed by the licensing board. This course is approved by the licensing board. As such, it addresses those requirements and is not designed or intended to address material that may be contained in the federal and state exams.

Q: Does Penn State provide administrator-in- training (AIT) internships?

A: Obtaining the experience requirements outlined in the regulations is up to the student.

Q: Where do I find information on the AIT requirements?

A: The licensing regulations provide this information.

Q: How long does it take to become an NHA in Pennsylvania?

A: The process can take several months to a few years depending on the pathway chosen from the regulations.

Q: Where can I find study materials?

A: Information for those seeking licensure as an NHA can be found on the National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards (NAB) website.

Q: I am interested in becoming licensed in states besides Pennsylvania. Where can I find information on this?

A: Visit the NAB website for more information.

Cancellation

If your request to cancel is received at least 5 business days in advance, we can issue a partial refund. Send your written request to Lisa Clapper at lrc139@psu.edu. A $50 administrative fee will be charged for each withdrawal.

Access

Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing special accommodations or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact the program planner, Lisa Clapper, at lrc139@psu.edu, at least two weeks prior to the program.