Nursing Home Administrator Pathway

Successful completion of these nine credits help you qualify to take the national exam to earn a license as a nursing home administrator in Michigan. Students are strongly encouraged to take a review course immediately prior to the national exam. These nine-credits do not lead to a concentration, certificate or degree specifically designated by WMU. We encourage students to complete the Long-Term Care Administration Minor. However, for those working in the field, this pathway might be the best option. Please contact Dr. Janet Hahn regarding applicable prerequisites for the courses and if transfer credit might be applied to those.

Students who have previously obtained a bachelor's degree will submit the graduate non-degree application in order to take these classes. They will be assessed graduate tuition regardless of  the level of course taken.

After completing the coursework, register with Michigan Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) and complete the education form required by the State of Michigan. Email the completed education form to Dr. Hahn (janet.hahn@wmich.edu). She will then send it directly to LARA.

The phone number for Dr. Hahn is 269-387-8405 and the School of Interdisciplinary Health Programs is (269) 387-3800.

Required courses

  • GRN 1000 - Introduction to Aging Studies (offered asynchronously online in Fall and Spring)
  • HSV 4780 - U.S. Health Policy (offered asynchronously online every session. The formerly offered GRN 4000 is accepted as an option to HSV 4780)
  • HSV 4820 - Post-Acute Care Administration (offered fully synchronously online in Spring, 6 pm Tuesdays)

HSV 4820 examines the administrative management of services provided after hospitalization by skilled nursing facilities, inpatient rehabilitation facilities, nursing homes, home health care, and long-term care hospitals.

State requirements

States have differing requirements for nursing home administrator education. Links to requirements from Michigan and our surrounding states are below: