Application Fee
See agencyVerified by MA Board of Healthcare
Nursing Home Administrator Licensing in Massachusetts
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for nursing home administrator in Massachusetts, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Nursing Home Administrator in Massachusetts
Estimated timeline: 3-6 monthsCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 4
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 5
Must possess a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college and a 6 month full-time (4Nursing home administrator means any person charged with the general administration of a nursing home, whether or not such a person has an ownership interest in the home.0 hours per week) internship as an Administrator-In-Training with a preceptor approved by the board, OR.
- 6
Must possess a Bachelor's Degree in Health Services Administration from an accredited college that is a full undergraduate member of the Association of University Programs in Health Administration, or is accredited at the undergraduate level by the American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business, and have completed an internship of at least 6 months duration, OR.
- 7
Must possess a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college, and the successful completion of a long term care administrative training and education program offered by an accredited graduate school of manage-ment, which has been approved by the Board and includes a supervised on-site practicum, OR.
- 8
Must possess a Master's Degree in Health Care Administration from an accredited university approved by the Association of University Programs in Health Administration, OR.
- 9
Must possess a Master's Degree from an accredited university in Business Administration, Public Health Administration, Public Administration, or Human Services Management
- AND 3 months administrator-in-training experience in the health care field (Graduate programs do not satisfy this requirement), OR.
- 10
Candidates who do not meet these requirements may apply to the Board for credit towards the requirements based on years of experience and/or education.
Exam and processing details
- required.
Continuing education and program notes
- required.
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Board of Registration of Nursing Home Administrators
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$132,130 median (12% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#9 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Massachusetts eligibility requirements for Nursing Home Administrator licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required required..
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
- 6. Submit the application to Board of Registration of Nursing Home Administrators and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Massachusetts
With a median salary of $132,130, Nursing Home Administrators in Massachusetts earn 12% above the national median of $117,960. Massachusetts ranks #9 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 3-6 months.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2.1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,805Median annual salary
$132,130Hourly estimate
$63.5212% above national median
Difference: +$14,170
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationNursing Home Administrator Salary Ranking
#9 of 50 statesfor Nursing Home Administrator median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | New York | $149,820 |
| #2 | Washington | $143,300 |
| #3 | Hawaii | $140,750 |
| #4 | California | $136,500 |
| #5 | Georgia | $136,030 |
Nearby States Comparison
Nursing Home Administrator licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $132,130 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 3-6 months |
| New Hampshire | $126,660 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | 21 years |
| Vermont | $125,170 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| New York | $149,820 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Connecticut | $125,820 | Degree required | State-approved exam | 1-6 months |
| Rhode Island | $120,240 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New Hampshire | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Vermont | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New York | 72 | Medium | Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Connecticut | 70 | Medium | Documented experience may be required. |
| Rhode Island | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Board of Registration of Nursing Home Administrators
239 Causeway St., Suite 500, 5th Floor, Boston, MA, 02114
Phone: 8004140160
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Nursing Home Administrator in Massachusetts?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 3-6 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Nursing Home Administrators in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Nursing Home Administrators.
What education do you need to become a Nursing Home Administrator in Massachusetts?
The board typically expects Degree required for Nursing Home Administrator licensure in Massachusetts.
What is the typical Nursing Home Administrator salary in Massachusetts?
The median annual salary for Nursing Home Administrators in Massachusetts is $132,130.
How does the Nursing Home Administrator salary in Massachusetts compare to the national average?
Nursing Home Administrators in Massachusetts earn 12% above the national median of $117,960, with a state median of $132,130.
How many Nursing Home Administrators work in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts employs approximately 19,190 Nursing Home Administrators according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Nursing Home Administrator license to Massachusetts from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Nursing Home Administrators in Massachusetts?
The licensing agency is Board of Registration of Nursing Home Administrators. Review agency details at http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/gov/departments/dph/programs/hcq/dhpl/nursing-home-administrators/about/.
How often do you renew a Nursing Home Administrator license in Massachusetts?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.