How To Become a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator

State licensing boards have specific requirements for becoming a licensed nursing home administrator. You can use the information on this page for a general idea of how to become a licensed NHA.

To become a licensed nursing home administrator, you need to complete several steps. There are many requirements to complete in each step.

See a complete list of steps you can take to become a licensed nursing home administrator below.

Steps to Become a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator

Follow the steps below to become a licensed nursing home administrator.

Step 1. Learn Requirements to Obtain Licensure

You are required to obtain licensure through your state licensure board.

Requirements for seeking licensure generally include:

• learning your college degree
• passing an NHA examination
• completing an administrator-in-training program
• completing a criminal background check

You can learn more about your requirements for seeking licensure by visiting the website for the National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards or your state board of licensure.

Once you understand the requirements for obtaining an NHA license, complete the education requirements to gain the appropriate knowledge and skills.

Step 2. Complete Education Requirements

Education requirements for NHA licensure vary depending on your state. Most states require you to have a bachelor's or master's degree to become a nursing home administrator.

Some states will allow you to seek licensure with only a high school degree or an associate degree. Still, most employers prefer to hire NHAs with at least a bachelor's or graduate degree.

Bachelor's Degree

Earn your bachelor's degree in a healthcare-related field to prepare for a career as a nursing home administrator.

Common majors include:

• health care administration
• nursing
• business administration

In many states, a bachelor's degree is all that is required of a college education to become a licensed NHA.

Master's Degree

You may be required to earn a master's degree before you can become a nursing home administrator in your state.

Advanced studies are recommended for developing advanced knowledge and skills in managing the admissions process, building maintenance, resident care, and more of a nursing home.

Earn your master's degree in nursing or healthcare administration to be considered for many opportunities.

Step 3. Complete an Administrator-in-Training Program

Most states will require you to complete a certain number of hours in an administrator-in-training program to become a licensed NHA.

Your AIT experience will consist of professional work duties in a state-approved facility that is supervised by an AIT preceptor.

The program provides training in several areas including nursing, rehabilitation, medical records, administration, and more.

Step 4. Apply for State Licensure

When you are confident that you have completed the requirements to apply for state licensure, visit your state board to complete the application and sit for the NHA examination.

The application must be submitted with all supporting documentation.

Examples of supporting documentation may include:

• educational transcripts
• criminal background check
• approved form of identification

NHA Examination_

The NHA examination is provided by the National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards through PSI Services and consists of 125 core knowledge questions and 75 NHA questions.

Complete all your state board licensure requirements, including successfully passing your state exam to become a licensed nursing home administrator. Your state board will notify you of your results.

Maintaining Your Nursing Home Administrator Licensure

In most states, you are required to complete continuing education requirements annually or every two years to maintain your active status for state licensure.

Find an NAB-approved CE provider on the NAB website to complete your continuing education requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator

Find commonly asked questions about becoming a licensed nursing home administrator below.

Is It Hard to Become A Licensed Nursing Home Administrator?

There are several steps that involve rigorous training and instruction to become a licensed nursing home administrator.

The process may or may not seem difficult depending on your current level of interest, education, and dedication to meeting your career goal.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator?

It takes years of education and training to become a licensed nursing home administrator. Depending on your current level of education, it can take three to eight years to become a licensed NHA.

Should I Become a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator?

You may want to start a career as a licensed nursing home administrator if you have a background as a registered nurse or experience in a related field and are interested in overseeing a nursing home.

If you do not have any education or experience, you may want to seek a career as a licensed NHA if you are interested in providing high-quality health care.

Become a Licensed NHA

If you are interested in becoming a licensed nursing home administrator, complete the steps on this page and take the necessary steps to maintain an active license to practice in your state.