This article reports the results of a 1989 survey of the professional characteristics and educational needs of 429 managers and supervisors in long-term care institutions and community-based service agencies in greater metropolitan Toronto. The data identify important gaps in the professional training of these administrators: while two-thirds report attainment of postsecondary education credentials, the remaining third, including a quarter of senior managers, have no formal college or university training. Moreover, of those with postsecondary credentials, only a minority are trained in health or human services and administration--skills and knowledge areas key to establishing and managing a client-centered continuum of long-term care. The data also demonstrate that there is widespread support in principle and practice among current administrators in the Toronto region for programs of education which address the particular challenges of long-term care administration, and that specific credentials in the field are seen as a future requirement for promotion to management positions. Preferred modes of education program delivery are short, intensive seminars and night classes.