Online A.L.F. Administrator Training Program Overviews

Online assisted-living facility (A.L.F.) administrator training is available in several forms. Programs may result in professional certificates, undergraduate degrees, graduate-level certificates or master's degrees. Each state certifies A.L.F. administrators individually, and many educational institutions offer programs specifically to meet state licensing requirements.

Online A.L.F. Administrator Certificates and Courses

Assisted-living administrator training is available online. Most sources provide either a single training program or a few core courses that lead to a certificate. This training commonly results in a professional certificate awarded by a community college or vocational school. But it may lead to a graduate-level certificate in gerontology. The latter program is available to students who already have a bachelor's degree in a related area who wish to pursue a career as an A.L.F. administrator.
Because every state officiates licensing or training programs for this specific field, it's vital that potential students ensure that their A.L.F. administrator training is approved by the state in which they hope to work. A program must supply sufficient credentials for operating an assisted-living facility or otherwise prepare students for a state licensing examination. States that differentiate between assisted living facility administration and nursing home administration may allow those with a license or degree in one area to work in the other.

Online A.L.F. Administrator Degree Options

There are also degree programs available over the Internet that provide adequate credentials for this profession. In the event that a state has differing requirements for A.L.F. administrators and nursing home administrators, degree programs may sufficiently prepare students for either option - whereas a certificate program is more focused, and would provide training for one career course or the other.
Often, programs in this subject have internship or clinical requirements that students must complete; practical requirements tend to correlate with a state's mandates for licensure. Options are available at the associate's, bachelor's and master's degree levels. The National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards approves some of these baccalaureate and graduate degree programs. Programs might also function as continuing education resources for those whose employers or licensing agencies require them.

A.L.F. Administrator Courses

Although a degree program offers much more thorough coverage of the skills and knowledge needed to work with the ill, elderly and disabled, it covers similar topics to those addressed within a certificate program. Classes might discuss:

• Healthy aging
• Patient care strategies
• Family services
• Psychology of aging
• Health care administration