What does a nursing home administrator do?
Nursing home administrators plan, organize, and direct the operations of nursing homes or other long-term care facilities.
What might a nursing home administrator do in a workday?
- direct medical, nursing, and technical personnel and fiscal management activities.
- maintain and develop standards, policies, programs, and operating procedures.
- direct fiscal operations, such as budgeting and accounting, and establish rates for services.
- direct employee hiring and training.
- compile, analyze, and prepare reports.
- speak at community gatherings and conduct public relations and marketing activities.
- meet with families of individuals seeking admittance to a nursing home.
Developing a career as a Nursing Home Administrator:
Most nursing home administrators work in a nursing home; others may work in the business offices of a large nursing home corporation that manages several facilities. They are accountable to a proprietor or governing board. Some administrators may also be involved in teaching, research, or other professional activities.
How much does a nursing home administrator earn?
- $50,000 - $100,000
How do I become a nursing home administrator?
Students intending to pursue a career as a nursing home administrator should prepare by taking the most challenging high school courses available in science, math, business, and English.
In Virginia, licensed nursing home administrators must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher in nursing home administration or in a health administration field. They also must have completed a 400-hour program in nursing home administration and a national exam. Some nursing home administrators also are trained as physicians, registered or licensed practical nurses, or allied health professionals.
Nursing home administrators also can qualify by successfully completing an Administrator-n-Training (AlT) program as specified by the certifying board. The 2,000 hour program must be completed in 24 months and a national examination must be completed successfully.
Where else can I learn about becoming a nursing home administrator?
Virginia Association of Nonprofit Homes for the Aging
4201 Dominion Boulevard, Suite 100 / Glen Allen, VA 23060
tel: (804) 965-5500 / web: www.vanha.org
American Health Care Association
1201 L Street, N.W. / Washington, DC 20005
tel: (202) 842-4444 / web: www.ahca.org
Virginia Association of Area Agencies on Aging
24 E. Cary Street, Suite 100 / Richmond, VA 23219
tel: (804) 644-2804 / web: www.vaaaa.org
State License Requirements for Nursing Home Administrators:
A license is required to practice as a Nursing Home Administrator in the Commonwealth of Virginia. For more information on licensure, applications, and forms, visit http://www.dhp.virginia.gov/nha.
Virginia Board of Long-Term Care Administrators
Perimeter Center
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300 / Henrico, VA 23223
tel: Phone: (804) 367-4595 / Email: ltc@dhp.virginia.gov
Educational Institutions in Virginia for Nursing Home Administrators:
What does a physician do?
Physicians diagnose and treat human diseases and injuries and practice preventive medicine. Some also conduct research and/or teach in medical schools. There are currently five medical schools in Virginia–four allopathic schools with physicians receiving M.D. degrees or Doctor of Medicine and one osteopathic school having physicians receiving D.O. degrees or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine.
Osteopathic medicine is the philosophy and system of alternative medical practice emphasizing the interrelationship between structure and function of the body and recognizing its ability to heal itself using the practitioner to facilitate that process. Allopathic medicine is the practice of conventional medicine that uses pharmacologically active agents or physical interventions to treat or suppress symptoms or pathophysiologic processes of diseases or conditions. Allopathic medicine often refers to the broad category of medical practice that is sometimes called Western medicine, biomedicine, evidence-based medicine, or modern medicine.
What might a physician do in a workday?
Specialists diagnose and treat illnesses, conditions and/or injuries related to a specific branch of medicine or part of the human body. Descriptions of some medical specialties are:
- Anesthesiologists administer anesthesia (numbness or sleep) to patients who undergo surgery.
- Cardiologists treat heart diseases.
- Dermatologists treat skin conditions.
- Gastroenterologists diagnose and treat disorders of the digestive system.
- Geriatricians specialize in the specific health care needs of the elderly.
- Gynecologists educate patients in the prevention and treatment of disorders of the female reproductive system.
- Neurologists specialize in brain and central nervous system disorders.
- Obstetricians care for pregnant women and deliver babies.
- Oncologists treat patients with cancer.
- Ophthalmologists diagnose and treat eye disorders.
- Orthopedists educate patients in the prevention of skeletal deformities or ailments and treat these ailments.
- Osteopathic physicians emphasize a whole-person approach to patient care that emphasizes wellness and prevention. D.O.s often use a system of hands-on diagnosis and treatment called osteopathic manipulative medicine that can reduce pain, increase range of motion and contribute to overall health by improving the body’s structure and functions.
- Pathologists interpret and diagnose changes in tissue caused by disease.
- Physiatrists specialize in physical and rehabilitative medicine.
- Psychiatrists educate patients in the prevention of mental illnesses, and study and treat mental illnesses.
- Pulmonologists treat lungs and respiratory systems.
- Sports medicine physicians treat and help prevent athletic injuries.
- Surgeons perform operations to correct deformities, repair injuries, treat diseases, and improve functions of patients. Among the many subspecialties are neurosurgery (brain), orthopedic surgery (bones) and cardiothoracic surgery (hearts and lungs).
- Urologists treat urinary tract disorders.
- Radiation oncologists oversee care of patients undergoing radiation therapy.
How much does a physician earn?
- $100,000 - $250,000
How do I become a physician?
Students interested in becoming physicians should take the most challenging high school courses available in science, math, and English. To enter medical school, students must have a bachelor’s degree with a high grade point average in a premedical program or other related major. They must pass a national examination (MCAT) and undergo extensive interviews.
Upon completion of medical school, the M.D. or D.O. degree is granted. Most physicians then enter postgraduate training (internships and residencies), receiving specialized instruction and practice. The length of postgraduate training is determined by the area of specialty.
Where else can I learn about becoming a physician?
Medical Society of Virginia
2924 Emerywood Parkway, Suite 300 / Richmond, VA 23294-3746
tel: (800) 746-6768 / web: www.msv.org
American Osteopathic Association
142 E. Ontario Street / Chicago, IL 60611
tel: (800) 621-1773 / web: www.osteopathic.org
American Medical Association
515 N. State Street / Chicago, IL 60610
tel: (800) 621-8335 / web: www.ama-assn.org
American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine
5550 Friendship Boulevard, Suite 310 / Chevy Chase, MD 20815-7231
tel: (301) 968-4100 / web: www.aacom.org
Association of American Medical Colleges
2450 N Street N.W. / Washington, DC 20037-1126
tel: (202) 828-0400 / web: www.aamc.org
State License Requirements for Physicians:
A license is required to practice as a Physician in the Commonwealth of Virginia. For more information on licensure, applications, and forms, visit www.dhp.virginia.gov/medicine.
Virginia Board of Medicine
Perimeter Center
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300 / Henrico, VA 23233
Phone: (804) 367-4600 / Email: medbd@dhp.virginia.gov
Educational Institutions in Virginia for Physicians:
What does a family physician do?
Family physicians are physicians educated and trained in family practice—a broadly encompassing medical specialty. Family physicians provide continuing and comprehensive medical care, health maintenance and preventive services to each member of the family, regardless of sex, age or type of problem—biological, behavioral or social.
What might a family physician do in a workday?
Family practice is a three-dimensional specialty, incorporating the dimensions of knowledge, skill, and process. While knowledge and skill may be shared with other specialties, the family practice process is unique. At the center of this process is the patient-physician relationship. It is the extent to which this relationship is valued, developed, and nurtured that distinguishes family practice from all other specialties.
Family physicians:
- teach patients about their own health and wellness needs, as well as those of their children. Also, they track children’s growth and development.
- treat patients suffering from common acute health problems such as respiratory infections, flu, sports injuries, back pain, and minor trauma (lacerations and sprains).
- examine and diagnose patients using clinical skills, medical equipment, instruments, and tests.
- prescribe and administer drugs and treatments.
- immunize patients against preventable and communicable diseases.
- provide ongoing treatment for those with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, asthma, arthritis, or cardiac conditions.
- care for patients with complex medical problems, either alone or in consultation with medical or surgical subspecialists.
- perform outpatient procedures, such as dermatological procedures, minor surgeries, etc.
Developing a Career as a Family Physician:
Most family physicians work in private offices, hospitals, and clinics. They may work alone or with other physicians and are usually aided by nurses, technicians, and other support personnel.
How much does a family physician earn?
- $145,000 - $180,000
How do I become a family physician?
Students interested in becoming a family physician should take the most challenging high school courses available in science, math, and English, including advanced placement courses.
To enter medical school, students must have a bachelor’s degree with a high grade point average in a premedical program or other related major. They must pass a national examination (MCAT) and undergo extensive interviews.
Upon completion of medical school, students enter a three-year postgraduate training program in family medicine (internship and residency), during which they receive training specific to family practice.
Where else can I learn about becoming a family physician?
Virginia Academy of Family Physicians
1503 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 207 / Richmond, VA 23229
tel: (804) 968-5200 / web: www.vafp.org
Medical Society of Virginia
2924 Emerywood Parkway, Suite 300 / Richmond, VA 23294-3746
tel: (800) 746-6768 / web: www.msv.org
American Academy of Family Physicians
11400 Tomahawk Creek Parkway / Leawood, KS 66211-2672
tel: (913) 906-6000 or (800) 274-2237 / web: www.aafp.org
State License Requirements for Family Physicians:
A license is required to practice as a Physician in the state of Virginia. For more information on licensure, applications, and forms, visit www.dhp.virginia.gov/medicine.
Virginia Board of Medicine
Perimeter Center
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300 / Henrico, VA 23233
Phone: (804) 367-4600 / Email: medbd@dhp.virginia.gov
Educational Institutions in Virginia for Family Physicians:
What does an internist do?
Internists are physicians who provide primary care and/or subspecialty care (in fields such as cardiology, gastroenterology, endocrinology, pulmonology, etc.) to adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients. They provide continuous comprehensive medical care for acute and chronic diseases and preventive and wellness care. Internists specialize in the diagnosis and nonsurgical treatment of adult patients.
What might an internist do in a workday?
- diagnose and treat those with serious diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, and AIDS.
- treat common health problems, such as hypertension, pneumonia, or influenza.
- prescribe and administer drugs and treatments.
- immunize patients to protect them from preventable diseases.
- educate patients for healthier lives.
- may be general internists who provide comprehensive medical care for all adults or subspecialty internists who have an expertise in a particular area, such as infectious diseases or cardiology.
Developing a Career as an Internist:
Internists may work in private practice, hospitals, and/or clinics. Many also are involved in teaching and research. The demand for trained internists is rapidly increasing because of their broad base of medical knowledge.
How much does an internist earn?
- $110,000 - $190,000
How do I become an internist?
Students interested in becoming an internist should take the most challenging high school courses available in science, math and English, including advanced placement courses.
To enter medical school, students must have a bachelor’s degree with a high grade point average in a premedical program or other related major. They must pass a national examination (MCAT) and undergo extensive interviews.
Upon completion of medical school, students enter three years of postgraduate training (residency) during which they receive training specific to internal medicine. Those who wish further training may undertake a fellowship in a subspecialty field such as cardiology or infectious diseases.
Where else can I learn about becoming an internist?
American College of Physicians
190 N. Independence Mall West / Philadelphia, PA 19106-1572
tel: (215) 351-2400 or (800) 523-1546 / web: www.acponline.org
Society of General Internal Medicine
1500 King Street, Suite 303 / Alexandria, VA 22314
tel: (202) 887-5150 or (800) 822-3060 / web: www.sgim.org
Medical Society of Virginia
2924 Emerywood Parkway, Suite 300 / Richmond, VA 23294-3746
tel: (800) 746-6768 / web: www.msv.org
American Board of Internal Medicine
510 Walnut Street, Suite 1700 / Philadelphia, PA 19106
tel: (215) 446-3500 or (800) 441-2246 / web: www.abim.org
American College of Osteopathic Internists
3 Bethesda Metro Center, Suite 508 / Bethesda, MD 20814
tel: (301) 656-8877 / web: www.acoi.org
State License Requirements for Internists:
A license is required to be a Family Physician in the Commonwealth of Virginia. For more information on licensure, applications, and forms, visit www.dhp.virginia.gov/medicine.
Virginia Board of Medicine
Perimeter Center
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300 / Henrico, VA 23233
Phone: (804) 367-4600 / Email: medbd@dhp.virginia.gov
Educational Institutions in Virginia for Internists:
What does a pediatrician do?
Pediatricians are physicians who specialize in the care and treatment of infants, children, adolescents, and young adults, from birth to age 21. They are expert in all areas of a child’s physical and emotional growth and development.
What might a pediatrician do in a workday?
- teach parents about the health and wellness needs of their children, including regular examinations, immunizations, nutrition, and physical, mental, and emotional development.
- track each child’s growth and development and take action if problems arise.
- treat common childhood illnesses and injuries, such as ear infections and minor lacerations.
- examine and diagnose patients, sometimes using medical equipment, instruments, and tests.
- prescribe and administer drugs and treatments.
- provide ongoing treatment and monitoring for those with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, kidney disease, or cardiac conditions.
- immunize children to protect them from preventable, communicable diseases, such as chicken pox, polio, measles, and hepatitis.
- care for children with complex medical problems, alone or in consultation with pediatric medical subspecialists or surgical specialists.
Developing a Career as a Pediatrician:
Most pediatricians work in private offices, hospitals, and clinics. They may work alone or with other physicians and are usually aided by nurses, technicians, and clerks. They also are involved in teaching and research in academic centers, as well as in the guidance of community health care in national, state, and local governments and agencies and in advocacy for children and families.
How much does a pediatrician earn?
- $156,000 - $208,050
How do I become a pediatrician?
Students interested in becoming a pediatrician should take the most challenging high school courses available in science, math, and English, including advanced placement courses.
To enter medical school, students must have received a bachelor’s degree with a high grade point average in a premedical program or other related major. They must pass a national examination (MCAT) and undergo extensive interviews.
Upon completion of medical school, physicians interested in pediatrics enter postgraduate education (internship and residency) during which they receive at least three years of specialized education and practice in the field of pediatrics. Those who wish to further specialize may undertake up to three more years of education in fields such as pediatric emergency medicine.
Where else can I learn about becoming a pediatrician?
Medical Society of Virginia
2924 Emerywood Parkway, Suite 300 / Richmond, VA 23294-3746
tel: (800) 746-6768 / web: www.msv.org
Virginia Chapter of American Academy of Pediatrics
2201 W. Broad Street, Suite 205 / Richmond, VA 23220
tel: (804) 622-8135 / web: www.virginiapediatrics.org
American Academy of Pediatrics
141 Northwest Point Boulevard / Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
tel: (847) 434-4000 / web: www.aap.org
State License Requirements for Pediatrician:
A license is required to practice as a Physician in the Commonwealth of Virginia. For more information on licensure, applications, and forms, visit www.dhp.virginia.gov/medicine.
Virginia Board of Medicine
Perimeter Center
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300 / Henrico, VA 23233
Phone: (804) 367-4600 / Email: medbd@dhp.virginia.gov
