An ICE Accredited Assessment Based Certificate Program
The VitalStim Certificate Program was introduced to the professional dysphagia community in 2003 as the competency course for the only FDA-cleared NMES device for dysphagia treatment. The program, then known as the VitalStim Certification Program, revolutionized dysphagia therapy!

The popular course has gone through multiple revisions since its inception, incorporating the latest findings from the research and clinical communities. This new course update is the most significant to date. It is the result of several converging trends in the field of NMES for dysphagia treatment. The new content reflects significant growth of scientific research, an increase in available treatment protocols and an expansion of available equipment options.

VitalStim® Therapy and Beyond includes the online course, MBS: The Clear Picture (12hrs) and the two day hands-on "VitalStim® Therapy and Beyond: DINES Specialty Certificate Program" (16hrs) for a total of 28 hours of continuing education credit.

Course Pricing
$775 (Individual)
$350 (Renewal at Live Course - earn 16 hrs. of continuing education credit)

Disciplines

• Occupational Therapist
• Speech Language Pathologist

• MBS: The Clear Picture
• MBS Course Instructions
• VitalStim Therapy Specialty Program Policies

Receive your Specialty Certificate in VitalStim Therapy!

The VitalStim® Therapy Specialty Program includes the online course, MBS: The Clear Picture-Pediatric (12 hrs.) and the two day hands-on "VitalStim® Therapy Course" (16 hrs.) for a total of 28 hrs.

Course Pricing
$775
$350 (Renewal at Live Course - earn 16 hrs. of continuing education credit)

The VitalStim Therapy Course Manual will be issued at the live course.

Disciplines

• Occupational Therapist
• Speech Language Pathologist

• MBS: The Clear Picture - Pediatric
• MBS Course Instructions
• VitalStim Certification Policies
• VitalStim Auditor-Refresher Policies

There are two ways to participate in this live stream event (BOTH count as LIVE Continuing Education!:):

1. in the LIVE STUDIO audience in Gulf Breeze, Florida - Studio audience seats are limited - so register today!
2. via LIVE STREAM around the world - Live stream participants will login to access the event from their computer and interact with the instructor.

Course time(s):
8:00 AM Central (9:00 AM Eastern; 7:00 AM Mountain; 6:00 AM Pacific)

Working as a speech language pathologist can be challenging. With mounting paperwork, high caseloads, administrative red tape SLPs may find themselves asking, 'what else can I do with my degree?'. This introductory course will compliment strengths typical of SLP and help SLPs explore this question further by identifying transferable skills, their strengths and alternative career pathways. This course will also provide guidance on how to complete the job search, resume and interview process to develop services and products in order to generate multi-stream income.

Disciplines

• Speech Language Pathologist
• Speech Language Pathology Asst

There are two ways to participate in this live stream event (BOTH count as LIVE CE):

1. in the LIVE STUDIO audience in Gulf Breeze, Florida - Studio audience seats are limited - so register today!
2. via LIVE STREAM around the world - Live stream participants will login to access the event from their computer and interact with the instructor.

Course begins: 8:00 AM Central (9:00 AM Eastern; 7:00 AM Mountain; 6:00 AM Pacific)
Please contact our office if you have any questions. 850-916-8886.

Facial palsy brings about psychosocial and musculoskeletal challenges which have a significant impact on communication and bolus management. A diagnoses familiar to the rehabilitation clinician, there remains limited access to education and therapeutic applications for the re-education of the neuromuscular system. In this course, the instructor will guide participants through a variety of treatment options including myofascial release, kinesiology taping and biofeedback. Etiologies of facial palsy such as, Bell's, Ramsey Hunt, Myasthenia Gravis, stroke and more will be discussed. This course will discuss strategies that offer muscular inhibition in synkinesis and craniomandibular spasticity, muscular recruitment for orofacial control. Course instruction will demonstrate approaches to minimize headaches, jaw pain and cervical pain as a result of postural compensations of the jaw and poor breath patterns. Laboratories will broaden your therapeutic toolbox to improve patient outcomes with evidence-based approach to exercise, sEMG use, Myofascial Release and kinesiology taping. John Kelly is a one-of-a-kind instructor who is helping to redefine the medical practice of Speech Language Pathology and interdisciplinary rehabilitation providers.

Disciplines

• Physical Therapist
• Certified Occupational Therapy Asst
• Occupational Therapist
• Physical Therapy Asst
• Speech Language Pathologist

From your professional athlete to your geriatric patient, this 2 day course will provide rehabilitation specialists the evidence based tools necessary to identify, evaluate, treat and train every component of balance for every level of patient.

 

For our seniors:

Each year one in three American 65 and older falls and 84% of this group has foot pathology. Injury from falling is the fifth leading cause of death in this group, the leading cause of injury for people 55 and older, and the leading cause of nursing home placement. 48% of all falls are due to environmental risk factors. Restoration and maintenance of balance is an integral component to the rehabilitation of the lower extremities, enhancement of sports performance, and fall prevention. Research has demonstrated balance to be a multifaceted, complex system that is vital for normal functioning. To thoroughly treat this intricate system a comprehensive approach is critical.

 

For Athletes:

Balance, in and of itself, is a component of Motor Fitness, which refers to the ability of an athlete to perform successfully at their sport, and contributing factor to other components of motor fitness including coordination and agility. Male athletes with decreased balance were 2.5 times as likely to sustain a lower extremity injury. Female athletes 6.5 times as likely. Baseball players were able to increase their hitting average by 40 points with balance training.

 

In patients with Neurologic disorders:

Balance disorders occur, at least temporarily, in nearly all people who have suffered a TBI. This instability can exist even when neurological tests do not detect any problems.

 

Disciplines

• Physical Therapist
• Certified Occupational Therapy Asst
• Occupational Therapist
• Physical Therapy Asst

Literature over the last 2 decades has shown an obvious link between motor function and cognition. Emerging data suggest therapies designed to improve specific aspects of cognitive function, may also improve gait, increase use of compensatory strategies, and reduce fall risk. Falls and fall-related injuries are a huge concern and costly burden to individuals, society, and healthcare systems. Despite the costly and physical consequences of falls, common interventions and 'fall prevention programs' have been shown to be inadequate or ineffective. This evidence shines a new light on the SLPs ability to target functional safety goals through cognitive therapy to change the outcomes of patient safety. The evidence-based techniques reviewed in this course are applicable to patients with fall concerns who mobilize in any way and/or participate in ADLs, including patients with Dementia, Parkinson's Disease, stroke, traumatic brain injuries, and other neurological diagnoses. This course focuses heavily on evidence-based cognitive therapy techniques to improve patient safety; along with education essentials for training of staff/family as a part of your plan of care. Discussion will include how to target these skills without duplicating services with PT/OT. Course material will cover goal writing for best practice standards and avoiding insurance denials. Specific patient examples and documentation from referral to discharge will be covered. Steps to initiate and/or increase the success of a current fall prevention program will be described. Barriers and challenges will also be reviewed.

Disciplines

• Physical Therapist
• Certified Occupational Therapy Asst
• Occupational Therapist
• Physical Therapy Asst
• Speech Language Pathologist
• Speech Language Pathology Asst

This course instruction assumes a prior knowledge of dysphagia and anatomy/physiology of the head and neck. For an excellent review of the normal and abnormal swallow, we recommend bundling the ecourse "Anatomy of Swallowing". Please note that VitalStim Providers and past attendees of John Kelly's Myofascial Release and Other Manual Techniques in Dysphagia Management course may have already completed Anatomy of Swallowing (not sure, just ask CIAO).  We are offering the ecourse at a $20 discount when added as a bundle during registration (price reflects discount).

Elastic taping techniques have gained the attention of rehab providers offering support while allowing functional movement. This research-based modality has a variety of applications to address functional impairment. This course will focus on taping strategies relevant to dysphagia therapy. Therapeutic applications provide re-education of the neuromuscular system, influence lymphatic drainage, improve localized circulation and reduce pain. Diagnoses familiar to the dysphagia specialist benefit from its use. Taping strategies offer muscular inhibition as in craniomandibular hypertonus, muscular recruitment facilitating hyoid movement and minimize postural compensation related to sensory input. This course will educate the dysphagia clinician on the therapeutic benefit of taping to improve motor patterns and facilitate a client's functional independence. Though focused on the adult population, experienced pediatric clinicians can easily apply these techniques to the pediatric population.

Disciplines

• Physical Therapist
• Certified Occupational Therapy Asst
• Occupational Therapist
• Physical Therapy Asst
• Speech Language Pathologist
• Speech Language Pathology Asst

"Lymphedema Management of the Head and Neck," is an intermediate level course that will provide the foundational knowledge and skills to evaluate and provide treatment for lymphedema of the head and neck. Medical Speech-Language Pathologists are recognized as key team members in the management of individuals with head and neck cancer and can bring value into the realm of lymphedema management. Learners will take a deep dive into the lymphatic system and discover how lymphedema can impact the swallowing mechanism and communication. This course will address considerations of lymphedema management especially for head and neck cancer as well as unique cases with solutions that therapists may face such as placement of tracheostomy or PEG tube. This course is open to speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, COTAs, physical therapists, and PTAs. Clinicians will complete the course with the knowledge and skills to determine appropriate intervention strategies to provide optimal care for individuals with lymphedema of the head and neck.

Disciplines

• Physical Therapist
• Massage Therapist
• Certified Occupational Therapy Asst
• Occupational Therapist
• Physical Therapy Asst
• Speech Language Pathologist
• Speech Language Pathology Asst

Muscle Tension Dysphonia (MTD) is a voice disorder where abnormal muscle tension in the laryngeal and peri-laryngeal regions interfere with normal phonation. While behavioral voice therapy is the cornerstone of treatment, manual therapy offers a highly effective adjunctive approach, helping to alleviate muscle tension, improve flexibility, and enhance voice quality. This comprehensive course provides SLPs, PTs, voice coaches/trainers and other healthcare professionals a deeper understanding of how muscle tension affects the voice and how to address the musculoskeletal components of MTD. The instructor will explore pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and evidence-based manual therapy interventions for managing this voice disorder. Participants will learn how to incorporate manual therapy into a comprehensive treatment plan, combining it with voice therapy techniques such as vocal warm-ups, resonance exercises, and breathing exercises. Gain an understanding of when manual therapy should be integrated into the treatment process and how it complements traditional voice therapy methods. Course material will include voice anatomy, postural training, breath function, stress management, interpretation of voice dysfunction and selected case studies in the manual approach to treatment of muscle tension dysphonia. NOTE: A basic understanding of voice anatomy, physiology, and common voice disorders is recommended, although the course is designed to be accessible for both experienced clinicians and those newer to the field of voice therapy.

Disciplines

• Physical Therapist
• Certified Occupational Therapy Asst
• Occupational Therapist
• Physical Therapy Asst
• Speech Language Pathologist
• Speech Language Pathology Asst

Speech pathologists and Occupational Therapists recommend appropriate diet and liquids following bedside, MBSs or FEES assessments. The consistency in communication to nursing and dietary is critical for patient safety and success. In 2002, The National Dysphagia Diet (NDD) standardize diets, and has been used to identify diet level difficulties, safety, and recommendations. However, variances with terminology and definitions to describe texture-modified foods and thickened liquids in all care settings and cultures became problematic. To address these concerns, in 2013, the IDDSI (International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative) set out to create a consistent global standardization. As of 2021, the IDDSI is the only professionally recognized and supported diet framework for SLPs, OTs, Physicians, Nursing and Dietary Staff. Yet, some facilities continue to utilize the outdated NDD or have their own criteria for diet levels which do not match IDDSI, potentially opening the door to dysphagia litigation. It's essential to test both foods and liquids to be sure the patient receives the correct diet and liquid consistency.

Disciplines

• Certified Occupational Therapy Asst
• Occupational Therapist
• Speech Language Pathologist
• Speech Language Pathology Asst

Physical Agent Modalities (PAMs) is designed to educate occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants in the use of electro-physical agents in the areas of therapeutic electrical current and therapeutic ultrasound. The course also serves as a modalities update for physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and athletic trainers.


Please bring lab attire that allows for access to the shoulder (e.g. loose fitting t-shirt, tank top etc.)
Equipment and electrodes are provided for hands-on labs. Each participant will receive a course manual at check-in

Disciplines

• Physical Therapist
• Certified Occupational Therapy Asst
• Occupational Therapist
• Physical Therapy Asst

Physical Agent Modalities (PAMs) is designed to educate occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants in the use of electrophysical agents in the areas of electrical stimulation (pulsed, alternating, and direct current), and superficial and deep thermal agents (ultrasound, shortwave diathermy and laser). This course is also open to PT/PTAs and Athletic Trainers.

This course meets OT Physical Agent Modalities didactic training requirements in: CA, FL, ID, IL, MA, MD, ND, NH, NJ, NM, NY, PA, SD, WI, WV

Please bring lab attire that allows for access to the shoulder (e.g. loose fitting t-shirt, tank top etc.)

Disciplines

• Physical Therapist
• Certified Occupational Therapy Asst
• Occupational Therapist
• Physical Therapy Asst
• Athletic Trainer

On average, 80% of children identified with developmental delay suffer from oral motor dysfunction. This two-day pediatric sensory point taping (SPT) course focuses on smaller taping applications on strategic points to impact oral motor function. The SPT techniques address the co-morbidities surrounding oral motor dysfunction, including arthrokinematics, respiration, motility, oral motor coordination, jaw alignment, head posture, edema, pain, fascial restrictions, and scar tissue while maintaining skin integrity and providing comfort. The participant will be introduced to assessment methods, including musculoskeletal data collection for pre/post assessment and skills specific for successful, safe application of elastic therapeutic tape.

Disciplines

• Physical Therapist
• Certified Occupational Therapy Asst
• Occupational Therapist
• Physical Therapy Asst
• Speech Language Pathologist
• Speech Language Pathology Asst

There's a growing disconnect between evidence and action in cognitive therapy. Many current practices are outdated and no longer evidence-based, but now therapists have access to the 2023 Guidelines to help them plan and implement engaging, evidence-based cognitive therapy.

An expert panel of clinicians and researchers, known as INCOG, developed guidelines for treating TBI patients based on the latest research. This course dives into these updated guidelines, equipping therapists with the tools they need to deliver evidence-based cognitive therapy. A lot has changed in the last decade, and these guidelines provide essential help in planning more functional, effective therapy.

INCOG 2.0 outlines five key domains for cognitive therapy:

• Posttraumatic Amnesia
• Attention and Information Processing
• Executive Functions
• Cognitive-Communication and Social Cognition Disorders
• Memory

This course will explore specific evidence-based therapy interventions for each domain, as well as reviewing old therapy practices that have been proven ineffective. You'll also learn about medications that can assist physicians in decision-making, and audit tools to ensure the most critical interventions are being implemented in your practice.

This course is ideal for any healthcare provider targeting cognition in adults with neurological injuries.

Disciplines

• Physical Therapist
• Certified Occupational Therapy Asst
• Occupational Therapist
• Physical Therapy Asst
• Speech Language Pathologist
• Speech Language Pathology Asst

Welcome to VISCON 2026, the neuro-vision conference designed to connect the dots between accommodation, autonomic function, visual processing, and interdisciplinary care. Over three powerful days, you'll uncover how the brain, eyes, and body work together - and what happens when those systems break down. With engaging demonstrations, collaborative case studies, and expert-led instruction, VISCON 2026 equips you with the clinical insight and hands-on strategies to elevate outcomes for every client you treat.

Disciplines

• Occupational Therapist
• Optometrist

There are two ways to participate in this live stream event (BOTH count as LIVE CE):

1. in the LIVE STUDIO audience in Gulf Breeze, Florida - Studio audience seats are limited - so register today!
2. via LIVE STREAM around the world - Live stream participants will login to access the event from their computer and interact with the instructor.

Course begins: 8:00 AM Central (9:00 AM Eastern; 7:00 AM Mountain; 6:00 AM Pacific)
Please contact our office if you have any questions. 850-916-8886.


Current research will be reviewed to explore how the NMES parameters such as frequency, phase duration and duty cycle can be changed to maximize impact. Participants will learn about the benefit of using up to 4 channels of stimulation and will learn how to sequence the stimulation between channels to mimic a normal swallowing sequence. In addition, two new modalities will be reviewed and practiced: sEMG Biofeedback and sEMG triggered electrical stimulation.

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


NOTE: Participant must be a VitalStim Provider to attend this advanced level course.

Disciplines

• Occupational Therapist
• Speech Language Pathologist

This course empowers Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) to integrate culinary nutrition and culinary medicine principles to improve outcomes for patients with dysphagia and neurogenic communication disorders. By recognizing the role of nutrition in swallow function, SLPs can better address the unique dietary needs of their patients. The course explores culinary medicine's impact on swallow safety, provides strategies for assessing food ingredients using the IDDS model, and highlights motivational interviewing techniques to foster patient adherence to dietary modifications. Through case studies, hands-on exercises, and counseling simulations, participants will gain practical skills to incorporate nutrition into therapeutic practices for improved patient care.

Disciplines

• Speech Language Pathologist
• Speech Language Pathology Asst