Advanced Competency in Home Health

Certification Requirements for PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANTS

Effective March 1, 2023 - Participants must successfully complete the following within an 18-month period:

1. APTA Home Health asks that you complete a registration form at the time that you decide to pursue this certification. This will let us know you intend to complete the certification. No purchase required at the time of registration. 

2. Complete the PTA Core Course Bundle of five (5) online core courses (10.25 hours total). The core courses include the following:

  • Cardiopulmonary Assessment for the Home Health PTA (1.25 hours)
  • Home Health Regulation & Documentation (1.25 hours)
  • Pharmacology for the Home Health Physical Therapist (4.25 hours)
  • Staying Upright, Pt. 1 (1.5 hours) & Staying Upright, Pt. 2 (1.0 hour)
  • Ethical Considerations for Physical Therapists Practicing in the Home Health Setting (1.0 hours)

How do I complete these courses: The Core Courses are available as a bundle on the APTA Home Health Learning Center. To purchase the bundle, click here. Then click ‘details’ under the ACHH PTA Core Course Bundle package to find the link to purchase. You will be emailed instructions on how to access the courses after you purchase them. You must pass the online quiz for each course with a 70% or higher. A CEU certificate will be emailed to you once you complete and pass the course quiz. 

3. Attend a live or virtual seminar in which you will demonstrate home care skills (15 hours). These seminars are generally offered 2-3 times a year, including at CSM, however only one virtual seminar will be offered per year.

How do I register for the live or virtual seminar: The Advanced Competency in Home Health live or virtual seminar is offered several times each year by the Home Health Academy. When available, details and registration may be accessed through our Calendar of Events. The seminar is also offered as a pre-conference course at the Combined Sections Meeting (CSM) each winter in collaboration with APTA. Registration for CSM typically opens in September of each year and you must register for CSM through APTA. Registration for the live or virtual seminar must be purchased separately and is NOT included in the PTA Course Bundle. Registrants for the live seminar must provide their own transportation and lodging. 
  • You’ll be required to complete and pass (70% or higher) an online post-test for the live or virtual seminar.
  • Individual employers or organizations interested in sponsoring this course for their staff should contact the Home Health Academy. Note that we require a minimum of 35 attendees for in person seminars.

4. After you have successfully completed and passed all requirements for the ACHH Certification above, please fill out the PTA ACHH Certification Completion form.

  • Click here to submit the PTA ACHH Certification Completion Form. 

 

Additional Program Information:

  • You must complete the entire Advanced Competency in Home Health program within 18 months of the date you start your first component of the certification.
  • You may complete the certification requirements in any order.
  • You are not required to be enrolled in the Advanced Competency program to take any of the online courses or live/virtual seminars.
  • Advanced Competency in Home Health Certificate Renewal Requirements


More Questions? Be sure to read the Frequently Asked Questions or email us at [email protected].