Nursing Home Administration

Explore a focused pathway to leadership in long-term care.

Grad certificate

The 100% online Nursing Home Administration Graduate Certificate equips you with the knowledge and skills to lead in the growing field of long-term care.

Whether you’re looking to advance your current career, pivot into a new role or gain a competitive edge in the job market, this flexible program is designed for working professionals ready to take the next step in long-term care leadership.

Gain expertise for senior living settings such as:

Assisted living and skilled nursing facilities
Memory care and adult day centers
Home healthcare
Hospice care
Continuing care retirement communities

A program within Public Health & Community Health Education

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Certificate — at a glance

Format: 100% online and asynchronous — no required in-person or virtual class meetings.

Credits: 12 credits total (4 courses)

Program start: fall, summer and spring

Program length: Complete the certificate in as little as one year. Flexible pacing allows you to take more time if needed to fit your personal and professional schedule.

Tuition: $725 per credit (textbooks not included)

Meets pre-credential education requirement: This certificate qualifies as a formal "program of study" that meets the pre-credential educational requirement for Nursing Home Administrator licensure in Wisconsin.

Planning to license outside Wisconsin?
Please contact your state licensing board to verify their specific educational requirements before enrolling. We do not guarantee that this program meets licensure requirements in other states.

Career outlook

Why choose the UW Nursing Home Administration Graduate Certificate?

100 % online and flexible

All courses are asynchronous with no required campus visits or scheduled virtual meetings. Watch lectures, engage in online discussions, and complete coursework on your own time — perfect for busy professionals balancing work and life.

Accredited and respected

Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, this certificate assures you have the skills that are relevant to your field and valued by employers. The certificate is also approved by the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents.

Courses aligned with NAB CORE Domains of Practice

Courses in the Nursing Home Administration Graduate Certificate develop skills and knowledge by covering topics aligned with the National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards (NAB) CORE Domains of Practice. As a graduate, you’ll be prepared to meet the changing demands of today’s seniors and contemporary senior living service models. This includes:

Resident-centered care: Ensuring safety, quality of life, and well-being of individuals in long-term care through medical, psychological, and social support.
Facility operations: Managing budgets, risk, and human resources effectively.
Regulatory compliance: Navigating and applying laws and regulations governing licensed nursing homes.
Environment and culture: Building and maintaining high-quality, supportive, and patient-centered communities.
Leadership and strategy: Applying organizational leadership principles to ensure operational excellence.

Featured courses

Long-Term Care Services and Supports
HCA 703 | 3 credits
This course provides detailed exploration of essential services, supports, and an introduction to operational aspects within long-term care facilities. Students learn about the multifaceted nature of providing comprehensive care and enhancing quality of care for residents with a wide range of medical diagnosis and care needs. Differences and similarities of palliative and hospice care are addressed. Special consideration is also given to ancillary care including addressing dental, vision, and podiatry care needs. Diagnostic, trauma care, community services and resources are explored for addressing unique care needs. Consent of department. Offered Fall, Spring.
Developing and Maintaining Quality, Supportive and Patient-Centered Services
HCA 706 | 3 credits
This course explores concepts associated with quality care, safety regulations, and protocols. Students develop and implement programs and practices advancing a high quality, safe living or service environment. Selected topics include certification and licensure, governmental programs, federal codes for safe environments, and development of a person-centered environment for seniors and other service populations. Consent of department. Offered Fall, Spring.
Leadership, Organization, and Strategies in Long Term Care
HCA 707 | 3 credits
This course focuses participants on exploration and application of topics critical to the success of an administrative leader in senior care and services. Special emphasis on critical/crucial conversations, change management, organizational behavior, marketing, public relations, and strategic planning are explored and applied across the care spectrum. Selected topics focus on application of leadership and managerial skills required in today's healthcare and aging services environment. Consent of department. Offered Fall, Spring.

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Important dates

Rolling application process

Submit your online application and materials to your preferred home campus generally 2–4 weeks before classes begin (fall: early September, spring: late January, summer: early June).

Notification of acceptance

Continuous notification.