Long-Term Care Administration

The Census 2000 data once again confirms that the U.S. population is aging. In each of the past five years, an average of 106,000 persons celebrated their 75th birthday. As this population increases, so does the need for appropriate care-giving environments that provide quality services. The key to providing quality long term care services is to have quality long term care managers and administrators.

Since the early 1970's, McLennan Community College has been preparing persons for careers in long term care administration. Based on regulatory changes that took effect during 2000, the Long Term Care Administration Program at McLennan now offers two training options that provide a unique economy of scale. The same investment of time and resources can lead to dual licensure and certification.

The traditional Nursing Facility Administration program has been revised to meet the requirements that took effect on January 1, 2000. Consisting of five academic courses and a repeatable internship, this program prepares the student for testing to become a License Nursing Facility Administrator in Texas.

The Assisted Living Facility Manager program addresses the required ALF topics using the same five academic courses. Since there is currently no requirement for ALF internships, the completion of the academic courses leads to certification as an ALF Manager in Texas.

Effective in 2005, the academic courses for the Long Term Care Administration program were converted to a hybrid model. This means that students attend group class sessions only on specified dates each semester. The majority of the course work can be completed via web-based communications and/or interactive video connections. This model will save students both time and money on commuting while providing increased time flexibility.

For more information about options in the Long Term Care Administration program at McLennan Community College, contact Joe Arrington (voice: 254-299-8706 fax: 254-299-6240 e-mail: jarrington@mclennan.edu).