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Course Description

There is more to an effective treatment session than just the addition of electrical stimulation. VitalStim Therapy has provided us with a powerful new modality to achieve higher levels of swallowing function and has revolutionized dysphagia therapy. If youd like to maximize your outcomes with VitalStim treatment even further, then this Advanced VitalStim Therapy course is for you! The course builds on the core principles of a successful VitalStim Therapy session to cover a variety of advanced topics such as advanced kinesiology, exercise physiology, best clinical practices, patient selection, treatment planning and goal setting, electrode placement selection and more. The participating dysphagia therapist will be equipped with a more thorough grasp of exercise physiology basics. A model of how to advance a patients diet and actively challenge them in therapy will be presented. This new Advanced VitalStim course offers innovative and effective therapy ideas to equip you with even more knowledge to take your VitalStim treatment sessions to the next level!

Advanced VitalStim Key Topics:
· Adv Kinesiology Concepts
· Exercise Physiology Basics
· Why use NMES
· Who is a VitalStim Candidate?>
· Tracking Outcomes
· Diet Modification
· Tricks of the Trade


Disclosure:
This course will only cover information that pertains to the effective and safe use of VitalStim.

Course Requirements:
  • Computer with internet and working speakers/sound are required for this course.
  • Course must be completed within 30 days of activation (activate course within 6 months of purchase).
  • An online multiple-choice quiz (80% passing score) and submission of an online evaluation form are required for successful completion.
  • A certificate of completion will be available to print immediately after course is successfully completed.
  • SLPs - ASHA CEUs may be obtained by completing the online ASHA form and checking the "Report to ASHA" box.

AOTA Classification Codes
Domain of OT: Client Factors, Performance Skills
OT Process: Evaluation

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Describe the rationale for using VitalStim Therapy for dysphagia from a neurophysiological perspective
  • Describe and demonstrate an effective exercise therapy program considering key kinesiological principles;
  • Design and execute a diet progression tailored to the individual patient receiving VitalStim Therapy;
  • Identify patients who are appropriate to receive VitalStim Therapy;
  • Demonstrate a problem solving approach to choosing the best possible and most appropriate electrode placement;
  • Formulate concise and effective short and long term treatment goals and track objective treatment outcomes with evidence-based tracking tools.

Mary Nylin

M.A. CCC-SLP

Mary is the former Senior Clinical Specialist in the VitalStim Division for Chattanooga Group supporting and educating physician groups, administrators and SLPs on Dysphagia management and the implementation of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation in Dysphagia therapy. This role also included active work with research, education, and new product development. Mary is one of a select few Certified VitalStim Instructors. She has taught over 300 courses in dysphagia and MBS interpretation. She previously worked at Baptist Memorial Hospital Rehabilitation in the Inpatient, Outpatient and Pediatric departments. Mary was instrumental in developing the Dysphagia program in the outpatient department and the speech department of the Pediatric Rehab. She serves as a knowledgeable resource in Dysphagia to therapists around the country.

Financial Disclosure: Mary receives honoraria from CIAO Seminars for the presentation of her live courses and royalties for the purchase of her recorded courses.
Non-Financial Disclosure: Mary uses VitalStim Therapy in her clinical practice.

11 Minutes
Key Kinesiological Principles
11 Minutes
The Hypopharyngeal System
11 Minutes
Esophageal System
11 Minutes
Case Study: Menuck
11 Minutes
Exercise Therapy Principles 1 and 2
11 Minutes
Exercise Therapy Principles 3 and 4
11 Minutes
Exercise Therapy Principles 5 and 6
11 Minutes
Electrotherapy Rules of Thumb
11 Minutes
Candidacy for Dysphagia Therapy
11 Minutes
Electrode Placements
11 Minutes
The 4 Ws and Case Study 1
11 Minutes
The 4 Ws and Case Study 1
11 Minutes
Case Study 2 and 3
11 Minutes
Treatment Planning
11 Minutes
Diet Modification
12 Minutes
Exam

Delivery VIA:

  • Online - This course is offered in an online, on demand format.

Contact hours pre-approved for:

  • 3.0 hours
  • CIAO is an ASHA Approved Provider #AAWA (0.3 ASHA CEUs) bubble sheet submission required
  • ASHA CE Provider Approval and use of the Brand Block does not imply endorsement of course content, specific products, or clinical procedures.
  • CIAO is an AOTA Approved Provider #4119 (0.3 AOTA CEUS)
  • This course meets PDU requirements for NBCOT (3 PDUs)
  • As an IACET Authorized Provider, CIAO offers CEUs for its programs that qualify under
  • the ANSI/IACET Standard
  • CIAO is authorized by IACET to offer .3 CEUs for this program
  • 2.0 hours OTs in CA - Advanced Practice Swallowing #25-S19
  • 1.0 hours OTs in CA - Advanced Practice PAMS #25-P9

The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA.


CIAO is accredited by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET). CIAO complies with the ANSI/IACET Standard, which is recognized internationally as a standard of excellence in instructional practices. As a result of this accreditation, CIAO is accredited to issue the IACET CEU.


CIAO is recognized on the NBCOT Provider Registry (meets PDU requirements for NBCOT)


Intermediate Level
0.3 ASHA CEUs


Reviews

"Would have enjoyed more case studies and more examples of daily documentation."

- Abilene, TX / Nov 2016

"I am very pleased with this follow-up course. The review was benficial and I appreciated the direct application to examples and treatment thoughts. I look forward to participation with part II. Thank you for making it accessible via online learning since live courses are not always offered in a convenient travel location. "

- Rochester, MI / May 2015

"This was one of the best courses I have taken from CIAO on the topic of Dyphagia tx, especially in relation to use of Vital Stim. Thank you, Mary, for presenting the content in such an understandable and interesting way. I'm finally really "getting" it!"

- West Lafayette, IN / Apr 2013