Nursing Home Administrator (NHA) Graduate Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS)

Nursing Home Administrator Career Outlook

As the nursing home and long-term care industry continues to modernize and evolve, so do the career opportunities. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that medical and health services managers are projected to increase much faster than average, at a rate of 28 percent from 2022 through 2032. Many of these openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or who exit the labor force, through retirement or attrition². With your Nursing Administrator certificate requirement completed, you will be able to pursue New York State licensure¹ and work in nursing home administration in long-term care, assisted living, skilled nursing facilities, and more.

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Benefits of Being an Online Student

Whether you are advancing your career or beginning a new path, Utica University’s online course gives you the chance to learn from the unique perspectives of your faculty and fellow students. You’ll get the same high-quality education, credentials, and faculty support without slowing down your life.

Planning Your Budget

Paying for an online education doesn’t have to be stressful. We’ve compiled helpful resources that can get you well on your way to financing your education. Learn more about our tuition and financial aid.

Distinguished Faculty with Decades of Experience

Our nursing home administrator graduate certificate faculty members have a robust background in the healthcare administration and related fields. You will gain practical knowledge and comprehensive skills from experts with decades of experience leading healthcare and related organizations.

From finance to human resources, our educators hold distinguished awards and honors within the healthcare industry. You will be able to directly benefit from their instruction and prepare to continue toward your nursing home administration licensure.

Faculty Spotlight: Anthony E. Joseph, Jr., M.P.A.

Professor Joseph’s 40-year administrative career included overseeing adult day care (medical and social models), child day care for employees' children, independent senior housing, and home care. (Read full bio below.)

James Brown, Ed.D.
Associate Professor, Management and Administrative Studies
MHA Program Director

James Brown Ed.D.

Dr. James C. Brown is a tenured, Associate Professor of Management & Administrative Studies and Director of the Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration and Nursing Home Administrator Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in the School of Business & Justice Studies; joining the full-time faculty in January of 2014 after serving multiple senior administrative roles at Utica University since 2005. Most recently Dr. Brown served as the Vice President for the School of Online & Extended Studies under President Emeritus Todd S. Hutton, before moving over to the full-time faculty in 2014. Dr. Brown has also served as Assistant Vice President for Marketing & Communications, Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs & Dean of the School of Graduate & Extended Studies, and Vice President for Strategic Initiatives.

Dr. Brown also serves as an inpatient pulmonary team resident liaison at a children’s hospital, supporting specialized pulmonary care teams including attending and resident physicians, fellows, advanced practice providers, pharmacists, and nursing teams charged with providing world class care to the complex medical needs of the kiddos and families that come through the hospital’s doors.

Dr. Brown’s diverse background includes a 30+ year full, part-time and volunteer public safety career in law enforcement and public administration as a police officer, police commander, and police administrator, as well as a volunteer firefighter and advanced cardiac emergency medical technician (NYS AEMT-III). Dr. Brown also served as the Oneida County STOP-DWI Program Administrator for eight years and as vice president for public relations, security and facilities for the former Herkimer County Trust.

Honors and Distinctions

Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, University of Phoenix School of Advanced Studies
Master's in Public Administration, Sage Graduate School
B.S. in Criminal Justice, Utica University

Selected Publications

Brown, J.C. & Philo, R.L. (2017). The Corr of the American criminal justice system: lessons & the anatomy of an American tragedy. Dubuque, Iowa. Kendall Hunt Publishing Company. ISBN: 978-1-5249-1417-2
Brown, J.C., Philo, R.L., Callisto, A., & Smith, P.J. (2016). Command transitions in public administration: A quantitative and qualitative analysis of proactive strategies. Springer Briefs in Policing, 1(1), 1-57. doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-27844-5
Brown, J.C. (2007). Full- and part-time employee stress and job satisfaction at two upstate New York colleges. Dissertation Abstracts International, 68 (08), (UMI No. 3277201).

Tracy M. Balduzzi, Ed.D.
Adjunct Lecturer of Business

Tracy Balduzzi, Ed.D.

Dr. Tracy M. Balduzzi is the Associate Director of Strategic Initiatives at Syracuse University. She is responsible for researching and identifying opportunities to support the key initiatives of the institution. She also researches higher education learning experiences for neurodivergent students as well as using public pedagogy to personalize learning in educational settings.

Tracy earned her B.S. in organizational management from Keuka College, M.S. in Health Care Management from Utica University, and an Ed.D. from Wilmington University. In addition to her formal degrees, Tracy is a graduate of the Leadership Mohawk Valley and the Upstate Medical University Leadership Academy. She also serves on the St. Camillus Nursing Home board and the CNY Women's Fund Leadership Council.

Honors and Distinctions

Ed.D., Wilmington University
M.S. in Health Care Management, Utica University
B.S. in Organizational Management, Keuka College

Jessie D. Campbell, M.S.
Adjunct Lecturer of Sports Management

Jessie Campbell, M.S.

Professor Jessie D. Campbell was raised in the Utica area and the surrounding Mohawk Valley. He toured the country to great lengths taking up residence in a variety of locales for a period that exceeded the next fifteen years. Much of this time was spent traveling throughout the state of Colorado where he would go on to earn his M.S. in Marketing from the University of Colorado in 2009.

Professor Campbell’s professional career was predominantly spent at various levels of the services industry, primarily in the fields of hospitality and lifestyle entertainment. He has performed in a variety of roles in the business sector that include, but are not limited to, marketing strategist, event planner, and in operations management demonstrated at the executive level. These occupations include working alongside several notable organizations that include Crocs, Winter Park Resorts, and the Tao Group of Las Vegas to name a few.

After some time, Professor Campbell returned to the Utica area where he was later invited to join Utica University (then Utica College) where he works in Sports Management with the School of Business & Justice Studies while providing course support in the fields of business management and marketing.

Honors and Distinctions

M.S. in Marketing, University of Colorado

Bari L. Courts, Ph.D.
Adjunct Lecturer of Health Care Administration

Bari Courts, Ph.D.

Dr. Courts has been teaching online for 20 years, including courses in economics, management, organizational behavior, research methodology, and statistics. He has been fortunate to have been asked to guest lecturer at numerous international universities including in Vietnam, Romania, China, Argentina, Mexico, and Spain. Dr. Courts’ professional background includes time in the insurance industry and a position as a project manager for a major ERP software implementation. He also owns a small self-storage business just outside of Cincinnati.

Dr. Courts’ time in the Ph.D. program at Capella University was spent entirely online, thus familiarizing him with the time commitment and other issues associated with completing a degree online. Dr. Courts wants his students to understand that although not easy, the experience is very rewarding.

Dr. Courts is a board member of two organizations, and conducts presentations on various topics, as well as writing course curriculum. His research interests include writing about social media. Dr. Courts’ most recent published article is titled The Influence of Social Media on 21st Century Leaders.

Dr. Courts’ notes that his home life is somewhat unique. His family includes six children from three continents. He has an older son and an older daughter. In 2011 he added two little girls from Russia who are now ages 15 and 14. Four years later, he added two little boys from Africa (now ages 13 and 11). In his free time Dr. Courts stays active by playing soccer for exercise, and singing in both a barbershop chorus and barbershop quartet.

Honors and Distinctions

Ph.D. in Organizational Management, Capella University
M.S. in Global Business Blockchain, University of the Cumberlands
B.A. in Mathematics, Kenyon College

Thomas C. Curnow, Ed.D.
Adjunct Instructor of Health Care Administration

Thomas Curnow, Ed.D.

Dr. Thomas C. Curnow was the Executive Director of Herkimer County HealthNet (HCHN). HCHN works with healthcare systems, not-for-profit organizations, local and state government and private foundations to improve the health and well-being of children and adults in the Central NY region. The focus is on preventing chronic disease, improving access to healthcare and reducing healthcare disparity.

Dr. Curnow has held numerous leadership positions throughout his career. He served as the Chief Operating Officer for a not-for-profit organization in Westchester County, NY., Senior Vice President of Human Resources, Senior Vice President of Quality Development and Vice President of Residential Services. Dr. Curnow has worked in the healthcare, mental health, developmental disabilities and social services field for more than 30 years. Dr. Curnow has served as a Senior Reviewer with the Empire State Advantage: Excellence at Work program (Baldrige style quality program) and provides consulting services to organizations in strategic planning, performance improvement and leadership development.

Dr. Curnow has served as an adjunct faculty member in the HCA program since its inception. Dr. Curnow has served as an adjunct faculty member at Utica University in the Healthcare Administration graduate program since its inception. His teaching responsibilities include courses in organizational development and change, healthcare leadership, quality and performance improvement, marketing and strategic planning and Master’s capstone.

Anthony E. Joseph, Jr., M.P.A.
Adjunct Professor of Health Care Administration

Anthony Joseph, M.P.A.

Professor Anthony Joseph retired as a nursing home administrator, after 40 years, in April of 2022. Professor Joseph’s career included being a CEO at an area agency on aging. Working on various LTC Campuses, Professor Joseph’s experiences included overseeing adult day care (medical and social models), child day care for employees' children, independent senior housing, and home care in addition to skilled nursing facilities. Professor Joseph has been teaching Nursing Home Administration, Gerontology and various Leadership Courses for 34 years.

Professor Joseph received his bachelor of arts degree (BA) from Utica University, his master’s degree in social work (MSW) and master’s degree in public administration from Syracuse University. Professor Joseph also received his certificate in gerontology from the All-University Gerontology Center at Syracuse University. He is also a licensed New York State Nursing Home Administrator.

Honors and Distinctions

M.S.W., Syracuse University
Master's in Public Administration, Syracuse University
B.A., Utica University
LeadingAgeNY James Sanderson Memorial Award: for Leadership in Long Term Care
Innovation of the Year Award for Innovative Programs that improve the lives of those in long-term care
Oneida County Office for the Aging Community Caregiver Award: given to the Administrator contributing the most to caregivers in Oneida County
National Council on Aging; recognized for the first distinct Parkinson’s Residence in a nursing home
First in the nation Telemedicine Program for those with Parkinson’s Disease affiliated with the University of Rochester and Johns Hopkins Neurology Departments

Marvee L. Marr, D.B.A.
Associate Professor of Management

Marvee Marr, D.B.A.

Dr. Marvee L. Marr is an accomplished educator in the field of business with over 25 years of experience teaching in online and in-person higher education settings. Dr. Marr has excellent applied knowledge of varied aspects of corporate management with an unparalleled ability to translate those real world experiences into engaging new curriculum in domestic and international classrooms. Dr. Marr is committed to improving student skill sets and collaborating on academic projects and research. She is a specialist in training/mentoring new professors and designing curriculum. Dr. Marr has also visited 94 countries and lived in 14.

Dr. Marr holds a Doctorate in Business Administration (International Business and Marketing) from Argosy University, a Master of Business Administration (Human Resources and Marketing) from InterAmerican University, a Master of Fine Arts (Creative Writing and Teaching of Writing) from Columbia College Chicago, and a Bachelor of Arts (Communications and Women Studies) from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Honors and Distinctions

D.B.A. in Human Resources and Marketing, InterAmerican University
M.F.A. in Creative Writing and Teaching of Writing, Columbia College Chicago
B.A. in Communications and Women Studies, University of Missouri - Columbia

Selected Publications

Marr, M. (January, 2019). Virtual International Internships in an online international business program. IABRR: Academic Oasis. Key West, FL. 2-4.
Marr, M., Reed, L., & Swank, A. (2019). The Impact of Gender on International Assignment: Women’s Quest for Expatriate Equality. The International Journal of Organizational Diversity, 19(2), 21–39. doi: 10.18848/2328-6261/cgp/v19i02/21-33
Reed, L., Marr, M., Swank, A. and Whitten, C. (2017). Coaching, mentoring, and leading: An undergrad virtual service learning experience. In Domínguez, N., Berkeley, B., Barka, N., Chrisman, T., Kelley, B., & Westfall, E. (Eds.). (2017). 10th annual mentoring conference proceedings (10th ed.): A Decade of Cultivating an Inclusive Mentoring Community [Special Issue 10]. The Chronicle of Mentoring and Coaching, 2(10). pp. 11-14.
Marr, M. (2014, January 1). Retention and Reality in the Hospitality Industry. Hotel Business Review. 11-13
Marr, M. (2011, August). Corporate Social Responsibility of U.S. Multinational Corporations Conducting Business in Central and Eastern Europe. Argosy University, Chicago, IL.

Lisa Shultis, Ed.D., RRT
Executive Dean for Florida Campuses
Director and Professor of Practice, Department of Respiratory Care

Dr. Lisa Shultis

Dr. Lisa Shultis was born and raised in Liverpool, New York. She attended SUNY Health Science Center at Syracuse where she earned a B.S. in Advanced Cardiorespiratory Sciences in 1987. Dr. Shultis earned her Masters in Higher Education from Ashford University in 2014 and a Doctorate degree in Higher Education and Leadership in 2023. Dr. Shultis has practiced clinically as a Registered Respiratory Therapist for over 30 years.

Dr. Shultis has practiced clinically as a Registered Respiratory Therapist for over 30 years. Dr. Shultis has been in higher education as the Director for multiple Respiratory Care and Health Science programs in New York City. Additionally, she has designed, implemented, and managed multiple undergraduate and graduate level allied health programs during her tenure in New York City. In 2022, Dr. Shultis relocated to St. Petersburg, Florida to begin her career with Utica University as the Executive Dean for Florida Campuses and the Director for Respiratory Care. Her new position and location allowed her to become more involved in community service, and business-to-business/business-to-community partnerships.

One of the highlights of Dr. Shultis' move to the Sunshine State includes representing Utica University at the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and becoming a Chamber Ambassador. Dr. Shultis has 4 adult children and 2 grandsons living in various states in America. She enjoys visiting her children, golfing, running, visiting the local beaches, and cooking for family and friends.

Michelle Sowich-Shanley, M.H.A.
Adjunct Professor in Gerontology

Michelle Sowich-Shanley

Michelle Sowich-Shanley has more than 30 years of experience in the healthcare industry and 20 years as a Registered Nurse. She has spent her career working with provider owned physician practices, hospitals, hospital owned physician practices, for profit organizations, not for profit organizations, large academic medical centers, community hospitals, payers, and skilled nursing facilities.

Michelle has extensive experience with the implementation of clinical, revenue cycle, laboratory and radiology software systems, network integration, design and implementation of care delivery system practices that include DSRIP and patient-centered medical homes. She has developed, managed, and maintained high performing teams in nursing, utilization and case management, health care informatics, and clinical information technology. Michelle is currently a health care consultant that advises clients across the United States on EHR vendor selection, implementation planning and execution, implementation support, change management, clinical and operational efficiency, post live optimization, and program management.

Michelle has a master’s degree in healthcare administration from the State University of New York Institute of Technology, a baccalaureate from the State University of New York Institute of Technology in Healthcare Management, and a baccalaureate in Nursing. Currently, she is pursuing her PhD. Michelle is a Registered Nurse, Certified Medical Practice Executive (CMPE), and PROSCI Certified.

NHA Certificate Curriculum

15 TOTAL CREDITS REQUIRED

Our 15-credit online Nursing Home Administrator certificate fulfills the education requirement for licensure¹ in the state of New York. The NHA certificate courses will cover the academic topics necessary for you to move forward with a career in this growing field.

Utica University coursework also satisfies the New York State Department of Health’s academic requirements to become a Nursing Home Administrator.

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NHA Online Program Admission Requirements

To apply for the Nursing Home Administrator certificate online program from Utica University, you’ll need:

Completed application
Résumé
Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
Personal statement
Overall GPA of 3.0 or above*
Official transcripts from schools attended

*Applicants who do not meet the GPA requirement are encouraged to apply and may be admitted at the discretion of the director.

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Tuition and Financial Aid

This 15-credit online NHA certificate program costs $690 per credit. Utica University is dedicated to making advanced education accessible and affordable.

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Sources:

1. In some states, such as New York, the curriculum of Utica University’s online Nursing Home Administration Certificate meets the course requirements for Nursing Home Administrator licensure. Potential applicants should check with their state’s licensing agency or contact an enrollment counselor at (315) 792-3333 (press 1 for the enrollment team) to verify the necessary coursework. Faculty advisers are available to work with students to offer guidance and help them meet the academic requirements of this field.
2. Medical and Health Services Managers – Occupational Outlook. (2022). Retrieved March 26, 2024, from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/medical-and-health-services-managers.htm
3. State authorization page