NHA Education Application Basis

The Education application basis is for individuals who have completed a bachelor’s or master’s degree program at a Minnesota BELTSS and/or NAB NHA approved school. The individuals who apply through this application basis will have to meet the course and practicum requirements stated by the academic institution to meet the MN BELTSS Board standards. Education applicants who wish to substitute courses must contact their academic program director. The BELTSS Board will not substitute courses or request substitution on your behalf.

It is important to know:

When submitted, the application for licensure is open for 18 months (a year and a half).
Upon receipt of the application, information to sit for the state and national examinations will be provided to you.
The Board office communicates with applicants primarily by email.
We update applicants Online Account when new supporting documents are received.

Licensure Requirements
Approved Education Programs

Licensure Requirements
1. has filed a completed application for licensure under part 6400.6100
2. meets the requirements specified in Minnesota Statutes, section 144A.20
3. has obtained a bachelor's degree from an accredited postsecondary institution
4. has passed the national examinations (NAB CORE & NAB LOS NHA) for nursing home administrator developed by NAB
5. has passed the state examination given by the board to test knowledge of Minnesota laws and rules
6. Applicant has completed the courses and practicum requirements of a Minnesota BELTSS and/or NAB approved education program.
7. has successfully completed a criminal background check
8. has not had an application rejected by the board under part 6400.6100, subpart 5
9. has paid the required fees
Approved Education Programs

The Minnesota Board requires the following approved academic programs to maintain a high standard in the initial education and training of the executive administrator for long term care supports and services. Even though the current credential is that of a licensed nursing home administrator, the approved curriculum does not focus solely on the skilled nursing facility but knowledge, skills, and tasks to create person-centered environments for all Minnesota citizens, with a concentration of older adult’s services, regardless of their preferred residency and the services offered. Applicants need to carefully consider either a NAB accredited or a Minnesota approved program in meeting this higher entry-level education requirement for the licensed nursing home administrator/executive administrator.

Note: Specific course numbers are subject to change and should be verified with the Program Director at the school or with the BELTSS office staff. Most courses offered by each institution are available online or in blended environments.
- Current BELTSS Approved NHA Programs
- Regional NAB Schools
- US NAB Accredited Colleges- Minnesota also accepts completion of long-term care curricula completed at the following educational institutions approved by The National Association of Examiners of Long-Term Care Administrators (NAB) as meeting course requirements for nursing home administration licensure. A list of the NAB academic programs can be found on the NAB website.