License: Nursing Home Administrator

Department of Public Health Licensing and Certification Nursing Home Administrator Program external site

P.O. Box 997416, MS 3302

Sacramento, CA 95899-7416

(916) 552-8780

Nursing Home Administrators of institutions licensed as a skilled nursing facility or intermediate care facility in the Health and Safety Code. Fees: Administrator-In-Training (AIT): $286 Nursing Home Administrator State Exam: $1,020 Nursing Home Administrator Provisional License: $1,822 Initial license: prorated, based on birth month and year/date application is received. Renewal period: Every two years, $530 fee Exam (State): Four times per year throughout California. Exam (National): The national examination is computer-based and can be scheduled through the National Association of Long-Term Care Administrator Boards (NAB). Examination Frequency: The Nursing Home Administrators Program is required to administer a licensure examination at least four times each year. Experience Requirement: To qualify for the AIT program, applicants must be at least 18 years of age and meet one of the following: 1. Have a doctorate degree in medicine and a current valid license as a physician and surgeon; 2. Have a baccalaureate degree; 3. Have ten years of full-time work experience and a current valid license as a registered nurse. At least the most recent five years of the 10 years of work experience shall be in a supervisory or director of nursing position. 4. Have ten years of full-time work experience in any department of a skilled nursing facility, an intermediate care facility, or an intermediate care facility/developmentally disabled with at least 60 semester units (or 90 quarter units) of college or university courses. At least the most recent five years of the 10 years of work experience shall be in a position as a department manager. 5. Have ten years of full-time hospital administration experience in an acute care hospital with at least 60 semester units (or 90 quarter units) of college or university courses. At least the most recent five years of the 10 years of work experience shall be in a supervisory position. There are three ways an applicant can qualify for the nursing home administrator license examination: 1. Have a master's degree in nursing home administration or a related health administration field. The master's program in which the degree was obtained must have included an internship or residency of at least 480 hours in a skilled nursing facility or intermediate care facility; or 2. Have a current valid license as a nursing home administrator in another state and meet the education requirements in California; or 3. Have completed an NHAP approved Administrator-In-Training (AIT) program with an NHAP certified Preceptor. Average Time to Process Application: 30 days Authority: Health and Safety Code Sec. 1416.