An Administrator in Training (AIT) is a person undergoing supervised training and education to become a licensed administrator (LNHA) for long-term care facilities. The AIT program covers areas like facility management, patient care standards, budgeting, human resources, and regulatory compliance. It provides hands-on experience, usually through mentorship with a licensed preceptor, to help the AIT develop the skills needed to run a long-term care facility effectively.

In Oklahoma, AIT candidates need to meet specific state requirements, like completing certain training hours, before they can sit for a licensing exam to officially become a licensed long-term care administrator.

For detailed information, go to https://oklahoma.gov/health/services/licensing-inspections/long-term-care-administrator-licensing-program.html

Here is a short overview of required steps:

1. Review Eligibility Requirements: Check with the Oklahoma State Department of Health to ensure you meet the requirements. Generally, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in healthcare or management.

2. Find an Approved Program and Preceptor: Look for an approved AIT program through an organization recognized by the Oklahoma State Department of Health. You’ll also need to connect with a licensed administrator who can serve as your preceptor (mentor) and provide the hands-on training. This is where Bridges Health can help!

3. Apply: Submit an application which will include an application fee and possibly other documentation, like transcripts and a background check. The board must approve your application before you can start training.

4. State-Required Education: Participate in the in-person LTCAL class offered by the OSDH. This training covers state-specific regulations and standards. The next scheduled training will be held February 3rd-12th.

5. Complete the Training Hours: In Oklahoma, the AIT program typically requires a set number of training hours—usually between 640 to 1,000 hours over a period of several months, depending on your background. During this time, you’ll gain practical experience under the supervision of your preceptor. Typically, AITs are not paid for their training hours, but at Bridges Health we fully compensate you for your time and hire you on a full-time employee!

6. Prepare for and Pass the State Licensing Exam: Once your AIT program is complete, you’ll need to pass the National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards (NAB) exam and, often, a state-specific exam to obtain your license.

7. Apply for Your License: Submit your test results and any other final documentation to officially apply for your license as a Long-Term Care Administrator.

OSDH Eligability Requirements Document available HERE.

As stated on the OSDH website, the first step in meeting the requirement for all Oklahoma Long Term Care Administrators to be licensed per 63 OS 1-1949.1 et seq.

To be eligible for a Tier 1 Administrator license, you must:

• Be at least 21 years old.

• Be a US Citizen or Qualified Alien; and have no barrier offenses.

• Have a bachelor's degree from an Institution of Higher learning OR an associate degree from an institution of higher learning with verification of 5+ years of upper-level management experience in a long-term care facility.

• Complete an approved training program.

• Pay $200.00 Initial Licensing.

• Complete 750 hours of Internship with an authorized preceptor (unless waived by military duty or reciprocity).

• Complete and receive a passing score (75%) for the State Standards Exam.

• Complete and receive passing scores on the NAB core exam and the NAB line of service (LOS) exam.

According to the OSDH Long-Term Care Licensing Program website, there are a number of fees that must be paid throughout the duration of acquiring your NHA license.

If you choose to take the in-person 8 day OSDH class:

• $100 Application fee

• $2000 OSDH class fee

• $100 State test fee

• $475 (approximately) to take the NAB exam

• $200 Licensing fee 

If you choose to take the online 10 day Longtree class:

• $2,650-$2,850 Longtree class fee

• $100 State test

• $475 (approximately) to take the NAB exam

• $200 Licensing 

*Not included: License renewal fees

Job Description

Our Administrators in Training (AITs) will be provided an opportunity to complete all required hours of experience needed to earn a Long Term Care Administrator License at Bridges Health facilities.

During training hours, AITs will work with our licensed preceptors to provide care and to develop leadership competency in the following areas:

• Facility Operations

• Financial Management

• Business Plan Development and Business Management

• Compliance and Regulation Management

• Marketing Strategies

• Developing Community Relationships

Benefits of joining Bridges Health

Paid Training Hours: Complete the required hours of in-facility experience as a full time employee.

Networking: An opportunity to join a network of 30+ Oklahoma long-term care facilities.

Leadership Development: Learn from distinguished long-term care leaders, both on the executive level and clinical level.

Career Ladders: Upon completion of the program, you’ll have the opportunity to serve as a long-term care administrator at one of Bridges Health’s communities.