Management skills for long-term care facilities, which include licensed nursing homes, rest homes and caregiver agencies, are on offer through a 12-month professional certification course launched this month by the Bermuda College.

The Administrators in Training programme, running from January 27 to April 28, is to sharpen accountability, operational standards and quality of care for seniors.

Administrator certification is a legal requirement in Bermuda — but the island lacks a local training pathway.

The programme covers two academic semesters and a supervised practical section aimed at strengthening management in care and support, environment, operations and leadership and strategy.

The curriculum includes resident care systems, admissions and discharge processes, regulatory compliance, financial oversight, staffing, governance, risk management and emergency preparedness.

The college said it came after recurring issues seen in facility inspections and complaints, which highlighted the need for formal leadership training.

Ja’Mae Smith, a programme manager at the Bermuda Health Council, said it had been developed after “data showed that many issues in long-term care facilities could be prevented with stronger management”.

She added: “When administrators are confident and well trained, staff performance improves and residents receive the quality of care they deserve.”

The AIT programme adapts an international model to Bermuda’s regulatory and operational framework.

Claudette Fleming of Age Concern, who led the localisation of the curriculum, said it reflected years of collaboration and sector demand, with long-term care facilities “doing their best under increasing pressure”.

She added: “This programme formalises the training administrators have long needed and supports them in meeting modern regulatory and operational expectations.”

Karen Smith, a programme co-ordinator at Bermuda College, said it filled a critical workforce gap.

She added: “This programme provides structured, practical preparation that the sector urgently needs.

“Participants gain tools they can apply immediately in their facilities, strengthening confidence, leadership capacity and care standards.”

The college said lecturers would come from healthcare, regulatory, emergency management, business and community sectors to bring interdisciplinary instruction.

For eligibility requirements, programme schedules or enrolment details, e-mail apace@college.bm or visit www.college.bm.