How to Become an Assisted Living Administrator

If you feel a calling to help elderly individuals or adults with disabilities but aren’t the hands-on type, a career in assisted living administration may be perfect for you. To start, you’ll need to be at least 21 years old with a high school diploma (or GED), have a clean background check, complete RCFE classes, and pass a final licensing exam.

What Are RCFE Classes?

RCFE (Residential Care Facility for the Elderly) classes are here to prepare you for the ins and outs of running an assisted living facility. Some classes are available online, but they’re mostly always followed by physical classrooms and hands-on learning. You’ll be required to complete a number of hours to earn your certification, but these vary by program and state.

What Do RCFE Classes Cover?

Primarily, you’ll learn about the daily care of your residents, including aspects such as:

  • bathing and dressing
  • healthful meals
  • first aid 
  • cleanliness and safety

You’ll also learn about laws and regulations in your state so you can keep the facility up to standards, as well as various administrative tasks that you’ll need to know before you start, such as staffing and scheduling.

What Happens After the Final Exam?

At the end of your RCFE classes, you’ll need to sit for an exam and pass with a score of 70% in order to get your license. Depending on your state’s requirements, you’ll probably have to sit for a refresher exam every few years to stay on top of changing laws and regulations. With the proper education under your belt, you’ll be able to work in an care facility or open your very own.

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