Advanced Competency in Home Health Certification 
APTA Home Health's Advanced Competency in Home Health (ACHH) certification is a marker of excellence in and commitment to the practice of physical therapy in the home health setting.
The program synthesizes current evidence-based practice and tailors it to the unique physical therapy setting of home health. ACHH enables home health agencies and outpatient practices that provide home care physical therapy, and individual clinicians to enhance the efficacy and efficiency of treatment of their home health patients and clients.
Course completion requirements include a combination of five (5) online, pre-recorded courses and participation in a live program (currently virtual) offered several times throughout the year. For upcoming dates of the live program, visit our calendar of events. Requirements for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants varies slightly.
Who Should Attend?
ACHH is for licensed physical therapists and physical therapist assistants. Individuals who successfully complete the Advanced Competency in Home Health program are provided with a certificate in, and may describe themselves as having obtained a “Certificate of Advanced Competency in Home Health”.
How will you benefit from this certification?
- For clinicians entirely new to home care: This program prepares you for the unique characteristics of practicing in the home care setting. This includes an in-depth orientation to performing either patient assessments (PTs) or cardiopulmonary assessments of patients (PTAs) in their homes, recommended tests and measures to assess patient performance, and instruction in the regulatory requirements specific to home care. The program also will give you needed supplementary education in pharmacology to prepare you for medication review with home care patients, and will provide advanced tools for managing some of the most common treatment scenarios encountered in home care.
- For therapists already practicing in home care: This program allows you to expand your expertise in home health and keep your skill set competitive. The program also brings you up-to-date on regulatory requirements and best practices in the home care setting. Most important, certification distinguishes you as an advanced clinician in home health.
- For agencies and practices providing home care physical therapy services: This program enables you to ensure that the physical therapists you employ are adequately trained to work autonomously in the home health field. Whether you send new hires or existing staff through the advanced competency program, it’s an important investment in your peace of mind. You can also promote your company as employing certified staff, to set yourself apart from the competition.
Certificates are valid for five (5) years from the date completed. Graduates have 30 calendar days after their certificate's expiration date to renew without having to re-take the program.
Other ACHH Resources:
Online modules for this program are available in the American Physical Therapy Association's Learning Center. Contact the APTA Learning Center for technical support on purchases or online course activities.
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