Professional certification is a key component of career development that positively impacts both individuals and the organizations that employ them. The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics says that there are roughly 43 million people across the country who hold occupational certifications or licensure and that these people are less likely to be unemployed and more likely to earn a higher salary.
Professional certification is most prevalent in the healthcare field. This includes related areas like senior living, assisted living, and long-term care. If you’re wondering if professional certification is right for you, your staff, or your organization, we’ve got all the details you need on important certifications, their benefits, and how you can support those who choose to pursue this path.
Before we dive into the most common and most useful certifications in senior living, it’s important to clarify one key point: professional certification is not the same as a certificate program.
A certificate program is an educational course or course designed to teach a very narrow skillset in a short period of time. The individual taking the certificate program receives a certificate upon completion. While a brief assessment may be required to “pass” the program, there is no official credential awarded or ongoing maintenance required.
Professional certification is a more comprehensive process, in which a credentialing body or board administers a rigorous exam or assessment to evaluate professionals and grant them a specialized credential that reflects their expertise in a specific field. Most credentialing boards are accredited and offer certifications that are widely recognized within their industry. Certified individuals may need to complete continuing education courses to maintain their certification or take a recertification exam on a regular basis.
You may find that there are many professional certifications for those working in different aspects of senior living, especially those who work in a medical capacity. Here, we’ve included our top picks for administrative and managerial certifications:
The Certified Assisted Living Administrator (CALA) credential is awarded by the American College of Health Care Administrators (ACHCA) and demonstrates that those who achieve certification have gone above and beyond to develop their expertise in quality standards for assisted living at a national level. Earning a CALA credential involves completing a rigorous exam based on an advanced practice model in assisted living management. Those who hold this certification will be required to recertify every three years by submitting an executive portfolio, sitting for an executive-level course, completing a certain number of continuing education units (CEUs), or taking a specialty exam.
The Certified Nursing Home Administrator (CNHA) credential is also awarded by the ACHCA. To become certified as CNHA, administrators must pass the proprietary exam created by the ACHCA and its subject matter experts. Exam material and questions are based on the “four domains of practice” outlined by the National Association of Long-Term Care Administrative Boards (NAB). The NAB states that long-term care falls into four domains:
The CNHA certification is subject to the same maintenance and recertification requirements as the CALA.
To receive the Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP) credential through the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners (NCCDP), candidates must first take an online seminar in patient-focused dementia care and then submit their application for consideration. The CDP is open to professionals in the U.S. who work in front-line or ancillary healthcare roles, are part of the clergy staff for a healthcare facility, or operate as medical workers in geriatric care. This means the credential is available to administrators who aren’t clinical practitioners but who would benefit from the knowledge and expertise this certification denotes. Organization-wide discounts are available for administrators who wish to support greater numbers of their staff in becoming certified.
The Certified Senior Advisor (CSA) credential is granted by the Society of Certified Senior Advisors. This is a multidisciplinary certification that can be pursued by professionals in any industry or role in which they serve older adults. The certification mainly focuses on the ethics and standards required to protect the health and well-being of seniors. To earn their CSA, candidates must pass an extensive 150-question exam and complete a Roles, Rules, and Responsibilities Ethics module through the Society, all within one year of submitting their application.
Certification in Long-Term Care (CLTC) is a versatile credential designed for professionals who assist older adults, particularly in planning for the challenges of aging. This course-based certification is widely recognized by the American College of Financial Services and the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors. It is especially valuable for financial professionals who help seniors and their families make important decisions, as well as for those who specialize in selling long-term care insurance. To maintain the credential, holders must meet an ongoing education requirement every two years.
Earning a professional certification isn’t just about adding letters after your name — it’s a mark of dedication, demonstrating that you’ve gone above and beyond to achieve advanced knowledge and expertise in your field. Certifications provide meaningful benefits not only to the individual but also to the organization and, most importantly, to the older adults they serve. Here are the key advantages of obtaining professional certifications:
Professional certification is required in some states, but regardless of your location, pursuing certification is a smart move — for your career, your community, your staff, and your residents. Senior living operators are always looking for ways to become more efficient and more effective, and certification is a big part of that journey. Equally important is finding the right senior living software to support these efforts. But can a software solution actually help senior living managers and administrators in their certification process? If it’s Eldermark, the answer is yes. Here’s how:
Certification isn’t a one-time achievement. Rather, certified professionals must work to maintain their credentials, whether that’s through earning CEUs, re-taking exams, or scheduling in-person or on-demand training programs. That can be an overwhelming task, but Eldermark can make it more manageable. With our senior living system, you can easily manage key deadlines and stay on track for recertification. Eldermark allows you to track all training and education requirements while organizing deadlines in one place, so you’re always prepared for what’s ahead.
Most certified professionals understand the importance of data and analytics. ElderSmarts is our proprietary analytics tool that empowers you with all the data your senior living community produces in one convenient location. Use this data to forecast future trends, compare performance against industry benchmarks, and address the unique needs of both residents and staff. Additionally, you can track and manage staff certifications and professional development, giving you the tools to set meaningful goals and work toward achieving them with confidence.
Eldermark has powerful communication capabilities to keep your entire team informed and connected. With an intuitive CRM, you can efficiently manage employee and resident data — a significant advantage for certified administrators. Use Eldermark to keep residents and families aware of how you’re working to meet their needs and to offer support to employees and staff members who may also benefit from continuing education and professional certification.
Getting started with Eldermark is simple. You’ll find new ways to use our senior living solutions every day as you work toward professional certification for you or your staff. We’ll show you how to use our software to build a more efficient workplace while fostering a positive work culture that values ongoing education, continuous learning, excellence, and quality care. To find out how to begin, contact us and schedule your demo today.