Learning the Minimum Data Set – Basic Training for the Interdisciplinary Team

Completing the Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessment is complex and requires input from various staff, the residents, and their families. Facilities are responsible for ensuring that all staff who participate in the assessment process have the requisite knowledge to complete an accurate MDS assessment. The MDS assessment drives person-centered care plans, reimbursement, and quality measures, and is a key component of the survey process.

This comprehensive program covers MDS essentials – a kind of boot camp for the interdisciplinary team (IDT). It is designed for the entire IDT to prepare the team to improve MDS accuracy and efficiently utilize Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) manual guidance. This program may be incorporated into facility orientation programs, used for performance improvement, or continuing education.  

  Upon successful completion of the entire program, participants will:

• Understand the role of the RAI in nursing homes,
• Explain the process for completing the MDS, and
• Complete an MDS assessment.

This training will be updated periodically to incorporate annual and intermittent changes to the RAI Manual so that learners will have the most current guidance.

Cost: $349 AHCA members | $549 Non-members

Group purchase with discount structure is available for groups of two or more. Visit the FAQs to know more about the discount offered.

There are no refunds and no transfers.

Credits Offered: 

13.25 continuing education hours (CEs) from the National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards (NAB) and 13.25 contact hours through the Iowa Board of Nursing are available upon course completion.

Annual Renewal

Registrants access to the course will expire within one year of beginning the first component. 

Instructions to Register:

• To avoid technical problems, use Google Chrome. 
• Members will need to log in using their existing email and password first. 
• Once you are logged in to the website you will be able to register by clicking the green register button at the top of the page. 
• If you have forgotten your password click here. 
• If you are new to the site, you can create an account here. Answer all fields on the create an account page- especially locating your company name. You can search by name or zip code. After creating an account, you will be able to register.

Instructions to Begin, after registering: 

• To begin the training, click on the Contents tab.
• Participants can move throughout the lessons in the in course by clicking on the header of each module to expand or minimize their view. 
• Participants must complete each module Check Your Knowledge in the order it appears. 
• Each module Check Your Knowledge is required before opening the final exam to complete the course for CEs. 

Email educate@ahca.org if you need technical assistance. For questions regarding course content, please email regulatory@ahca.org.

The Learning the Minimum Data Set: Basic Training for the Interdisciplinary Team Program Guidebook is a comprehensive resource designed to accompany this MDS training. Purchasing the optional guidebook saves time and reduces costs related to printing 500+ pages and organizing the materials. The Guidebook provides valuable insights to better understand, document, and apply key concepts for a more efficient and effective resident assessment process. The guidebook is available for separate purchase at www.mdsguidebook.com for $75.

The 500+ page Learning the Minimum Data Set Program Guidebook is the perfect companion, enabling team members to take notes and actively engage throughout the training. 

© 2025 American Health Care Association. All rights reserved. Materials subject to this copyright may be photocopied or distributed for the purpose of nonprofit or educational advancement. The use, photocopying, and distribution for commercial purposes of any of these materials is expressly prohibited without the prior written permission of American Health Care Association

Do you have to be an AHCA member to register ?

No. Both AHCA members and nonmembers are eligible to participate in the course. Registration fees vary upon membership.

How much does it cost to take the training?

Registration fee: $349 members, $549 nonmembers. Registration is required as an individual log in and not more than one individual registering for access.

How can an organization group register and pay for MDS Training?

Group purchase is available for groups of 2 or more.  AHCA offers the following discount structure for groups: 2-4 registrations will receive $25 off each registration.  5 or more registrations will receive $50 off each registration. And 10 or more receive $100 off. 

To qualify for group discounts on registrations, advance email requests to educate@ahca.org and invoice payments are required.

After full payment is made for group purchase of the course, you will be provided with a unique code for the individuals to use online during the course registration process, which will translate to $0 due upon registration (because full payment has already been received).  

One code will be provided for each group with a max allowance of times that the code can be used based on the group’s payment. 

Each individual will need to login to the AHCA website to access ahcancalED and then complete their own registration using the group code.

Do I need to review the modules in the order they appear? 

No. The modules are listed in the recommended order for viewing. All check your knowledge quizzes must be completed prior to advancing to the final. 

What does a participant get when they complete the course?

Participants receive one certificate at the completion of the course. Awarding them:

• 13.25 continuing education hours (CEs) from the National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards (NAB) 
• 13.25 contact hour through the Iowa Board of Nursing

Annual Renewal:

Registrants access to the course will expire within one year of beginning the first component.

I am having technical difficulties, who can help?

-- for a better web experience, please use Google Chrome Internet Browser and NOT Internet Explorer.

Please email us at educate@ahca.org.