About

Overview

This non-credit certificate program is for aspiring individuals who are interested in becoming Personal Care Home Administrators in Pennsylvania. Individuals will develop the skills to deliver high-quality, safe, and supportive care to residents. The content in this program is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Bureau of Human Services Licensing.

55 Pa. Code § 2600.64

According to statute PA 55 Section 2600.64 (a)(2) regarding administrator training and orientation: Prior to initial employment as an administrator, a candidate shall successfully complete a 100-hour standardized (DHS) department-approved administrator training course.

Course Overview

This hybrid program includes instructor-led sessions via Zoom and asynchronous content to be completed online.

Expectations for Zoom Sessions:

• Individuals are expected to be on a device that has both a microphone and a camera for the live, instructor-led sessions via Zoom.
• Except for breaks, individuals are expected to always be visible during the Zoom sessions. Failure to comply may result in no credit for a session.  
• Individuals are not permitted to drive or do rounds while attending the course. Failure to comply may result in no credit for a session. 
• Individuals may not miss more than 20 minutes of any session.

Expectations for Asynchronous Sessions:

• This course uses the Learning Management System (LMS) Canvas. As a participant of a course with any pre-recorded or asynchronous content, part of your attendance is watching the course lectures and viewing all required content.
• Individuals are responsible for completing the asynchronous sessions to 100%. The program manager will verify that all asynchronous content is complete.

Please note: in addition to these sessions, an in-person CPR & First Aid course is required in order to sit for the competency test. This will count for 7 of the 100 hours.

Upon completion of all sessions (100 hours), individuals will sit for a free competency exam. A passing score of 80% is required to receive a certificate of completion.

When

Fall 2025 Cohort
September 2025 - November 2025

Winter 2025 Cohort
December 2025 through March 2026

Spring 2026 Cohort
March 2026 through June 2026

Please visit our registration site for the latest cohort dates!

Registration

Step 1: Application Required

• Please note that individuals must apply for the program before completing enrollment. Applying is not equivalent to enrolling in the course. 
• To apply, please click on Apply Now to complete the online application. Upon approval, we will direct you back to this page to enroll and pay for the course. 

Step 2: Cohort Enrollment & Program Fee

• If you have an approved application, you will be notified when enrollment for a cohort is available. This includes payment of the program fee.
• The program fee includes all training materials accessed online via Canvas and the final exam cost.
• Space will be limited, and registration will close once the class has reached capacity. 
  • Option 1: Pay in Full $1,550.00
  • Option 2: Payment Plan $1,650.00
    • Down payment of $550.00 required at time of registration
    • Second payment of $550.00 due 1 month after registration
    • Third payment of $550.00 due 2 months after registration.

Exam

• The PCHA Exam is required for all individuals who complete the 100-hour standardized department-approved administrator training after Jan. 31, 2009

• The exam can be taken at Temple University Harrisburg, by appointment only, by emailing [click-for-email]

• The exam costs $150.  This exam fee is waived for individuals who have completed the full 100-hours with Temple University Harrisburg.

• Individuals may register for the exam if they have completed the 100 Hour course at a DHS approved training facility OR if they have a current PA NHA License. Either way, documentation must be submitted to Jennifer Donahue prior to taking the exam.

Resources

Bureau of Human Services Licensing Prospective Licensee Guide

Registration

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