Q: You’ve recently brought back ACHCA’s Nursing Home Administrator Certification program. What has the interest been like so far?
A: The credentials are designed for any post-acute leader desiring to determine their level of mastery of advance practice content. We have used the same domains of practice that apply to licensure; however, the level of complexity is significantly greater. We have had significant interest from members, especially in the months leading up to the launch at our 56th Annual Convocation and Expo in late April.
Q: What does the program entail?
A: The certification exam includes a 100-question “core” exam, along with the option of two lines of service, one each for skilled nursing and assisted living. The Certified Nursing Home Administrator exam is based on the exam blueprint developed by the ACHCA Certification Committee, subject matter experts, as well as the four domains of practice as set forth by the National Association of Boards of Examiners. These areas are Care Services and Supports, Operations, Environment and Quality, and Leadership and Strategy. Each line of service exam is 50 questions.
Q: How can credentialing help drive improvements in individual buildings and across the sector?
A: These credentials exemplify an advanced level of practice. For the individual, the exam helps them understand areas they may need additional continuing education in and sets forth a clear path for their personal professional development plan. For the profession, when administrators are practicing at the top of their license, the communities in which they lead can produce better outcomes in each of the domains mentioned above. That translates to better care and more cost-effective results for payors. (Learn more at www.achca.org/certification.)
