Thinking About Becoming a Missouri Residential Care/ Assisted Living Administrator? Here’s What It Takes (and Why It’s Worth It!)

Tina Gotsch
Jan 6
2 min read

Have you ever found yourself solving problems before anyone even asks… juggling a dozen priorities… calming a worried family member… and still remembering everyone’s name? If so, you might already have the heart of a Residential Care/ Assisted Living (RCAL) Administrator.

Good news—you don’t need to have done everything in senior care to qualify. If you’ve worked with people, led a team, and care about quality, you may already be closer than you think!

Here’s what the state requires:

✅ The Basics

You must be 18 years of age or older (adulting required 😉)
You must have completed high school or an equivalent education

✅ Background Review

If there has been a criminal conviction, the Board will review the application following sections 324.012 and 344.050, RSMo(Every situation is reviewed individually—honesty always matters.)

✅ Experience or Education Pathways (Pick the One That Fits You Best!)

You can qualify through experience, education, or a combination of both—no one-size-fits-all path here.

🏥 Experience Path

At least two (2) years of health care or aging-related experience*
Includes management responsibility and supervision of two or more staff(If you’ve led a team and worn multiple hats, this one might be you.)

🎓 Associate Degree Path

An associate degree
At least one (1) year of health care or aging-related experience*
Includes six (6) months of management responsibility and supervision of two or more staff(Education plus hands-on experience—a great balance.)

🎓🎓 Bachelor’s Degree or Higher Path

A bachelor’s degree or higher
At least six (6) months of health care or aging-related experience*
Includes six (6) months of management responsibility and supervision of two or more staff(Less time required—your degree does some heavy lifting here.)

💡 What Counts as Health Care or Aging-Related Experience?

Great question! Experience must be full-time equivalency in one of the following licensed settings:

Home health agency
Hospice agency
Acute-care or long-term care facility
Adult day care program
Mental health facility

(As defined by 19 CSR 73-2.010(8)—yes, it’s official.)

🌟 Bottom Line

If you’ve cared for others, supervised staff, and want to lead with compassion and confidence, you may already meet the qualifications. And if you’re close but unsure—that’s exactly why support and preparation matter.

✨ Becoming an RCAL administrator isn’t just about checking boxes—it’s about stepping into leadership with purpose.

🚀 Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re reading this and thinking, “That sounds like me,” we’d love to help you move forward.

Our Residential Care & Assisted Living (RCAL) Licensure Study Course will be held January 20–22, and it’s designed to prepare you to pass the exam with confidence while enjoying an engaging, supportive, and interactive learning experience.

This in-person course includes: