Continuing Education

Nursing home administrators (NHAs) must complete a minimum of 36 hours of continuing education (CE) every two years in order to renew their license. Licensees must complete a minimum of two hours of health equity training every four years, these hours may count towards the 36-hour total per CE cycle. See WAC 246-843-130 for all continuing education requirements.

Approved Courses

What are the approved courses for continuing education?

Automatically approved courses include any NAB National Continuing Education Review Services (NCERS) certified sponsors, internet-based program sponsors, registered sponsors, or self-study program sponsors.  

Health Equity Continuing Education

What is the new requirement?

Starting in your first full continuing education (CE) reporting cycle after January 1, 2024, you must complete a minimum of two hours of CE training in health equity per reporting period. See Part 15 of chapter 246-12 WAC. 

When did the requirement go into effect?

January 1, 2024. 

When must I complete the training by? 

After January 1, 2024, you will have one full reporting period to do the health equity CE training. See the chart below for CE requirements timing examples: 

CE Reporting Period	First, full CE Reporting Period following January 1, 2024	First Deadline for Health Equity CE Training
November 18, 2021 - November 18, 2023	November 18, 2025 - November 18, 2027	November 18, 2027
July 10, 2022 - July 10, 2024	July 10, 2024 - July 10, 2026	November 10, 2026
January 27, 2024 - January 27, 2026	January 27, 2024 - January 27, 2026	January 27, 2026

Does the requirement change the total number of CE hours for NHAs? 

No. The requirement does not change the total number of CE hours. The health equity CE training requirement will be included in the existing 36 hours required per WAC 246-843-130. 

Where can I find the training? 

We identified a list of free training courses that meet the minimum requirement. The list will be updated on a regular basis. The list is on the Department of Health's Health Equity Continuing Education webpage. 

Does the training have to be in person? 

No. The list provided in the question above includes free online training courses. 

What if I don’t like any of the free training courses? 

In addition to listing and maintaining free courses, there is a categorized list of training courses that cost money. 

Can I take a course that is not listed on the Department of Health’s Health Equity Continuing Education website?  

Yes. It must meet the educational requirements in WAC 246-12-830. More information is on the health equity CE webpage.