CDONA/LTC - Certified Director of Nursing Administration/Long Term Care

The Certified Director of Nursing Administration/Long Term Care (CDONA/LTC) certification is a specialized credential for nursing leaders in long-term care settings. This certification, administered by the National Association of Directors of Nursing Administration in Long Term Care (NADONA/LTC), recognizes a director of nursing's expertise in managing nursing services in long-term care facilities. The CDONA/LTC certification is designed for nursing professionals who have responsibilities in overseeing care quality, staff management, and regulatory compliance in long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes and assisted living communities.

Completion Time: Information not published online. Contact NADONA for details.

Cost: Information not published online. Contact NADONA for details.

Last updated June 2024. Information was verified on NADONA’s official website at that time. Please reach out to NADONA for the most recent updates.

Exam Format

The CDONA/LTC exam comprises 204 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as leadership and management in long-term care, resident care management, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance.

Topics also include knowledge of gerontology, staff development, and financial management specific to long-term care settings.

A passing score is 80%.

Last updated June 2024. Information was verified on NADONA’s official website at that time. Please reach out to NADONA for the most recent updates.

Eligibility criteria include an RN license and documented experience in nursing administration within long-term care settings.

The application process involves submitting proof of professional experience and educational qualifications.

If unsuccessful on the exam, candidates can reapply following NADONA/LTC’s reexamination policies.

• Renewal is required every 3 years.

• Must document at least 1,000 hours of work as a Director of Nursing, consultant, or volunteer in a leadership role during the 3-year cycle.

• Requires 50 continuing education hours, including:

  • 38 hours focused on leadership, budgeting, aging, Medicare/Medicaid, and regulatory topics.

  • 38 hours must also be from ANCC-accredited providers.

• Renewal is due on the last day of the month your original certification was awarded.

Continuing education requirements include specific hours related to nursing administration, leadership, and long-term care. Detailed records of these activities must be maintained and submitted for the recertification process.

NADONA/LTC provides study materials, including a detailed content outline and recommended resources. Additional resources may include textbooks, online courses, and professional development workshops in long-term care nursing administration.

For the most current and detailed information regarding Certified Director of Nursing Administration/Long Term Care certification, including application guidelines, exam schedules, study materials, and renewal processes, it is advised to refer directly to the National Association of Directors of Nursing Administration in Long Term Care (NADONA/LTC) website.

The NADONA also offers the following certifications:

• Assisted Living Nurse Certificate (CALN)

• Geriatric Diabetic Certified Nurse (GDCN)

• Licensed Practical Nurse Certification (CLPN)

The Geriatric Diabetic Certified Professional (GDCP) has been discontinued.

Other related certifications include:

• Director of Nursing Services–Certified (DNS-CT)

• Certified in Executive Nursing Practice (CENP)

• Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL)

• Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML)

• Nurse Executive Certification (NE-BC)

• Nurse Executive, Advanced Certification (NEA-BC)