Advance Your Practice in Pelvic Health Physical Therapy

Career Development, Practice & Advocacy,

Advance your career. Empower your patients. Expand access to care.

The Certificate of Advanced Practice in Pelvic Health Physical Therapy (CAPP-Pelvic) is the premier education pathway for licensed Physical Therapists (PTs) and Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) seeking to develop clinical expertise in pelvic and abdominal health.

Awarded by the APTA Academy of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy, the national professional association for pelvic health PTs, the CAPP-Pelvic is more than just a certification—it’s a professional transformation. With a rigorous blend of evidence-based education, hands-on training, and clinical application, this program prepares you to confidently assess and treat patients with a wide range of pelvic health conditions.

Why Choose the CAPP-Pelvic Program?
  • 🧠 Build Advanced Clinical Competence
     Master evaluation and treatment strategies across pelvic pain, bowel and bladder dysfunction, and sexual health.

  • 👩‍⚕️ Gain Hands-On Experience
     Learn internal and external techniques through in-person labs taught by experienced faculty passionate about advancing the profession.

  • 💻 Train Virtually and In Person
     Complete engaging live webinars and practical labs that accommodate your schedule—whether you're a student, new grad, or a seasoned clinician.

  • 📝 Showcase Your Skills
     Submit a case reflection to synthesize your knowledge and receive personalized feedback from expert reviewers.

  • 📜 Earn National Recognition
     Successful recipients receive a certificate, a digital badge to share online, and are featured in the Academy’s PT Locator directory (if you are an Academy member).

  • 🌎 Serve Communities That Need You Most
    Graduates often expand access to care in underserved or rural areas—making a lasting impact where it’s needed most.

What CAPP-Pelvic Grads Are Saying

“The CAPP-Pelvic program gave me the skills and confidence to treat a variety of pelvic patients—especially in my rural practice. The case reflection was hard work, but so rewarding.”

“The instructors are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate. I’ve taken many continuing education courses, but nothing compares to the depth and support of the Academy’s program.”

“The Academy’s courses helped me discover my passion for pelvic health. I now serve a previously underserved community and feel fully equipped to help my patients thrive.”

“This certification truly changed the way I practice. I feel prepared, supported, and part of a larger mission to elevate pelvic health physical therapy.”

Your Journey to Certification

Please visit the CAPP Information webpage to review the most up-to-date eligibility criteria and requirements. Requirements may change over time, and new certificate pathways may be added. Learn more about the CAPP process here: Learn More About the CAPP Process.

To earn your CAPP-Pelvic, you’ll complete:

  1. Pelvic Health Level 1 (choose option 1 or option 2)

    • Option 1: 

      1. PH1 Webinar: Foundations of pelvic floor and associated anatomy and physiology, evaluation and treatment of urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse and introduction to modalities.

      2. PH1 Lab: Hands on skills including orthopedic, external and internal vaginal assessment, biofeedback and electrical stimulation and clinical integration of concepts learned to date

    • Option 2: 

      1. PH1 Combined: Foundations of pelvic floor and associated anatomy and physiology, evaluation and treatment of urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse and introduction to modalities. Hands on skills including orthopedic, external and internal vaginal assessment, biofeedback and electrical stimulation and clinical integration of concepts learned to date

  2. Pelvic Health Level 2 (take all level 2 webinars and lab)

    • PH2 Bowel Dysfunction Webinar: Builds on concepts in PH1, and introduces anorectal anatomy and bowel dysfunctions

    • PH2 Pelvic Pain Webinar: Builds on concepts in PH1, focuses on female chronic pelvic pain and vulvovaginal disorders. 

    • PH2 Lab: Hands on skills to perform rectal assessments, perform manual therapy techniques for bowel dysfunction and female pelvic pain disorders and clinical integration of concepts learned to date

  3. Pelvic Health Level 3 (choose one webinar)

    • PH3 Hybrid Webinar - Introduction to male pelvic health, pediatric pelvic health, neurologic concepts, and issues related to aging

    • PH3 Male Webinar - Deeper dive for those wanting to treat male pelvic health conditions

    • PH3 Neuro Webinar - Builds knowledge of neuroanatomy and applications to pelvic health in all ages

    • PH3 Peds Webinar - Deeper dive for pelvic therapists wanting to treat pediatric pelvic health

  4. Final Step: Case Reflection

    • Submit a written case reflection (for PTs) or treatment reflection (for PTAs)

    • Reviewed and graded by the Academy’s CAPP Case Reflection Committee

    • If you pass, you will receive a Certificate of Advanced Practice along with a digital badge
Who Should Enroll in CAPP Courses?

Whether you're:

  • A new PT graduate looking to specialize early
  • A practicing PT ready to expand your scope
  • A practicing PTA eager to develop expertise while working with PTs in pelvic health
  • A PT Student can take Academy CAPP courses, but is not eligible to do Case Reflection (final step in the pathway) until they are practicing as a PT
  • A PTA Student can take Academy CAPP courses, but is not eligible to submit a Treatment Reflection (final step in the pathway) until they are practicing as a PTA and working with a PT in pelvic health.

The CAPP-Pelvic program will equip you with the knowledge, skills, and support to make a meaningful difference in your community—and in your career.

Start Your Journey Today

Don’t just learn pelvic health—master it. Join a vibrant community of passionate professionals dedicated to advancing care through education, advocacy, and excellence.

👉 Explore Upcoming Courses
👉 Learn More About the CAPP Process