Nursing Home Administrator Licensure FAQs

What are the qualifications for licensure as a Nursing Home Administrator?

An applicant may apply for licensure by (1) degree and practical experience; or (2) certificate program; or (3) administrator-in-training program. Refer to Regulation 18 VAC 95-20-220. All applicants must receive a passing grade on the national examination.

What are the steps for licensure?

For applicants who are applying by credentials or who already completed an Administrator-In-Training (AIT) Program:

Step 1: Submit the Nursing Home Administrator application, fee, and any additional required documentation. You are notified by the Board once the application review is complete.

Step 2: After receiving notification from the Board, register with the National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards (NAB) to take the National Exam.

Step 3: The Board notifies NAB when you apply and are eligible to take the exam. NAB contacts you to pick a testing location and date.

Step 4: Take the national exam. NAB reports test results back to the Board on a routine basis.

Step 5: After passing the exam, a license is issued and mailed to you by the Board within thirty (30) days. You can find real-time verification of your license on the DHP License Lookup page.

Do you offer licensure by endorsement?

Yes, the Board may issue a license to any person who holds a current, unrestricted license from any state or the District of Columbia and either: (1) is engaged in active practice as a licensed nursing home administrator; or (2) has the education and experience equivalent to qualifications for initial licensure. "Active practice" means a minimum of 1,000 hours of practice as a licensed nursing home administrator within the preceding twenty-four (24) months.

How long does my licensure application remain on file?

Application files are retained by the Board for one (1) year, after which time the application file is destroyed. A new application, supporting documentation, and fee are required to begin the application process again.

What are the qualifications to apply for an Administrator-in-Training (AIT) program?

To be approved as an Administrator-in-Training, an applicant must: 

• receive a passing grade on a total of sixty (60) semester hours of education from an accredited college or university;
• obtain a registered preceptor to provide training;
• locate a licensed nursing home facility that meets the requirements for a training facility;
• submit the application and Domains of Practice form;
• submit the non-refundable fee; and
• submit additional documentation as necessary to determine the eligibility of the applicant and the number of hours required for the AIT program.

What are the requirements for temporary practice of an out-of-state practitioner in a nursing home facility in Virginia?

The NHA and NHA facility administrator shall adhere to the following requirements outlined in § 54.1-2408.4 of the Code of Virginia to be eligible for the temporary practice period:

1. The out-of-state nursing home administrator shall be contracted by or have received an offer of employment in the Commonwealth from a nursing home facility;
2. The nursing home facility shall verify that the out-of-state nursing home administrator possesses an active and unencumbered license, certification, or registration in another state or the District of Columbia;
3. The nursing home facility shall obtain a report from the National Practitioner Data Bank if the applicant is subject to reporting; and
4. Prior to the out-of-state nursing home administrator practicing, the nursing home facility shall notify the Virginia Board of Long-Term Care Administrators that the out-of-state nursing home administrator is employed or under contract and will practice under the temporary authorization. This notice shall include the out-of-state nursing home administrator's out-of-state license, certification, or registration number and a statement that such nursing home administrator meets all of the requirements set forth in 54.1-2408.4 of the Code of Virginia.

The Virginia Board of Long-Term Care Administrator’s Out-of-State Temporary Practitioner Reporting form can be accessed here.

Out-of-state nursing home administrators practicing under a temporary authorization pursuant to § 54.1-2408.4 of the Code of Virginia shall be subject to the laws and regulations of the Commonwealth and shall be subject to disciplinary action by the Virginia Board of Long-Term Care Administrators.