How to Renew Your Nursing Home Administrator (NHA) License

Why License Renewal Deserves Your Attention

Renewing your Nursing Home Administrator license often ends up on the back burner. Between surveys, staffing challenges, family concerns, and daily operations, it is easy to think, “I’ll handle that later.” But license renewal is more than paperwork. It is what allows you to keep doing the work you care about and leading your facility with confidence.

Staying licensed means staying current. Regulations change. Best practices evolve. Renewal ensures you are keeping pace with the industry and continuing to grow as a leader.

Know Your State’s Rules First

The first step to renewing your NHA license is understanding your state’s specific requirements. While most states follow NAB guidelines, renewal cycles, required continuing education hours, and deadlines can vary.

Some states renew every year, others every two years. Some require specific topic areas like ethics or resident rights. Before you enroll in courses or submit paperwork, take a few minutes to review your state licensing board’s requirements. That small step can save you a lot of frustration later.

Completing Your Continuing Education Hours

Continuing education is the heart of the renewal process. Most administrators need a set number of NAB-approved CE hours to qualify for renewal.

The good news is that earning credits is more flexible than ever. Many administrators complete CE hours through online courses, webinars, or virtual conferences. This makes it easier to fit education into a busy schedule without stepping away from the facility for long periods.

When choosing courses, look for topics that actually support your role. Compliance, infection control, leadership, quality improvement, and clinical coordination all have a direct impact on daily operations and resident outcomes.

Keep Your Documentation Organized

One of the most common renewal headaches is missing paperwork. Certificates get misplaced. Course details get forgotten. Deadlines sneak up.

A simple system can make all the difference. Save certificates in a dedicated folder, either digital or physical. Keep a running list of completed CE hours and dates. When renewal time comes, everything is ready to go and stress stays low.

Submitting Your Renewal Application

Once your CE hours are complete, the final step is submitting your renewal application and fee through your state board. Double-check that all information is accurate before submitting. Small errors can delay approval.

Submitting early is always a good idea. It gives you time to fix issues if something is missing and helps avoid lapses in licensure.

Making Renewal a Habit, Not a Scramble

The easiest way to renew your NHA license is to stop thinking of it as a once-every-few-years task. Many administrators set quarterly CE goals or complete a few hours every month. This approach spreads the workload and keeps knowledge fresh.

At SNF Wound Care, we believe strong leadership starts with staying informed. When administrators stay current, facilities run smoother, teams feel supported, and residents receive better care. License renewal is not just a requirement. It is an investment in your leadership and the people who rely on it every day.

Learn more about SNF Wound Care’s very own wound care certification program by visiting https://bit.ly/3RUyOnT