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Become an Adept Long-Term Care Facility Leader With Our Administrator-in-Training Program
Nearly 20 percent of Americans are 65 or older, according to a U.S. report from the Administration on Aging, and that number is only expected to grow in the coming years.
Help meet the need for more nursing home and long-term care administrators by pursuing the University of Southern Indiana’s Graduate Certificate in Administrator-in-Training (AIT) residency. At USI, you’ll gain effective and strong leadership skills for working with staff, residents and their families — all while being equipped with the knowledge and know-how to manage day-to-day operations related to administrator-in-training jobs within long-term care and nursing home facilities.
At USI, our long-term care and nursing home administrator-in-training program begins with nine credit hours of online courses. From there, you’ll go hands-on during 1,040 hours of residency in a long-term care facility with a qualified preceptor and complete licensure examination preparation with a USI faculty member with expert insight. We’ll make sure you have everything you need as you prepare for how to become a nursing home administrator and long-term care facility administrator.
When you complete our Graduate Certificate in Administrator-in-Training program and your required residency hours, you’ll have met the necessary requirements to be eligible for the National (NAB) and Indiana Health Facility Administrator exams.
Learn more about how to become a nursing home administrator and long-term care administrator today!
The first two students to enroll in the AIT Residency Program have passed the National Long Term Care Administrators Board (NAB) exam on their first attempt and have accepted jobs as health facility administrators in southern Indiana. Read more about their accomplishments here!
What Administrator-in-Training Jobs Can I Pursue With USI’s Graduate Certificate?
At USI, our long-term care and nursing home administrator-in-training program prepares you to work with every department and team within a healthcare facility. You will learn how to effectively and efficiently run a business unit, manage people and patients, and build a happier and healthier world in your community.
When you’re considering how to become a nursing home administrator and long-term care administrator, know that you have a number of career paths to choose from in administrator-in-training jobs.
To enter this graduate certificate, you can begin by filling out the Administrator-in-Training Residency Application/Interest Form by either clicking the page here, or by scrolling down to the bottom of the current page. After submission, your application will be reviewed by the department chair. Upon approval, an application to the School of Graduate Studies will be made available. There will be between one and three review cycles annually of applications.
| Program Start | Application Deadline |
| Fall 2024 | 04/15/24 |
| Spring 2025 | 09/15/24 |
| Summer 2025 | 02/15/25 |
Program Fees
| Before AIT Begins | |
| CastleBranch | $138.75 |
| Depending on existing vaccinations and medical records, additional healthcare-related costs could be incurred | |
| Graduate Application Fee | $40 |
| Tuition | Click for Tuition and Fees |
| Online Course Fee | Refer to Tuition and Fees |
| IPLA HFA AIT Application | |
| Transcript from USI or other university where bachelor's degree was earned | $10 |
| Application for HFA Licensure | $100 |
| After Completion of AIT | |
| Indiana Jurisprudence Examination | No additional fee |
| NAB Core Exam + NHA Line of Service Exam | $440 |
This residency will be fulfilled in a long-term care facility, working alongside an experienced Certified AIT Preceptor, for 1040 hours for no less than 6 months and not to exceed 12 months.
Upon completion of this residency, the student will have met the necessary requirements to take the Health Facility Administrator Federal and State licensure examinations.
Hands-on learning experiences needed for success
During your 1,040 residency hours as part of USI’s Administrator-in-Training program, you will apply and demonstrate what you have learned in post-acute care situations in the healthcare industry. You will work alongside an experienced, highly qualified Indiana Health Facilities Administrator at their preceptor location.
You can expect to focus on:
- Business and finance
- Environment
- Human resources
- Management, governance and leadership
- Patient and resident care
You’ll be prepared for licensure exams and administrator-in-training jobs in both long-term care and nursing home facilities.
A first of its kind in Indiana
Did you know that USI is the first academic institution in the Hoosier State to offer a long-term care and nursing home administrator-in-training program? And USI already has graduates using their Administrator-in-Training (AIT) certification at locations in southern Indiana. That’s because, at USI, we help you get results.
“While I was working as a CNA, an administrator suggested I investigate Administrator-in-Training (AIT) certification. I’ve always had a passion for healthcare — particularly long-term care — and I decided to pursue USI’s nursing home administrator-in-training program because it was the only school that offered both AIT certification and undergraduate gerontology courses. I love being an administrator, and if you have the drive to pursue this profession, you should do it, too”
– Morgan Branning, USI Administrator-in-Training Program Graduate, 2002
Administrator, Bethel Wellness Community
Curriculum for the Administrator-in-Training Residency Certificate
The AIT residency consists of the state required 1040 hours of an educational residency experience, enabling the student to work alongside an experienced and highly qualified Indiana Health Facilities Administrator as their AIT Preceptor. In addition to gaining valuable knowledge and real-life experience in a post-acute care setting, the student will be applying learned concepts to actual nursing home processes. The student will receive ongoing mentorship throughout the residency as well as licensure exam prep instruction from USI faculty. The AIT residency program is a nine (9) credit hour post-baccalaureate program.
Students must complete each of the following courses for the certificate.
- MHA 661 - Administrator-in-Training Residency I (4 Credit Hours)
- MHA 662 - Administrator-in-Training Residency II (5 Credit Hours)
Get Started on Your Degree in Administrator-in-Training (AIT)
Take the next step on your journey at the University of Southern Indiana. Start your application or request more information today about how to become a nursing home administrator or long-term care administrator.
Interested in a Master's degree?
Our affordable and flexible Master of Health Administration program is designed for individuals who have a bachelor's degree and desire to diversify their leadership skills or obtain a leadership position in the healthcare field. Find out more at the link below.