Journey to Certification

Candidates for certification must meet eligibility under three steps, each of which includes education and experience qualification requirements. 

Certification Elements:

  • U.S. ACGME or AOA post-graduate training program (or Canadian Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons or College of Family Physicians accredited post-graduate training program)
  • Current, unrestricted state medical license in good standing
  • Completion of the Core Curriculum on Medical Direction within the past 5 years
  • Between 2-4 years of experience as a clinician in PALTC within the past 5 years
  • Between 2-3 years of experience as a Medical Director in PALTC within the past 5 years
  • Spend at least 8 hours each month in service as a medical director in a post-acute and long-term care setting
  • Clinical education relevant to PALTC (see below)
  • Management and leadership education relevant to PALTC (see below)

Note: there is no test for certification.  

Step One: General Eligibility

The body of knowledge required for certification is found in the Core Curriculum on Medical Direction in PALTC (the Core).  The Core is divided into two parts, each of which is required.  

Part 1: Online Core Curriculum on Medical Direction - covers 22 critical areas impacting PALTC leadership and management. 

Part 2: Core Synthesis -  comprised of dynamic lectures, spirited role plays, case-based discussion, and small group breakouts. 

Learn More about the Core Curriculum

Step Two: Clinical Eligibility

Option 1

If you are currently board-certified from ABMS or the AOA in Geriatrics or Hospice and Palliative Care:

No additional CME is required above the Core Curriculum.

Option 2

If you are currently board-certified from ABMS or the AOA but not in either Geriatrics or Hospice and Palliative Care:

You will need 60 clinical CME credits earned within the past three years.

Step 3: Management Eligibility

Option 1

If you are currently board certified from ABMS or the AOA and have completed a Fellowship within the past 5-years in Geriatrics or Hospice and Palliative Care:

No additional CME is required above the Core Curriculum required in Step-One.
 

Option 2

If you are currently board certified from ABMS or the AOA but have not completed a Fellowship within the past 5 years in Geriatrics or Hospice and Palliative Care:

You will need 14 management CME credits earned within the past 5 years.​
 

Certification Fees

Initial Certification Application

We're streamlining the CMD application process and bringing it online for a smoother experience. The new application launches on May 15—stay tuned!