Online Courses

Next Executive Certificate in Home Modification Program starts January 28, 2025!

Thank you for your interest in the Executive Certificate in Home Modification Program!

Since 2004, we have offered our dynamic and well respected Program of five interactive, online courses. This intensive program is unlike any other – providing nearly four months of online interaction with peers and experts in the field at a very low cost. Offered by a non-profit University with over three decades of experience and leadership in the home modification field, this Program is dedicated to ensuring that graduates have the skill set necessary to assist individuals with maximizing their home environment. Students have access to the latest on home modification research, products, funding strategies, policies, and community planning. Below is a list of FAQs as well as course descriptions. If you have any questions, email the ECHM Program office at homemods@usc.edu.

Click on the + sign in these FAQs for more information. Use the Register Now buttons below to register.

Who is this Program for?

This program is designed for professionals who work directly or indirectly in the field of supportive home environments. Students include remodelers/contractors, planners, personnel of organizations representing the elderly and people with disabilities, occupational and physical therapists, policymakers, and others interested in starting their own home modification business. The courses connect professionals from around the country who learn from each other as well as experts in the field. Click here to read what former students have had to say about the Program.

How do I take these courses?

Students take courses right from the comfort of their computer. 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 your User Name 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.

How long is each course?

The Executive Certificate in Home Modification Program consists of five courses. While we encourage students to take the five courses in order, this is not required. Additionally, single courses may be taken if the student does not wish to obtain the Executive Certificate in Home Modification.

  • Courses 1-4: 2.5 week lecture for each course (each course is worth 12 class time hours for CEU submission).
  • Course 5: one week lecture (worth 6 class time hours for CEU submission).

What will I receive after taking the courses?

After completing all five courses and a Final Assessment, students earn their Executive Certificate in Home Modification from the University of Southern California Leonard Davis School of Gerontology.

SEEKING CEUs for your Course Completion?

Upon completion of each course, we provide you with a Letter of Completion from the University of Southern California that outlines the course requirements, goals, and objectives. This official Letter may be submitted directly to your state and professional certifying bodies for CEU approval. It contains the typically required and necessary information as evidence of your completing each course.

For OTs, AOTA has an Approved Provider program that facilitates the process for some states. The USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology is an AOTA Approved Provider of professional development. Course approval ID# 0000002735. This online Program is offered at 1.2 CEUs or 12 learning hours per courses 1-4 and .6 CEUs or 6 learning hours per course 5 at an introductory level. The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA.

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What is the cost?

REGISTRATION FEES:

You may register for one course at a time or register for all five Executive Certificate courses at once to obtain a Program Bundle discount. To qualify for the Program Bundle discount, payment for all five courses must be made with your initial registration.

Pricing:
Individual Course Payments = $250 per course for Courses 1-5 ($1,250 if each course paid separately)
Program Bundle Discount = register for all five courses at once to receive a discount!

  • Courses 1-5 : $1,100 ($150 discount)
  • Courses 1-5 AOTA Member: $950 ($300 discount)
  • Courses 1-5 HMOTA Member: $950 ($300 discount)
  • Courses 1-5 Rebuilding Together Staff: $850 ($400 discount)

**International Students: Please contact the ECHM Program at homemods@usc.edu  prior to enrolling**

Series #1 2025

January 28 - February 14 , 2025

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. Students will submit with quizzes, email assignments, discussion questions, and a Final Assignment. Internet-based. Instructors: Jon Pynoos, Ph.D.; Julie Overton, MSG/MHA.; $250 application fee.

Continuing Education: Equivalent of 12 Classtime Hours
Education Level: Introductory

February 25 - March 14 , 2025

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. Students will submit with quizzes, email assignments, discussion questions, and a Final Assignment. Internet-based. Instructor: Catia Garell, MA, OTR, SCEM. $250 application fee.

Continuing Education: Equivalent of 12 Classtime Hours
Education Level: Introductory

March 25 - April 11 , 2025

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. Students will submit with quizzes, email assignments, discussion questions, and a Final Assignment. Internet-based. Instructor: Aaron Hagedorn, PhD. $250 application fee.

Continuing Education: Equivalent of 12 Classtime Hours
Education Level: Introductory

April 22 - May 09 , 2025

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. Students will submit with quizzes, email assignments, discussion questions, and a Final Assignment. Internet-based. Instructor: Emily Nabors, MSG. $250 application fee.

Continuing Education: Equivalent of 12 Classtime Hours 
Education Level: Introductory

May 20 - 27 , 2025

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. Students will submit with quizzes, email assignments, discussion questions, and a Final Assignment. Internet-based. Instructor: Carin Wong, PhD. $250 application fee includes Course 5 and the Program’s Final Exam Administration Fee. 

Continuing Education: Equivalent of 6 Classtime Hours
Education Level: Introductory