Executive Certificate in Home Modification Program

This program is designed for professionals (e.g., remodelers/contractors, planners, personnel of organizations representing the elderly and people with disabilities, occupational and physical therapists, policymakers) who work directly or indirectly in the field of supportive home environments. Students can take one course or all five right from the comfort of their computer. By completing all five courses, students will obtain an Executive Certificate in Home Modification from the National Resource Center on Supportive Housing and Home Modification at USC.

The Executive Certificate in Home Modification Program consists of five courses. Each course is approximately 2-3 weeks long. After completing all five courses, students take a final exam. Registration fee for each course is $175. A discount of $75 is given if all courses are paid for at the beginning of the Series. CEUs are offered for various types of professionals. Read below for each course description.

Each course includes two online lectures with email and Cyber Classroom exercises, graphics, resources, and technical assistance from the instructors. The lectures are made available to you on a specific start day. On that day, you will receive a user ID and password to access the course. Students spend approximately 4-6 hours each week completing the assignments. Each week's assignments must be completed within the week; however, they may be submitted at any time during that week. Students interact with each other via a Course List Serve and Cyber Classrooms. The courses connect professionals from around the country who learn from each other as well as experts in the field. Students will have access to the latest on home modification research, products, funding strategies, and community planning.

Read the course descriptions below to learn more. Questions? Contact Julie Overton at overtonusc@aol.com or register by clicking the button on the left side bar or the button below each course description.

Home modification course 1: The Basics and Beyond

This course covers what home modifications are and why they are important. It will discuss the important aspects of universal design and assistive devices in maintaining independence. Students will become familiar with home assessment instruments and safety checklists. Students will learn important communication skills for making suggestions and recommendations for home modifications. Students will learn about common home modifications. Internet-based. Instructors: Jon Pynoos, Ph.D.; Julie Overton, MSG/MHA. $175 application fee.

September 14 - October 1, 2010
Continuing Education: Equivalent of 12 Classtime Hours

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Home modification course 2: How to Get It Done

This course will equip students with the skills to: identify a qualified contractor; negotiate for contractor services; read architectural drawings and plans; individualize home modification strategies to meet users' needs; locate products; and evaluate a project upon completion. Instructor: Susan M. Duncan, RN $175 application fee.

October 5 - October 22, 2010
Continue Education: Equivalent of 12 Classtime Hours

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Home modification course 3:
Funding Resources and Financing Mechanisms

This course covers how to fund home modifications and how to tap into community resources. It will discuss finding resources within individual communities as well as at state and federal levels. It will also discuss what opportunities are available in the private sector. Internet-based. Instructor: Diane Sprague $175 application fee.

November 2 - November 23, 2010
Continuing Education: Equivalent of 12 Classtime Hours

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Home modification course 4:
Raising Community Awareness and Coalition Building

This course examines the process of raising community awareness about the need for home modifications. It will teach students how to assess the home modification needs of their community and how to build strong, effective community coalitions. It will teach students how to tap into the national home modification network. Students will gain the skills necessary to conduct community outreach events and market their home modification services. Internet-based. Instructors: Julie Overton, MSG/MHA $175 application fee.

November 30 - December 17, 2010
Continuing Education: Equivalent of 12 Classtime Hours

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Home modification course 5: The Ethics of Home Modification

This short course is designed to raise your awareness of ethical issues related to home modification. It will address what ethics are, why they are important and how they apply to special populations including older persons and persons with disabilities. While many professionals are aware that the growing 65+ population in the United States controls much of the country's wealth and spending power, it is just as important to consider how this population might require certain ethical considerations and protections. Internet-based. Instructors: Dory Sabata, OTD, OTR, SCEM $175 application fee.

January 4 - January 11, 2011
Continuing Education: Equivalent of 6 Classtime Hours

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