(a) A qualified applicant for licensure as a nursing home administrator shall possess the following education and experience in order to be eligible for testing:

1. (1) For an applicant who holds a baccalaureate degree (bachelor of science or bachelor of arts) or higher in health care administration (HCA) or long-term care administration (LTCA) with an internship in a nursing home: no additional experience required;
2. (2) For an applicant who holds a baccalaureate degree (bachelor of arts or bachelor of science) in HCA or LTCA without internship: three (3) months internship or experience in a nursing home is required;
3. (3) For an applicant who holds a baccalaureate degree (bachelor of arts or bachelor of science) or higher in nursing or business which included basic core requirements noted under subsection (b) of this section: three (3) months internship or experience in a nursing home is required;
4. (4) For an applicant who holds a baccalaureate degree (bachelor of arts or bachelor of science) or higher in other field which included basic core requirements noted under subsection (b) of this section: three (3) months internship or experience in a nursing home is required;
5. (5) For an applicant who holds an associate’s degree in HCA or LTCA or a registered nurse with an associate’s degree or diploma which included basic core requirements noted under subsection (b) of this section: six (6) months internship or experience in a nursing home is required; and
6. (6) For an applicant who holds an associate’s degree in other field which included basic core requirements noted under subsection (b) of this section: one (1) year internship or experience in a nursing home is required.

(b)

1. (1) A minimum of fifteen (15) equivalent semester hours must be satisfied in these basic core requirement areas (three (3) hours per topic):

   1. (A) Accounting;
   2. (B) Management;
   3. (C) Personnel;
   4. (D) Writing; and
   5. (E) Resident care.

2. (2) Experience and continuing education credits will be accepted in lieu of education as follows:

   1. (A) College or vocational courses (per credit hour or equivalent);
   2. (B) Work experience (six (6) weeks of work experience equals one (1) credit hour);
   3. (C) Credit by examination (CLEP) (credit received);
   4. (D) Continuing education credits (ten (10) contact hours equals one (1) credit hour); or
   5. (E) Any combination of the above.