KACE Administrator in Training Program 

Thank you for your interest in the Kansas Adult Care Executives (KACE) Administrator in Training (AIT) Program!

Education requirement: The education requirement for Kansas licensure is a minimum of a baccalaureate degree. This degree can be in any field, it does not have to be in healthcare. 

Hours: The KACE Administrator in Training Program consists of 480 clock hours of time spent in an adult care setting learning all facets of the Administrator’s role. The KACE training program is based on the National Association of Boards (NAB) of Adult Care Home Administrators training materials. NAB is the association that develops the national examination. 

Preceptor: In KACE's program, you will be under the supervision of an experienced Administrator (Preceptor), and he/she will help guide you through the process of working in each department in the facility to understand the tasks and responsibilities in each area. You must complete your practicum at the preceptor's facility. Click here for a list of KACE preceptors. AITs will complete an AIT Weekly Progress Report Template 3.1.24.docx each week or every 40 hours. 

Mentor: In addition to receiving help from your Preceptor, you will receive contact information for mentors that will serve as an additional resource as needed during your practicum.

Time frame: Applicants can start the program at any time throughout the year, after all required documents are completed, a letter of approval is received from KDADS, and payment is received.  The 480 practicum hours must be completed within 12 months of the AIT's start date.

Cost: The cost of the KACE program is $2,150. 

For this fee you will receive or experience:

·        Facilitation of the program by the KACE AIT Coordinator between your Preceptor and KDADS

·       Online AIT course using the Canvas platform- includes course materials and quizzes for each department

·        NAB, Nursing Home Administrators Examination Online Study Guide

·      Knapp, Keith R. and Olson, Douglas M., The Health Services Executive

·        Townsend, Joseph E., The Principles of Health Care Administration    

·        KACE AIT Resource Manual

·        A mandatory Day in Topeka to meet representatives from Survey & Certification at KDADS, Fire Marshal's office, Licensing Administrator from KDADS Health Occupations Credentialing, Long- Term Care Ombudsman, and others  

·        Examination Preparation Seminars- held quarterly; taught by Joseph Townsend, the author of a textbook that is used to develop questions for the national exam (NAB)

·       Study materials: Knapp, Keith R. and Olson, Douglas M., The Health Services Executive Q & A Review, and two NAB online practice tests (one Core and one NHA)

·        KACE AIT students are encouraged to attend KACE-hosted education events (free of charge) while completing their 480-hour practicum

*** Please note that of the program cost, $1,000 is non-refundable. The remaining $1,150 is refundable within 60 days of your application date if you decide not to complete the program.*** 

Membership: KACE AITs will receive one year of free KACE membership after becoming a licensed administrator. 

Scholarships: KACE offers two scholarship opportunities for AITs. The application for both scholarships are due July 1, 2025, and the scholarships are awarded in August. The Bob Bethell Scholarship covers the cost of the AIT program, and the Tanner Foster Scholarship covers the cost of the state and federal exams. AITs can apply for both scholarships. AITs can apply for the scholarships before or after they begin the program. 

July 2025 Bob Bethell Scholarship Application.pdf

July 2025 Tanner Foster Scholarship Application.pdf

KDADS: Review the training requirements from KDADS (Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services) Revised regulations 10.20.pdf. 

Application: Click here to apply for the KACE Administrator in Training Program. 

Questions: If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Melissa St. John at

resource@kaceks.org, or (785) 418-4450.

Respectfully,

KACE AIT Committee