NHA "BRIDGE" to RCFE ADMINISTRATOR
The Nursing Home Administrator bridge course is designed to equip individuals with the essential knowledge and skills needed to become a Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE) Administrator. This course focuses on a specific set of 12 hours of subject matter that covers key topics relevant to managing and operating an RCFE, ensuring that participants meet the qualifications required for licensure.
Licensed Nursing Home Administrators: Add Your RCFE Administrator Certification
California-licensed Nursing Home Administrators (NHAs) have a streamlined pathway to becoming a Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE) Administrator. Under California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Section 87406(a)(1), an applicant who holds a valid Nursing Home Administrator license issued by the California Department of Public Health is exempt from completing the standard 80-hour RCFE Initial Certification Training Program (ICTP) and the RCFE Administrator Certification Exam, provided the applicant completes 12 hours of required RCFE Core of Knowledge training.​
Required 12-Hour RCFE-NHA Training Breakdown
The 12 hours of training are divided into three required subject areas:
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4 Hours — RCFE Laws, Regulations, Policies & Procedural Standards
Instruction covering the laws, regulations, policies, and procedural standards that impact the operation of Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly, including applicable Title 22 RCFE requirements.
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4 Hours — Medication Management
Instruction covering medication management for elderly residents, including the use, misuse, and interaction of medications commonly used by older adults, including antipsychotic medications, as well as the adverse effects of psychotropic medications when used to control the behavior of individuals with dementia.
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4 Hours — Resident Admission, Retention & Assessment Procedures
Instruction covering RCFE resident admission, retention, and assessment procedures, helping administrators understand RCFE-specific requirements for evaluating and serving residents appropriately.
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Total Required Training: 12 Hours
This specialized RCFE-NHA pathway allows qualified Nursing Home Administrators to build upon their existing professional training while completing the RCFE-specific education required by California regulations. CDSS currently requires these 12 hours to be completed through in-person or live-stream instruction.