Please contact Michelle Walters or Karina Schnieders for more information about these courses. NOTE: In order to receive the MHCA Member discount, please login to your member account.
For a listing of our alternative education options, visit our Online Education page for details on online training courses and webinars.
Please click on an option below to view more upcoming seminars or more information on workshops.
AHCA/NCAL Quality Award Workshops
Silver Quality Award Seminar
Date & Time:
Tuesday, September 30: 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, October 1: 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (including a working lunch)
$300 per facility
Continuing Education: 11.0 Administrative CEUs
Location:
MHCA Office
236 Metro Drive
Jefferson City, Missouri 65109
This workshop will provide participants in-depth training on the AHCA/NCAL Silver Quality Award Application process, gaining valuable insights into how to effectively navigate the requirements. The session will also provide technical guidance, covering the technical requirements and re-certification policies associated with the Awards Program. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore and understand the Silver Quality Award Criteria in detail, and develop a structured framework for their Quality Award Application. Additionally, ongoing support is offered through bi-weekly consultations to assist throughout the application writing process.
Session Highlights:
- In-depth Training: Gain valuable insights into the AHCA/NCAL Silver Quality Award Application process.
- Technical Guidance: Understand the technical requirements and re-certification policies of the Awards Program.
- Criteria Review: Explore and learn about the Silver Quality Award Criteria.
- Application Framework: Develop a structured framework for your Quality Award Application.
- Ongoing Support: Benefit from bi-weekly consultations to assist you throughout the application writing process.
Instructors:
Renee Ridling, M.S., L.N.H.A., Renee is the current Executive Director at Gingerbread House, Inc. Renee has been passionate about long-term care since she joined the industry in 1992. Renee has managed Residential Care, Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing Facilities in her career. Renee also serves as an AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Senior (Silver) and Master (Gold) Examiner. Renee and one of her previous facilities achieved AHCA’s highest level of recognition by being the first facility in Missouri to receive the Gold-Excellence Quality Award several years ago. She has coached numerous facilities in achieving the Bronze and Silver Award. Her experience as an examiner and as an award recipient will provide valuable insight and guidance to participants in this introductory course on how to understand and apply for this award.
Michelle Walters, Michelle began her career with the Missouri Health Care Association (MHCA) in September of 2005 where she trained in several areas before finding her passion in the education department. As the Director of Education, Meetings & Events, Michelle strives to provide MHCA members with the most up to date educational offerings. Michelle became an AHCA/NCAL Senior Examiner over 5 years ago in hopes to assist more MO facilities on their road to achieving the Silver Excellence in Quality award.
Bronze Quality Award Seminar
Date & Time:
October 29, 2025
8:30 am – 4:30 pm
7.0 Administrative CEUs
Cost: $100 per facility (lunch included)
Location:
MHCA Office
236 Metro Drive
Jefferson City, Missouri 65109
The AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program provides a pathway for providers of long term care services to journey towards performance excellence. The program is based on the core values and criteria of the Baldrige Performance Excellence Program. The Quality Award program has three progressive step levels. This seminar will cover the first level, Bronze – Commitment to Quality. Bronze Award applicants begin their quality journey by developing an organizational profile including vision and mission statements, an awareness of their environment and customers’ expectations, and a demonstration of their ability to improve a process.
This session includes training and consultation on how to complete the AHCA/NCAL Bronze Quality Award Application led by a trained Quality Award Examiner and Gold Level award recipient. This training will decipher the criteria, answer questions, clarify concepts, and guide participants through the process of writing an organizational quality award application. Using interactive technology, participants will leave the workshop with their applications complete or with few areas to fill in.
Objectives
·Gain knowledge on the AHCA/NCAL Bronze National Quality Award Application Process
·Understand the technical requirements of the application process and re-certification policy of the Awards Program
·Review and learn the Bronze Quality Award Criteria
·Develop the framework of a Quality Award Application
Instructors:
Renee Ridling, M.S., L.N.H.A., Renee is the current Executive Director at Gingerbread House, Inc. Renee has been passionate about long-term care since she
joined the industry in 1992. Renee has managed Residential Care, Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing Facilities in her career. Renee also serves as an AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Senior (Silver) and Master (Gold) Examiner. Renee and one of her previous facilities achieved AHCA’s highest level of recognition by being the first facility in Missouri to receive the Gold-Excellence Quality Award several years ago. She has coached numerous facilities in achieving the Bronze and Silver Award. Her experience as an examiner and as an award recipient will provide valuable insight and guidance to participants in this introductory course on how to understand and apply for this award.
Michelle Walters, Michelle began her career with the Missouri Health Care Association (MHCA) in September of 2005 where she trained in several areas before finding her passion in the education department. As the Director of Education, Meetings & Events, Michelle strives to provide MHCA members with the most up to date educational offerings. Michelle became an AHCA/NCAL Senior Examiner over 5 years ago in hopes to assist more MO facilities on their road to achieving the Silver Excellence in Quality award.
Federal Review Course
Federal Review Course
The Federal Review Course for Nursing Home Administrators Exam is to help attendee prepare for the nursing home administrator federal licensure exam. Review Course material have been revised and updated to reflect the structure of the current examination.
November 18-19, 2025 – Virtual Workshop
*Please note that this class will now only be held VIRTUALLY.
Pre-payment is required
The purpose of the Review Course is to help attendees prepare for the nursing home administrator federal licensure exam. Theoretical, philosophical and practical aspects of long term care administration are discussed. The instructor will review sample test questions from the study book, which is provided free to all attendees. Study tips will be suggested throughout the workshop, therefore it is recommended that attendees allow sufficient time to study on their own after attending the review course before sitting for the exam. Review course materials have been revised and updated to reflect the structure of the current examination. Prior to the workshop, it is essential the attendee understands concepts and principles involved in the long term care industry. Individuals who intend to take the licensure exam must first apply with the Missouri Board of Nursing Home Administrators (573-751-3511).
Workshop Topics
- Residential Care Management (Care Plans, Medical Records)
- Personnel Management (Policies and Procedures, Employment Practices)
- Financial Management (Terminology, Budgeting, Accounting Systems)
- Environmental Management (Medicare, Medicaid, Fire and Safety)
- Governance and Management (Overall Policies and Procedures, Evaluation)
Instructor(s)
- Joseph E. Townsend – Joe has taught the Review Course to help prepare people for the NAB exam since 1990. He has taught this course in North Caroline, Florida, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, Arkansas, Ohio, New Mexico, and Missouri.
- Mona Dortch, RN – Mona is a licensed nursing home administrator and has taught seminars on a variety of long term care topics including mock surveys & Medicare training throughout the US.
Recommended Textbook
The book, Principles of Health Care Administration, is used as a basis for much of the course material dealing with the federal portion of the exam. Textbooks are available through Professional Printing & Publishing (online at www.ppandp.com) or for purchase from MHCA. A limited number of books will be available for purchase onsite at each workshop.
MDS Training
MDS Training
Medicare from Start to Finish begins with how to gain access to and read the MDS reports rom CASPER to self-audit your RAI process. RAI Process from Start to Finish looks at the RAI process from beginning to end.
Co-provided by:
RAI Process from Start to Finish
**This workshop will only be offered virtually for 2025.**
Please click here to access the online education page for more details and to view the workshop dates.
Medicare from Start to Finish
**This workshop will only be offered virtually for 2025.**
Please click here to access the online education page for more details and to view the workshop dates.
Maintaining the Maintenance Workshop
Maintaining the Maintenance Workshop – Efficiency & Best Practices
Date & Time:
October 21, 2025
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Lunch is included
Location:
MHCA Office
236 Metro Drive
Jefferson City, Missouri 65109
MHCA Member – $100/person
Non-member – $200/person
This comprehensive session is designed to empower facility maintenance professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to run a safe, compliant, and well-organized department. Participants will explore key aspects of Life Safety Code (LSC) compliance, including how to interpret regulations, maintain required certifications, and ensure timely renewals. We’ll also dive into best practices for organizing essential documentation and training staff to uphold LSC standards across the facility.
Beyond compliance, this class will cover the nuts and bolts of effective maintenance operations:
· Preventive maintenance strategies to reduce downtime and extend equipment life
· Proper storage techniques and temperature control for sensitive materials
· Sanitation protocols to meet health and safety requirements
· Essential tools of the trade and how to use them efficiently
Whether you’re leading a maintenance team or looking to sharpen your operational skills, this session offers practical insights and actionable takeaways to keep your department running smoothly and safely.
Libby Youse, BGS, LNHA, IP experience in the nursing home and medical field span over 30 years, first as a Nurse’ Aid then later as a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator. Libby worked as LNHA in buildings for 23 years and then went on to serve Missouri Nursing Homes through the MU Sinclair School of Nursing QIPMO program for 8-1/2 years as an Administrative Leadership Coach. Libby was instrumental in helping homes to develop Quality and Performance Improvement (QAPI) teams, regulatory compliance resulting in good survey outcomes, quality measures, proficiency in management, financial accountability, along with implementing culture change. Libby is a graduate of the University of Missouri – Columbia with a Bachelor of General Studies modules which included Business, Finance and Health Science. She has completed the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)’s Life Safety Code Essentials for Health Care Occupancies, CDP/Certified Dementia Practitioner, and IP-Infection Preventionist.
“Thrown Into the Deep End!” – Training for New Directors of Nursing Virtual Workshop
“Thrown Into the Deep End!” – Training for New Directors of Nursing Virtual Workshop
Date & Time:
October 15, 2025
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
*Please note that this class will be held virtually.
Location:
MHCA Office
236 Metro Drive
Jefferson City, Missouri 65109
Registration Fees:
MHCA Members – $100 per person
Non Members – $250 per person
*class size is limited to the first 30 people
Session Info:
Most new DONs are thrown into the deep end of the management pool and you basically have to sink or learn to swim, wade, and tread water! There are A LOT of nonclinical things to go along with the clinical skills you’re expected to know. This workshop will be your new DON 101. We’ll talk about everything from regulations and running the floor, to required in-services and tons of resources. You will leave here knowing what’s expected of you and how to get a start on it!
- Participants will learn the various regulatory requirements for long-term care and those that the DON is directly responsible for.
- Participants will understand how to effectively manage, promote, engage, and discipline nursing staff appropriately.
- Participants will learn how to prepare for survey, the meaning of quality measures and the 5-star, and be given an introductory course to the MDS.
Presenter:
Wendy has been a nurse for almost 20 years, serving the long-term care community as a nurse on the floor, ADON, DON, wound nurse, MDS coordinator, Director of Assisted Living, and Director of Memory Care. She is currently serving as a clinical nurse educator with the Quality Improvement for Missouri (QIPMO) team and assists over 90 skilled nursing facilities in MO DHSS Region 2.
Wendy is a well-known speaker for the state associations and enjoys teaching others in an interactive, hands-on manner. She is a volunteer for the Southern 7 Medical Reserve Corp and an active participant in the rural healthcare coalition for emergency preparedness. Wendy’s passion is improving the quality of life for residents in long-term care. “Our job is to help people continue to live life to the best of their ability with happiness, joy, adventure, and purpose.”
CNA/Nurse Leadership Conference 2025
CNA/Nurse Leadership Conference
Co-Sponsored by:
Date & Time:
November 18-19, 2025
1:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Location:
Camden on the Lake
2359 Bittersweet Road
Lake Ozark, MO 65049
Cost is $75 per facility.
Educate. Empower. Celebrate.
Join us for a dynamic and inspiring event designed to honor the heart of healthcare—our CNAs and nurses. This conference blends professional development with celebration, offering 24 hours of learning, connection, and fun.
What to Expect:
- Educational Sessions on:
- The CNA/Nurse role in the survey process
- Dementia care best practices
- Leadership development
- Team building strategies
- And more!
- Expert Speakers & Interactive Workshops – Gain insights, share experiences, and leave with tools to elevate your practice. More details on the sessions coming soon!
Celebrate With Us:
After a day of learning, unwind with a Dinner & Dance Celebration—because you deserve it! Enjoy great food, music, and camaraderie with fellow healthcare heroes.
Who Should Attend:
Front Line Caregivers, Licensed Nurses, and Nurse Leaders ready to grow, connect, and be celebrated.
Camden on the Lake will have rooms available at a reduced rate of $110 until 10/29/25. Please call the hotel directly at 573-365-5620 to make your reservations and let them know you are with the MO Association of Nursing Home Administrators group.
Proposed Agenda:
Tuesday, November 18
12:30 p.m. – Registration begins
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Concurrent Sessions
- “Caring Through Understanding: How CNAs Support Residents with Dementia” – presenter: Wendy Boren, QIPMO – Practical, compassionate strategies for connecting with residents experiencing dementia and behavior changes — and finding meaning in every interaction.
- “Nurses Role in the Survey Process” – presenter: Tracy Niekamp, DHSS – Learn from state regulators how nursing leadership shapes survey outcomes through preparation, documentation, and team support.
2:15 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. – Concurrent Sessions
- CNAs Role in the Survey Process – presenter: Tracy Niekamp, DHSS – Learn directly from state regulators about the vital role CNAs play in the survey process and how to confidently contribute to a successful survey.
- “Leading Through Understanding: Guiding Teams in Dementia and Behavioral Care” – presenter: Wendy Boren, QIPMO – A session focused on how charge nurses, DONs, and leaders can support their teams in providing consistent, person-centered care for residents with dementia.
3:30 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. – “More Than a Meal: Teamwork and Dignity in the Dining Room” – presenter, Jennifer Parham, SGC – Explore how CNAs and nurses can work together to make mealtime safe, supportive, and meaningful — turning dining into a moment of connection and celebration.
4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. – “Filling Your Own Cup: Caring for Yourself to Keep Caring for Others” – presenter: Ashlee Jenkins, StoneBridge – An inspiring story from a long-term care administrator who learned that putting health and balance first isn’t selfish — it’s essential to continue making a difference in the lives of others.
6:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. – Dinner and Dance (food and 2 drink tickets included for each person)
Wednesday, November 19
7:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. – Yoga – led by Ashlee Jenkins
8:15 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. – Breakfast and Networking (included in registration fee)
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. – Concurrent Sessions
- “Empowered Teams, Lasting Impact: The Nurse’s Role in Retention and Culture” – Explore how everyday leadership from charge nurses and DONs can build stronger, more connected care teams.
- “Empowered Voices: The CNA Experience” – A positive, open forum where CNAs share what makes their work meaningful, discuss everyday challenges, and explore how teamwork and support can make their roles stronger than ever
10:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. – “Here to Stay: Why Long-Term Care is More Than a Career — It’s a Calling” – Hear from those who’ve dedicated their lives to caring for others and learn why LTC remains one of the most meaningful paths in healthcare.
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. – Closing fun and Lunch (included in registration fee)
Additional info – Michelle Walters (michelle@mohealthcare.com) and Dottie Pataky (dotties@mlnha.org)
Attire
Attire for MHCA seminars is business casual; we recommend you dress in layers as meeting room temperatures may vary.
Registration/Payment
Pre-registration is required for all workshops. Payment/registration must be received by noon the day before the workshop begins. Company checks are money orders should be made payable to MHCA. Credit card payments are accepted, we accept Visa, MasterCard & American Express. We do offer a billing option for MHCA Members only. We do not accept personal checks.
Cancellations/Refunds
Refunds will be issued to registrants who cancel in writing within 48 hours of the workshop. Cancellations received after this time and no-shows will be charged the full registration fee. Substitutions are allowed. Please fax or email your written cancellation to Karina Schnieders at 573-893-5248 or karina@mohealthcare.com.
Special Needs
In order for MHCA to assure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, we ask anyone with special needs to please notify the MHCA office at least seven (7) days prior to the workshop you will be attending.
Questions?
MHCA Office – 573-893-2060
Michelle Walters, Director of Education, Meetings & Events – michelle@mohealthcare.com
Karina Schnieders, Education, Meetings & Events Assistant – karina@mohealthcare.com