An Infection Control nurse helps to prevent, identify, and control the spread of diseases. 

Training Requirements:

• Complete RN training requirements
• At least two years experience in infection control
• Earn Certification for Infection Control and Epidemiology (CIC)

Advancement Opportunities:

• Director of Nursing

A quality assurance nurse evaluates policies and oversees compliance to ensure the highest quality of care is provided to residents.

Training Requirements:

• Complete RN required training
• Typically requires 2-4 years of on-the-job training (dependent on the community)

Advancement Opportunities:

• Director of Nursing

Specialty nurses in wound care assess and treat complex wounds and deliver competent care to minimize suffering and loss of function. Wound care nurses will create and implement treatment plans and track progress, monitor patients for signs of infections and clean wounds.

Training Requirements:

• Complete RN required training
• On the job training
• Pass examination to become Wound Care Certified (WCC)

Advancement Opportunities:

• Director of Nursing

The MDS (Minimum Data Set) Coordinator is responsible for accurately assessing residents' needs and ensuring a person centered care plan is implemented for each resident. The MDS coordinator is an important part of a community's interdisciplinary team and helps drive accurate reimbursement from Medicare and Medicaid payment systems.

Training Requirements:

• Complete LPN or RN required training
• Complete MDS training

Advancement Opportunities:

• Assistant Director of Nursing

The Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) coordinates with the Director of Nursing to ensure the care needs of each resident are met. The ADON helps to coordinate schedules of staff, assisting with family communications, and other responsibilities.

Training Requirements:

• Registered Nurse training requirements
• On-the-Job training and supervisory experience (typically 3-5 years depending on the community)

See LeadingAge PA Management Basics Training available on our Learning Portal.

Advancement Opportunities:

• Director of Nursing

The Director of Nursing (DON) is responsible for overseeing the entire nursing department and works closely with the Administrator to ensure the care needs of each resident are met. The DON manages the nursing team and oversees operations of the department.

Training Requirements:

• Complete RN training requirements
• Supervisory experience and on the job training required. Typically 3-5 years (depending on the community)
• Experience as an Assistant Director of Nursing is preferred.

Advancement Opportunities:

• Administrator

Physical Therapy Assistants help implement the treatments as directed by the Physical Therapist.

Training Requirements:

• Complete an accredited physical therapy assistant program (Associates Degree)
• Pass the physical therapy assistant certification exam
• Complete continuing education for maintaining licensure

Advancement Opportunities:

• Physical Therapist

Playing a vital role in maintaining patients’ good quality of life, physical therapists create individualized treatment plans to restore muscular and neurological conditions and treat patients with chronic conditions and injuries.

Training Requirements:

• Complete an accredited Doctor of Physical Therapy program
• Pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE)
• Complete continuing education for maintaining licensure

Advancement Opportunities:

• Director of Therapy

An Occupational Therapy Assistant helps to implement treatment plans created by Occupational Therapist.

Training Requirements:

• Complete two-year occupational therapy program approved by National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy
• Complete two months of supervised field work
• Pass the Certification Examination of Occupational Therapy Assistants
• Complete continuing education for maintaining licensure

Advancement Opportunities:

• Occupational Therapist

Occupational therapists help people regain the ability to safely complete activities of daily living (ADLs). Therapists assess their patients and write and complete treatment plans.

Training Requirements:

• Complete 4 year accredited occupational therapy program
• Complete 6 months of supervised training
• Register for and complete the Occupational Therapy Registered (OTR) licensure exam
• Apply for license
• Complete continuing education to maintain licensure

Advancement Opportunities:

• Director of Therapy

Speech therapists treat patients who have difficulty speaking, language disorders, and swallowing issues. Therapists will assess residents, administer treatment and follow up to track progress.

Training Requirements:

• Obtain Master's degree in Speech Language Pathology (SLP)
• Complete supervised professional experience (1,260 hours)
• Pass Praxis exam
• Apply for license
• Complete continuing education to maintain licensure

Advancement Opportunities:

• Director of Therapy

Respiratory therapists work with a team of physicians and nurses to develop treatment plans for residents with trouble breathing. Therapists will assess residents, administer treatment and follow up to track progress.

Training Requirements:

• Complete accredited Respiratory Therapy program
• Pass the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC) Exam
• Apply for License
• Maintain licensure with continuing education

Advancement Opportunities:

• Director of Therapy

The Director of Therapy is responsible for overseeing the operations of the therapy department.

Training Requirements:

• Demonstrate understanding of insurance and reimbursement
• Typically requires 3-5 years management experience (depending on the organization)

Advancement Opportunities:

• Regional Therapy Director (oversees operations of multiple therapy departments)
• Administrator