Recent studies have identified a decline in the number of candidates sitting for the national nursing home administrator licensing exam (NAB, 2003), while other studies have recognized a decline in the number of students enrolling and completing nursing home administrator educational programs (McGinnis, 2003). This occurrence is directly in conflict with the burgeoning aging population and the anticipated 200--300% increase in nursing home use that is expected by the year 2030.;Iowa's largest nursing home administrator education program is the Health Care Administration program at Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) and serves approximately 38 students each semester. DMACC has recognized a diminishing number of students enrolling in health care administration classes and a smaller percentage of these students who are persisting to completion of their vocational goal. A study that would illuminate who is enrolling in the DMACC Health Care Administration classes and who is succeeding to licensure would aid decisions at both the educational level as well as at the policy level.;The purpose of this study was to compare students and practitioners of nursing home administration using Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI RTM). The MBTIRTM identifies the ways an individual perceives their world and comes to conclusions about their world. It has been used in numerous studies to ascertain motivation, strengths, opportunities for growth, frustrations, values, management style, and work environment, and it is a tool common to professionals in health care, management, and higher education.;The null hypothesis of this study stated: There are no MBTIRTM type characteristic differences between nursing home administrator students and licensed nursing home administrators. The alternate hypothesis stated: There are MBTIRTM type characteristic differences between nursing home administrator students and licensed nursing home administrators.;Data were collected using convenience sampling techniques from 148 participants. The participants included 108 administrators and 40 students. The findings of this study illuminate differences and provide direction for future research efforts. Recommendations were made for DMACC educators and employers of nursing home administrators, with suggestions for further research. These suggestions are intended to assist in recruitment and retention of both students and administrators.