Advanced Competency in Home Health

Certification Requirements for PHYSICAL THERAPISTS

Participants must successfully complete the following within a 24-month period:

1. APTA Home Health asks that you complete this form at the time that you decide to pursue this certification. 

2. Five (5) online Core Courses (20 hours total). The core courses include the following; the first four are pre-requisites for the required face-to-face course:

    • Home Health Clinical Assessment (5 hours)
    • Home Health Regulation & Documentation (3 hours)
    • Pharmacology for the Home Health Physical Therapist (5 hours)
    • Balance & Falls: Factors, Measurements, and Interventions for Home Health (5 hours)
    • Ethical Considerations for Physical Therapists Practicing in the Home Health Setting (2 hours)
How do I complete these courses: The Core Courses are available from the APTA Learning Center in a discounted bundle (you’ll save about 10%). Or, you may complete the courses individually. See the course listings page for the Learning Center course reference numbers.

- You must pass the online test for each course with a 70% or higher. A CEU certificate will be available in your Learning Center profile once you complete the course.

3. A two-day face-to-face course in which you will demonstrate home care skills (15 hours).

How do I register for this course: The Advanced Competency in Home Health face-to-face course is offered several times each year by the Home Health Section. When available, details and registration may be accessed through our Calendar of Events. The course is also offered as a pre-conference course at 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.

** PLEASE NOTE - This course will not be offered during CSM 2021 and will be held virtually for the foreseeable future due to COVID-19. Click Here for details and to register.

      • You’ll be required to complete and pass (70% or higher) an online post-test for the face-to-face course.
      • Individual employers or organizations interested in sponsoring this course for their staff should contact the Home Health Section. Note that we require a minimum of 35 attendees.

4. Four (4) hours minimum of elective online courses. The length of elective courses varies. You are required to complete and pass at least 4 hours of electives.

How do I complete these elective courses: The online electives are available from the APTA Learning Center. See the course listings page for the Learning Center course reference numbers.

- You must pass the online test for each course with a 70% or higher. A CEU certificate will be available in your Learning Center profile once you complete the course.

5. Please fill out the PT ACHH Certification Completion form once all requirements are completed. 

Click here to fill out the form.

Additional Program Information:

  • You must complete the entire Advanced Competency in Home Health program within 24 months of the date you start your first online course.
  • 4 of the Core Courses are pre-requisites for the face-to-face course, but you may otherwise complete the courses in any order.
  • You are not required to be enrolled in the Advanced Competency program to take any of the online courses.
  • Get details on the program requirements from the Home Health Section.
  • Get Learning Center technical support, online courses, and monitor your online course progress from your APTA or Learning Center profile.

Advanced Competency in Home Health Certificate Renewal Requirements


More Questions? Be sure to read the Frequently Asked Questions. Or, contact us here.