KACE Administrator in Training Program 

KACE is the only association dedicated to representing, educating, and supporting long-term care administrators and operators in Kansas, providing unparalleled professional development and

essential resources to ensure success as a healthcare leader.

What sets the KACE AIT Program Apart?

Online Education Platform & Learning Resources

The KACE AIT Program gives you access to an intuitive online classroom that keeps your education content and resources organized throughout your 480-hour practicum.

- Access the KACE AIT Manual with essential guidance, regulations, and key contacts.

- Benefit from two textbooks and a Q&A book authored by leading experts in long-term care administration.

- Learn directly from experienced preceptors guiding you through every department of a nursing facility.

Licensure Exam Preparation

Preparing for the NAB Nursing Home Administrators Examination has never been easier. The KACE AIT Program equips you with:

- Official NAB Online Study Guide to sharpen your knowledge.

- Practice Tests that simulate the exam experience, so you know exactly what to expect.

- Quarterly Test Prep Classes led by Joseph Townsend, nationally recognized author of AIT textbooks used across the country.

Professional Development & Networking Opportunities

As a KACE AIT student, your growth goes far beyond licensure training. You’ll gain exclusive access to professional development and networking opportunities that shape your career:

- Attend the Day in Topeka event to hear directly from state agency leaders and observe the Kansas Board of Adult Care Home Administrators in action.

- Receive free admission to KACE education conferences, connecting you with peers and future colleagues across Kansas.

- Enjoy a free one-year KACE membership after licensure, ensuring continued support and development as you begin your administrator career.

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

Program Requirements & Details:

Requirements

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. 

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

KACE AIT Program Details

NAB Guidance: 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. 

Hours: The KACE AIT Program consists of 480 clock hours of time spent in an adult care setting learning all facets of the Administrator’s role. 

Preceptor: In KACE's AIT 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.

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: Upon application approval applicants can start the program at any time throughout the year. The 480 practicum hours must be completed within 12 months of the student’s start date.

Cost: The cost of the KACE program is $2,150.00. 

The KACE AIT Program Includes:

 Online AIT course using a learning management system that 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 event 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 nationwide in AIT programs to develop questions for the national exam (NAB) - $300 value

o Joseph Townsend exam preparation seminars are exclusive to the KACE AIT program.

o Mr. Townsend has been teaching exam preparation nationwide for over 30 years.

 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 may attend KACE-hosted education events free of charge for up to one year after the student’s start date.

o Free registration to attend the Annual KACE Convention in August - $325 value

o Free registration to attend the KACE Tanner-Foster Conference in February/March - $185 value

o A free KACE membership for one year after becoming a licensed administrator - $215 value

o Total free conference registration and membership value - $725.00

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

Scholarships & Discounts:

Immediate Scholarship & Discount Opportunities:

A $250.00 Tanner-Foster Educational Foundation Scholarship is immediately available to all students who select the KACE AIT Program.

A $250.00 KACE Member Preceptor Discount is immediately available to all students who are completing their practicum hours under a KACE member preceptor.

Annual Scholarship Opportunities (In addition to previously mentioned immediate scholarships & discounts)

KACE offers two annual scholarship opportunities. Applications for both scholarships are due July 1, 2026, and the scholarships are awarded in August.

The Bob Bethell Scholarship covers the cost of the KACE AIT program.

July 2026 Bob Bethell Scholarship Application.pdf

Tanner-Foster Scholarship covers the cost of the state and federal exams. 

July 2026 Tanner Foster Scholarship Application.pdf

KACE AITs can apply for both annual scholarships before or after they begin the

program. 

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

Cultivating Adult Care Executives who exemplify commitment, knowledge, professionalism and leadership that continuously improve aging services.