Nursing Home Administrator–Certified
10-Course Set – Members: $1,090 | Non-members: $1,590
Continuing Education: 31.5 NAB credits and ANCC hours
Effective Leadership of Healthcare Operations
AAPACN’s Nursing Home Administrator–Certified (NHA-CT) certification is designed to validate the knowledge, skills, and competencies required for effective leadership and management in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). Grounded in AAPACN’s NHA Body of Knowledge, the certification prepares administrators to oversee complex healthcare operations, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive high-quality, resident-centered care.
By integrating operational, clinical, and financial competencies, this certification equips administrators to lead interdisciplinary teams, navigate evolving healthcare regulations, and foster a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement in long-term care settings. Develop the ability to analyze facility performance, apply evidence-based practices, and implement strategic initiatives that improve outcomes, workforce engagement, and organizational sustainability.
Take a sneak peek. Access this free on-demand webinar for more insight into the program format, tools, and resources available with the certification. Or download this one-page information sheet to share with colleagues and facility leadership.
NHA-CT Courses
Through engaging online modules, real-world scenarios, and interactive assessments, you will gain a deep understanding of the operational, clinical, and ethical responsibilities of today’s nursing home administrator. The course consists of 10 on-demand modules covering:
- Principles of Leadership
- Resident Care and Services
- Employee Services and Success (HR)
- Quality Improvement
- Operations and Environment
- The RAI Process and Medicare Requirements
- Finance
- Regulatory Compliance
- Risk Management
- Professional Development
Each module is thoughtfully divided into smaller manageable units with presentations and knowledge checks to reinforce learning and ensure comprehension. Upon completing all modules, you must pass a 100-question final exam with a minimum score of 80% to earn the NHA-CT certification.
The course also includes practical tools that administrators and facility leaders can use to support daily operations. Review the full list of tools included in each module.
Visit the AAPACN Education FAQs page for more information.
NHA-CT Certification Requirements
This online course is approved for 31.5 hours of continuing education by the National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards (NAB) and American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), and emphasizes 10 critical domains.
To earn the NHA-CT certification, candidates must:
- Be a licensed nursing home administrator
- Have the equivalent of two years of full-time post-acute care experience, with a minimum of one year of experience either as an NHA or relevant leadership experience
- Take the NHA-CT course and exam and pass with a score of 80% or better. This course provides three attempts to pass a final certification exam with a score of 80% or higher. If you do not pass after three attempts, you may purchase an another three exam attempts. If you still do not pass after six attempts, you may request additional exams through the appeals process, however it is not guaranteed that additional attempts will be granted. After that, you are required to wait one year before repurchasing the program and taking the certification exam again.
The NHA-CT certification is valid for two years. Learn more about the NHA-CT Certification by downloading the Candidate Handbook.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this certification, you will be able to:
- Identify gaps in organizational systems, leadership practices, and interdisciplinary processes impacting quality outcomes, regulatory compliance, and resident care across long-term care settings
- Evaluate facility performance using quality measures, financial data, regulatory standards, and risk indicators to determine effectiveness and prioritize improvement strategies
- Recognize evidence-based leadership, operational, financial, and regulatory principles to manage facility systems, ensure compliance, and support safe, resident-centered care delivery
- Discuss strategic initiatives, quality improvement plans, and organizational systems that enhance workforce effectiveness, financial sustainability, and resident outcomes in skilled nursing facilities
Need help accessing your certificate?
Your certificate will be ready for you on the My Certifications or My Transcript area of your Learner Dashboard once you have fulfilled all of the certification requirements.