Certificates and Certification

Certification Options for Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute Participants

• Certificate of Skills Completion - A knowledge-based certificate awarded to course participants at each Pelvic Floor Series Course (PF1, PF2A, PF2B, and PF3). Course participants will be assessed by the faculty on their examination and treatment skills in the lab based upon the knowledge, behavior and skills presented to them in the course. They will also complete a post-course didactic test to certify their knowledge of the materials presented and the use of techniques. There is no additional fee for a certificate or test.  
• Pelvic Muscle Dysfunction Biofeedback Certification by Biofeedback Certification Institute of America (BCIA-PMDB)
• Pelvic Therapy Practitioner Certification by Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute (PTPC)  The Institute is currently pursuing accreditation through a national credentialing organization.  It is a result of pursuing this accreditation that the Institute does not have all of the plans finalized for the PTPC at this time.  The Institute is also adhering to the strict guidelines offered through NOCA.  The Blueprint for Certification is almost complete and will be uploaded onto our website shortly.  The following are some of the specific knowledge domains in the area of female urology, male urology, gynecology, colorectal and sexology that are listed in the Blueprint:  (1) anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology of the female and male in general and the abdominal-pelvic areas in particular; (2) knowledge of other medical disciplines and their practice as they relate to the pelvic floor and pelvic girdle; (3) physical therapy practice and procedures for evaluation and intervention of pelvic floor and pelvic girdle disease and dysfunction; and (4) physical therapy regulations, protocols, guidelines and ethics as they relate to pelvic floor and pelvic girdle rehabilitation.  Please join our mailing list so you can receive the newsletter announcing the availability of the Institute's Blueprint and to download and complete the registration form.  The Institute is excited to offer this certification option and are looking forward to implementing it in the coming year.
• APTA’s Section on Women’s Health Specialization – Any continuing education course may count towards specialization. To become a specialist in any arena, you must pass an examination.  How you gain that knowledge up to the time of that examination is at the discretion of the individual.

Frequently Asked Questions about Certification

Why become certified?

Professional certification is the voluntary process by which a non-governmental entity grants a time-limited recognition to an individual after verifying that he/she has met predetermined and standardized criteria. It is not a requirement to practice. The Institute and the BCIA feel that their professional certifications will:

• Protect the public by assuring the quality of the professionals and services.
• Elevate the profession.
• Establish quality standards for professional clinical practice.
• Develop customized credentials to meet unique needs in the marketplace.
• Demonstrate an individual’s commitment to a profession.

What are the different certificates available from the Institute?

1. Certificate of Attendance is awarded to all course participants. It includes the number of contact hours and may be necessary for an individual’s license requirements.

2. Certificate of Skills Completion is the knowledge-based certificate awarded to course participants at each Pelvic Floor Series Course (PF1, PF2A, PF2B, and PF3). Course participants will be assessed by the faculty on their examination and treatment skills in the lab based upon the knowledge, behavior and skills presented to them in the course. They will also complete a post-course didactic test to certify their knowledge of the materials presented and the use of techniques. There is no additional fee for the certificate or test.

3. Pelvic Therapy Practitioner Certification (PTPC) is the professional certification offered by the Institute. 
Pelvic Therapy Practitioner Certification

 What is the difference between a certificate, certification and specialization?

Certificates are not held to the objective standards required of other types of credentialing. Credentialing is the umbrella term that includes the concepts of accreditation, licensure, registration and professional certification.

A Certificate of Attendance is issued after an individual attends or participates in a particular course. No knowledge is assessed and the recipient is not required to demonstrate competence according to professional standards.

A Knowledge-Based Certificate recognizes a relatively narrow scope of specialized knowledge used in performing tasks required by the profession. It is issued after the individual passes an assessment instrument.     

Professional Certification is the voluntary process by which a non-governmental entity grants a time-limited recognition to an individual after verifying that he or she has met predetermined and standardized criteria. It is the vehicle a profession uses to differentiate among its members. The holder is called a certificant.

Specialization is a form of professional certification established by the APTA.

*Adapted from the "NOCA Guide to Understanding Credentialing Concepts"

Why choose the Institute’s PTPC over the proposed SOWH Specialization on Women’s Health?

Both the PTPC and the proposed specialization exam are forms of professional certifications. You do not have to choose one over the other as they are two different entities. The PTPC is a certification of practical and didactic expertise pertaining to pelvic floor dysfunction. The specialization exam, as it is being proposed, is a didactic exam that encompasses all aspects of women’s health physical therapy. You can be both PTPC and specialized in women’s health just like you can be a Certified Manual Therapist (MTC) and an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS).  

How long is the Pelvic Therapy Practitioner Certification (PTPC) and the BCIA-PMDB certification valid?

The PTPC certification will be valid for five years. The recertification process has not been completed at this time. The BCIA-PMDB is for three years. See http://www.bcia.org for additional information on recertification.