UWEC CERCA 2026

Our goal is to assess the administrative burden undertaken by prospective long-term care administrators seeking licensure. With the growing need for long term care, and increasing need for healthcare leaders, studying possible deterrents to joining the industry can help make long-term care more accessible. To study the administrative burden taken on by prospective licensees, investigators developed a rubric with qualitative and quantitative questions relating to expected costs, online information, timelines, and other challenges for Licensed Nursing Home Administrator (LNHA) applicants. 35 student data collectors underwent training and were each assigned three U.S. states, following a simulated applicant journey with no knowledge about licensure requirements in each assigned state. Using the structured data collection rubric, they tracked time spent on each step while documenting websites visited and roadblocks encountered. After data analysis, several trends emerged, suggesting a significant portion of states appeared to have barriers to finding and understanding initial licensure requirements. Participant feedback such as including clear flowcharts, simplifying language, and improving website navigation are offered as suggestions for state licensing websites. Reducing administrative burden and increasing clarity about the licensure pathway can make jobs more accessible and ensure people motivated to join this profession feel supported.