Certificate of Advanced Practice in Physical Therapy
Obstetric Health (CAPP-OB)
Obstetric Health (CAPP-OB)
Certificate Program for Physical Therapists (PT) and Physical Therapist Assistants (PTA)
Advance your expertise in pregnancy, labor & birth, and postpartum physical therapy.
The Certificate of Advanced Practice in Physical Therapy in Obstetric Health (CAPP-OB) represents the Academy’s gold standard for advanced training in obstetric physical therapy.
This certificate recognizes PTs and PTAs who have completed a rigorous Academy pathway that includes evidence-based coursework, testing, and a reviewed clinical reflection. The required coursework is evidence-based and is continually reviewed and updated by the Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy's CAPP-OB Editorial Panel to reflect the latest research and clinical best practices.
Since its inception in 2011, more than 360 providers have earned CAPP-OB certification.
Pursue the gold standard
Earn a respected Academy certificate that reflects advanced, structured preparation in obstetric physical therapy.
Strengthen clinical care
Build confidence supporting patients through pregnancy, labor and birth, postpartum recovery, and medically complex pregnancy considerations.
Stand out professionally
CAPP recipients receive a digital badge, a certificate of advanced practice, and a listing in the Academy PT Locator if they are a member.
Follow a clear pathway
Complete the required Academy coursework, pass course testing, and submit a PT Case Reflection or PTA Treatment Reflection.
CAPP-OB helps clinicians grow with confidence
Hear from clinicians who pursued advanced obstetric physical therapy training through the Academy.
Increased Competence
I gained so much information from these courses and labs. I now feel confident and competent in treating this patient population at my hospital.
Elevated My Practice
CAPP-OB elevated my PT practice by providing the latest evidence-based information and treatment strategies for pregnant patients, for which I am grateful.
Gained Confidence
I feel so much more confident in my knowledge and skills in treating this population. The courses are rigorous and thorough... I feel so grateful to have learned from so many wonderful and experienced PTs.
Is CAPP-OB right for you?
CAPP-OB is designed for licensed PTs and PTAs who want to deepen their practice in obstetric physical therapy and demonstrate advanced preparation in pregnancy, labor and birth, and postpartum care.
- You treat, or want to treat, pregnant and postpartum patients.
- You’re seeking a structured education pathway with opportunities for hands-on lab training.
- You want to demonstrate your commitment to evidence-informed obstetric physical therapy.
- You are preparing to expand services, collaborate with referral partners, or strengthen your clinical confidence.
Physical Therapist Students (SPTs) and Physical Therapist Assistant Students (SPTAs) may enroll in and complete CAPP courses while in school. However, they are not eligible to apply for CAPP certification until they have graduated, passed the NPTE, and completed at least six months of clinical practice experience.
At a glance
Eligible professionals:
- Open to licensed Physical Therapists (PTs) and Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) only.
- Applicants must have successfully passed the NPTE (or equivalent regional licensing examination if internationally based) and have a minimum of six months of clinical practice experience before submitting their CAPP application and required reflection.
Required courses completed and passed (80% score or higher) within 5 years
PT Case Reflection or PTA Treatment Reflection
Within 1 year after completing the last required OB course
Your pathway in 3 steps
Use this overview to understand the process before reviewing the detailed requirements, coursework links, and submission instructions below.
Confirm eligibility
You must be a licensed Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist Assistant.
Complete required Academy OB coursework
Complete all required CAPP-OB coursework through the Academy within the required 5-year timeframe.
Submit your reflection
Submit and pass your PT Case Reflection or PTA Treatment Reflection within 1 year of your last required OB course.
Required CAPP-OB coursework
The current CAPP-OB pathway includes 6 required courses composed of 3 live webinar courses, 1 on-demand webinar course, and 2 lab courses. The webinar courses can be completed in ANY ORDER. In 2025, the CAPP-OB courses have been restructured with new course names and updated requirements listed below. To support current participants in the midst of their certification journey, a transition period has been established, allowing them to continue through the grandfathering process detailed here: CAPP-OB Course Restructure Details.
Total Program Contact Hours: 75.41*
*Contact hours are subject to change when courses are updated
Download Full Program Pricing Table
Reflection instructions & resources
Use the correct expectations, rubric, and sample materials before submitting your final reflection.
- PT Case Reflection Expectations
- Grading Rubric Template
- Sample Case Reflection Coming Soon
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Watch Video
Application Fees and Review Timeline
Once you complete all of your courses, you can proceed to submit your application and reflection by one of the quarterly deadlines below. Results are sent approximately three months after each submission deadline. Not completely certain whether you qualify? Contact the Academy before submitting your application to confirm your coursework timeline and eligibility.
Application Deadline: February 15
Results: May 15
Application Deadline: May 15
Results: August 15
Application Deadline: August 15
Results: November 15
Application Deadline: November 15
Results: February 15
Ready to Start Your CAPP-OB Journey?
Explore Upcoming Obstetric Courses
Whether you are just beginning the pathway or are already on track, CAPP-OB provides a structured way to advance your learning and communicate your commitment to high-quality pregnancy, labor and birth, and postpartum care.