Administrator in Training qualifications

Applicants must meet the following qualifications and coursework requirements to apply to the Society’s AIT program:

  • A minimum expectation is a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Preference given to Health Administration Degree with emphasis in Gerontology and National Association of Long-term Care Administrator Boards accredited programs. Master's degree is preferred.
  • Experience working, volunteering and interning in a long-term care or skilled nursing facility environment preferred.
  • Ability to and willingness to relocate to any of the Good Samaritan Society locations.
  • Upon Completion of the AIT Program, it is expected that the AIT successfully completes the required exams to become a licensed Administrator. They can then apply for open Good Samaritan Society Administrator positions. This may require relocation based on the current open positions.

The Administrator in Training experience

An Administrator-in-Training (AIT) Program is a paid supervised internship during which the AIT works under the guidance and supervision of a preceptor, who is a licensed administrator meeting the qualifications established for preceptors by their respective states. The internship is a unique phase of education consisting of the supervised practice of long-term care administration in the Nursing Home. It also includes a blend of self-study, on the job training, live and virtual instruction. There will be three AIT Workshops held at Good Samaritan National Campus in Sioux Falls, SD during the program.

The purpose of the AIT Program is to spur and enhance the professional development of the AIT in the field of long-term care (LTC) administration. It equips the AIT with the tools and knowledge for when they become an administrator. A significant portion of the program involves observing and participating in activities associated with administration or resident care.

The AIT Program is based on the NAB (National Association of Long-Term Care Administrator Boards) Domains of Practice, which are covered in the various departments found in a long-term care facility. The AIT will be expected to complete 1,000 hours for the AIT program, which will include rotations in the following areas:

  • Administration
  • Human Resources
  • Nursing
  • Business Office/Financial Management
  • Dietary
  • Rehabilitation
  • Medical Records
  • Activities
  • Social Services/Admissions
  • Housekeeping/Laundry
  • Environmental Management/Maintenance

The preceptor and the AIT will work together to determine the order in which these modules are undertaken, and the amount of time allocated to each. For example, if the AIT's background experience is in nursing, they would ideally spend less time in nursing, and more in other areas. However, each activity area, including those in which the AIT has prior experience, must still be included in the training program. The AIT should, through a combination of observation and participation, become familiar with all aspects of each activity area, including its purpose, the services it provides, staffing, and any problem areas. They should try to gain an understanding of the roles of the front-line staff in that area, the role of its department manager, and the Administrator's perspective on how to oversee that area. They should also understand how that area interacts with other areas in the provision of care and services.

Watch the video below to learn more about the experience from a recent participant.

The Administrator in Training will complete approximately 1,000 scheduled hours of on-site activities at the selected training site.

The overall goal is to provide a broad base of knowledge about long-term care operations as well as exposure to specific location operation, which will help the Administrator in Training develop his or her unique style of leadership. In addition, during this time, AIT’s build relationships and connections with their cohort group and prepare for transition into this leadership role.

*Administrators in training are expected to be able to successfully pass the NAB upon completion of their 1000 hours of training.

Stipend and benefits

Society AITs are considered full-time salaried employees of the Society. Benefit packages and potential relocation assistance available.

If you have questions about the AIT program or application process, email us at Emily.Jones@Sanfordhealth.org.