Obtain a License | AIT Program and Preceptor | Continuing Education | Retired Active License
Obtain a License
- What are the different routes you can use to be licensed as a Nursing Home Administrator in the State of Washington?
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- You may qualify for endorsement from a substantially equivalent state. You can find more information on the licensing information web page.
- Apply and complete an Administrator-In-Training (AIT) program. The process overview can be found on the licensing information web page.
- You may qualify for an AIT exemption. Information for exemption can be found in WAC 246-843-093.
AIT Program and Preceptor
- What is a preceptor, and what are the requirements to be a preceptor?
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A preceptor is a skilled practitioner who gives personal instruction, training, and supervision in the nursing home setting. This allows the AIT to gain practical experience. Your preceptor must meet the following requirements:
- The preceptor shall be employed as a licensed nursing home administrator for a total of at least three years.
- The preceptor shall be employed full time as the nursing home administrator in the facility where the AIT is trained.
- The preceptor shall have an unrestricted license
More information can be found on the licensing information web page.
- How can I find an AIT Program or a preceptor who will be willing to be a preceptor for an AIT Program?
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The Department of Health does not have a list of preceptors. AIT programs must take place in a Washington state-licensed nursing home. You may want to contact nursing homes and ask about an AIT program. You could also contact one of the two associations that represent nursing home administrators. They are LeadingAge Washington and Washington Health Care Association.
Continuing Education
- Is continuing education required for continued licensure as a Nursing Home Administrator?
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Yes, all continuing education information can be found on the continuing education web page or in WAC 246-843-130.
Retired Active Licenses
- How do I get a retired active license?
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You must first have an active nursing home administrator license. You must request a retired active license in writing and pay the retired active status renewal fee. Refer to WAC 246-843-335 and WAC 246-12-120.
- How many days a year may I practice with a retired active license?
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You may practice only in intermittent or emergent circumstances.
- Intermittent means you will practice no more than 90 days a year. Refer to WAC 246-843-335.
- Emergent means you will practice only in emergency circumstances such as earthquakes, floods, times of declared war, or other states of emergency.
- How do I renew my retired active nursing home administrator license?
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Nursing home administrators must renew their retired active license annually on or before their birthday. They're required to submit the required fee. Please keep your address updated to receive courtesy renewal notices.
Your renewal must be postmarked or received by midnight of the expiration date, or it's considered late. A late fee will be assessed. You may pay through regular or overnight mail, in person, or online. Your inactive license may be renewed up to 90 days before it expires. You should receive a courtesy renewal reminder six to eight weeks before the license expires. If you don't receive the notice within four weeks of your expiration date, please call 360-236-4700 or email us for help.
We can't accept credit or debit cards over the phone. We do accept MasterCard or Visa credit or debit cards at the front counter or online.
Checks or money orders are payable to:
Washington State Department of Health
P.O. Box 1099
Olympia, WA 98507-1099 - Is continuing competency required to renew my retired active nursing home administrator license?
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Yes. You must complete 36 hours of continuing competency every two years. See WAC 246-843-130 for more information.
- How do I return to an active nursing home administrator license?
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Refer to WAC 246-843-335 and WAC 246-12-140.