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Nursing Home Administrator Preceptor FAQs

How many hours are required for an Administrator-in-Training (AIT) program?

The AIT program consists of 2,000 hours of continuous training to be completed within twenty-four (24) months in a facility as prescribed in 18 VAC 95-20-330.

The Board may reduce the required hours for applicants with certain qualifications as prescribed in Regulation 18 VAC 95-20-310 (B) and (C). The modified program request is included in the AIT’s application.

How does an AIT obtain a Preceptor?

An AIT may establish an agreement for training with an available, registered Preceptor who can supervise their AIT training program, or with a licensed Nursing Home Administrator (NHA) who becomes registered as an NHA Preceptor.

Where an AIT does not otherwise have a Preceptor for training, they may go to License Lookup and search for Nursing Home Preceptor under Occupation. A zip code can be entered in the search field to find a Preceptor in a specified area.

For a list of licensed Preceptors who volunteered their contact information to be posted publicly, please view the Voluntary Preceptor Directory.

What are the qualifications of Preceptors?

To become a Preceptor, an individual needs to hold a current, unrestricted license and be employed full-time as an administrator in a training facility for a minimum of two (2) of the past three (3) years immediately prior to registration.

Applicants are also required to provide evidence of completion of the online Preceptor training course offered by the National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards (NAB).

View the qualifications of Preceptors.

What if the AIT program is terminated?

If the AIT program is terminated prior to completion, the trainee and the Preceptor must each submit a written explanation to the Board of why the program was terminated within ten (10) business days of program termination, and submit a Notice of Change of Status or Discontinuance form.

The Preceptor must also submit all monthly progress reports completed prior to termination within ten (10) business days after termination.

What happens if an AIT program is interrupted because the Preceptor cannot serve?

If the Preceptor cannot serve, the AIT must notify the board within ten (10) business days, obtain a new Preceptor who is registered with the Board within sixty (60) days, and submit a Notice of Change of Status or Discontinuance form.

Credit for training resumes when a new Preceptor is obtained and approved by the Board.

If an alternate training plan is developed, it must be submitted to the Board for approval before the AIT resumes training.

Can I earn continuing education by being a Preceptor?

Yes. A Nursing Home Administrator (NHA) licensee who serves as the registered Preceptor in an approved Nursing Home or Assisted Living Facility AIT program may receive one hour of continuing education credit for each week of training, up to a maximum of ten (10) hours of self-study course credit for each renewal year.

Are AITs required to complete certain shifts or training during their program?

Yes. AITs are required to serve weekday, evening, night, and weekend shifts and to receive training in all areas of nursing home operation. An AIT cannot receive credit for more than forty (40) hours of training per week.

Do I need to be present for on-site supervision?

Yes. The Preceptor must be routinely present with the trainee for on-site supervision in the training facility as appropriate to the experience and training of the AIT and the needs of the residents in the facility. The Preceptor is required to document on-site supervision of the AIT training in the monthly reports submitted to the Board.

What type of training facility is approved for the AIT program?

Training in an AIT program shall be conducted only in the facilities listed in 18VAC95-20-330.

Are there any required areas of training for the AIT program?

An AIT is required to receive training in all areas of nursing home administration as appropriate to the experience and training of the AIT, and in accordance with the NAB Domains of Practice and as outlined in the NAB AIT Manual. In addition, an AIT must complete training on the care of residents with cognitive or mental impairments, including Alzheimer's disease and dementia.

Preceptors are strongly encouraged to use the NAB AIT Manual as a resource in developing a training plan that meets the individual needs of their trainee.


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Board of Long-Term Care Administrators
Email: ltc@dhp.virginia.gov
Corie E. Tillman Wolf, J.D., Executive Director
Lisa Kirby, NHA, Chair