Senior living executives wear many hats. They often work directly with residents, becoming friends, confidantes, and advocates. They must also lead a team that may be comprised of people with diverse interests, skills, and personalities. In that role, they must coach and encourage the people whom they hire, fire, and discipline. This can feel like an impossible balancing act, but it offers immense rewards. Senior living executives shape the future of senior living, setting policies that can make a remarkable difference in the lives of seniors, their families, and community staff.
The right training is critical to success as a senior living executive. Certifications ensure you have the training you need.
Certifications offer more than just a chance to add a few letters after your name. They provide you with real, actionable skills that can help you ascend the career ladder and succeed as an executive. When an opportunity to get a certification presents itself, take it. This shows your company that you’re committed to advancing your own growth.
The Senior Living Certification Commission Certified Director of Assisted Living is the gold standard for senior living directors. It requires at least a bachelor's degree, an exam, and either 2,000 hours of work experience as an assisted living community executive director, or 6,000 hours of work experience in a management position at an assisted living community. Argentum, which partners with the Senior Living Certification Commission to form the certification, offers a comprehensive primer designed to prepare test-takers to pass the test the first time.
To begin a career as an executive in senior living, you must first gain experience in the field of senior living. Because you’ll need a college degree to become an executive, consider completing school first. Some executives began their careers going to school at night while working low-level senior living jobs during the day. The key is to find a position that caters to your talents and offers room for growth.
After you’ve begun your senior living career, follow this path to executive success:
As you’re reaching greater and greater career success, studying for a certification might seem like a frustrating distraction. But Argentum’s certification confers real benefits, including:
Arbor works with our team members to grow their careers, promote professional achievements, and recruit the best possible leaders we can find. To learn more about what we offer, or to view available positions, check out our Careers page.