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 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: 9:00 AM Central (10:00 AM Eastern; 8:00 AM Mountain; 7:00 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

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

Evaluation and treatment of cognitive deficits can often be some of the most challenging diagnoses to address because of what seems to be infinite variables. This course focuses on the many factors associated with learning for the cognitively impaired patients who suffer from head injuries, stroke and dementia. Fundamental information includes anatomy and physiology of cognition, clinical neurotransmitters that affect cognition, different types of memory, medications that affect cognition and evidence-based practice access. The instructor will also address cognitive evaluations, goal writing, environmental adaptations, Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and the MCI training program. Specific direct cognitive interventions to improve attention, memory, executive function, and visual-spatial functions will be discussed in detail. The importance of correct diagnosis and staging will be emphasized along with staging training. This course, taught by one of the great experts in the field, will help you to narrow your plan to deliver the best patient-specific cognitive rehabilitation care.

Disciplines

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

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):
9:00 AM Central until 12:45 PM (starting 10:00 AM Eastern; 8:00 AM Mountain; 7:00 AM Pacific)
OR
2:00 PM Central until 5:45 PM (starting 3:00 PM Eastern; 1:00 PM Mountain; 12:00 PM (noon) Pacific)

Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology services continue to be on the audit radar for various Medicare and private insurance carriers medical review entities for documentation, coding and billing issues. This seminar will teach participants the necessary components of documentation for the initial evaluation, reevaluation, progress reports, daily notes, discharge reports and the Medicare Part B certification and recertification process that will help participants document the key points in supporting medical necessity and the skilled nature of outpatient therapy services.

Disciplines

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

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 begins: 9:00 AM Central (10:00 AM Eastern; 8:00 AM Mountain; 7:00 AM Pacific)
Please contact our office if you have any questions. 850-916-8886.
Success in functional written communication skills is directly connected to scholastic achievement as seen through the most prevalent referral driven factor - dysgraphia. Jenny will use a variety of lecture, videos, labs and case studies to guide therapists through the evaluation and treatment path for school aged children who are challenged with dysgraphia. Jenny will demonstrate how to identify the language, motor, sensory, and perceptual deficits underlying this challenge. Participants will learn signs and symptoms, and multiple assessment tools to identify the elements of dyslexic dysgraphia; motor dysgraphia; and spatial dysgraphia. Attendees will obtain a variety of interventions, technology tools and compensatory adaptations that can be used immediately. Jenny always shares videos and case studies to show real-life applications of progressive plans of care.

Disciplines

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

This introductory level two day seminar will provide a strong foundation in evidence based information, theory and critical analysis of: sub system analysis, swallowing safety and function, appropriate and effective therapeutic interventions, family/caregiver engagement and discharge planning. Infant's communication skills, positioning impact on feeding and swallowing, pre-feeding skills, therapeutic feeding trials, bottle and breast feeding, family involvement, and feeding in palliative care will also be discussed.

Disciplines

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

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):
9:00 AM Central (10:00 AM Eastern; 8:00 AM Mountain; 7:00 AM Pacific)


Outpatient therapy services continue to be on the audit radar for various Medicare and private insurance carriers medical review entities for coding and billing issues. The seminar will teach participants the correct use of CPT codes for modalities and interventions used by physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants and speech-language pathologists in all outpatient settings. The seminar will discuss Medicare's "8-minute rule", definition of substantial per the American Medical Association, and provide billing scenarios to ensure therapists bill correctly to all insurance carriers. Finally, the seminar will teach participants the latest on the Medicare therapy threshold, targeted medical review for claims exceeding $3,000 in a calendar year, how the application of the multiple procedure payment reduction (MPPR) policy impacts your payment for Medicare beneficiaries receiving outpatient therapy services and when to and when not to issue an ABN to a Medicare beneficiary.

Due to the disproportionate amount of CPT codes for OT's and PT's, the CPT portion of the webinar is divided into 70% OT/PT specific guidelines and 30% SLP specific guidelines. All other course material is applicable across disciplines.

Disciplines

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

This one day course will focus on utilizing Yoga and NDT techniques and philosophy for those children with neurological and/or developmental challenges. There are many benefits to everyone to incorporating Yoga into their daily routine. Individuals of all ages and abilities can benefit from a yoga practice. It engages every aspect of body and mind connection to include physical gains, organization of the sensory systems, and the connections within the brain. We will discuss and identify how the two theories can overlap, through participation in performing the poses, making adaptations for all levels/abilities, labs and video presentations. This course is appropriate for OT's, PT's, ST's, Educators and Developmental Specialists working in a variety of settings.

Yoga benefits for children, especially for those with special challenges:

• Develop physical strength & flexibility
• Increase active/passive range of motion
• Enhance balance and focus
• Increase bilateral integration and crossing midline
• Improve concentration
• Reduce hyperactivity
• Cultivate confidence & self-esteem
• Enhance self-control & relaxation
• Increase cognitive &motor skills
• Relieve/decrease stress

Disciplines

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

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

Children with autism who are nonverbal can be a challenge to work with. From aggressive behaviors to slow or no progress, clinicians and parents may face many obstacles. Melodic Based Communication Therapy (M.B.C.T.) has been shown to be a successful method for improving social skills, imitation, and verbal expression in this population. Participants will explore the impact of melody and rhythm on the human brain, review the history of the use of melody for the nonverbal population with autism as well as the current evidence to support its use, actively participate in and master the 10 steps to successfully using M.B.C.T. to elicit verbal communication, and discuss modifications to the program in order to use it effectively in any clinical or home setting. Become an M.B.C.T. Level 1 Certified Provider and join a registry of professionals proficient and qualified in this technique. Be ready to implement strategies learned in this course the very next day.

Disciplines

• Various Important Professions
• Certified Occupational Therapy Asst
• Occupational Therapist
• Speech Language Pathologist
• Speech Language Pathology Asst
• Teacher

This interactive two-day workshop for rehabilitation teams will address evaluation and current treatment techniques appropriate for soft tissue and joint restrictions that contribute to an abnormal swallow.
Note: Registration for this course includes the pre-requisite online course "Anatomy of Swallowing" (you will receive an additional 4 hours for completion of this online course)
Click Here for a Preview

Disciplines

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

Jennifer Jones' new course was created due to multiple requests for a course that addresses assessing and treating children with more involved feeding disorders. The complex medical issues and frustrating behavioral refusals that lead to profound dysphagia are discussed based on current research. The process of completing an educated, differential diagnosis, developing the appropriate treatment plan and performing treatment techniques are the focal points of this course. Dr. Jones teaches a step-by-step process in increasing preferred foods for the pickiest little eater and also how to treat pharyngeal dysphagia without the luxury of the instrumental exam. The class includes case presentations with treatment protocols. This course is designed to provide therapists with the tools to treat difficult dysphagia clients immediately upon returning to work.

Disciplines

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

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):
9:00 AM Central (10:00 AM Eastern; 8:00 AM Mountain; 7:00 AM Pacific)
OR
1:00 PM Central (2:00 PM Eastern; 12:00 PM Mountain; 11:00 AM (noon) Pacific)

A therapist's aspiration for children with High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder (HFASD) is to help them live successfully in society. This course will discuss sensory system dysfunction for children with HFASD and how this impacts attainment with quality sleep, eating a balanced diet, consistent hygiene routines, and social skills and playing. Neuroscience foundations, current research, and solution options will be examined to determine effective evidence-based interventions. This course will offer problem-solving approaches for helping children with HFASD in the community, at home, and in school environments. Participants will gain practical strategies addressing activities of daily living for HFASD. Sensory simulations will help participants understand the struggles children with HFASD experience. Case studies will be presented to offer real-life scenarios.

Disciplines

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

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) affects the entire person and often the visual system. Patients who suffer a TBI require an interdisciplinary team approach to improve the overall function. The devastating effects on the brain may result in neurological changes to the visual system including double vision, blurred vision, headaches, and balance difficulties. Any of these can impede functional outcomes for all disciplines (i.e. gait training, activities of daily living, social skills, emotional appropriateness, language skills and perception). In this course the instructor will cover evidenced based research on neuroplasticity; causes of TBI; effects it can have on the person; assessment tools for education; and functional remediation exercises. This course will prepare OT/COTA's, PT/PTA's, ST's, educators, psychologists, nurses and other healthcare providers to better understand and treat the underlying visual factors that may be hindering progress. Participants will also gain a better understanding of when to refer to an optometrist/neuro-optometrist. This course will provide functional applications for you and your clients - from pediatrics to geriatrics.

Disciplines

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

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

1. as part of 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: 9:00 AM Central (10:00 AM Eastern; 7:00 AM Pacific)
OR
Course time: Noon Central (1:00 PM Eastern; 10:00 AM Pacific)

Drooling is a swallowing problem that can have significant consequences on quality of life as well as overall health and well-being. A speech pathologist has a vital role on the multidisciplinary team to assess saliva management and provide appropriate and functional intervention as well as oral and non-oral intake recommendations. This intermediate level course will address the role of saliva, drooling as a swallowing problem, methods to measure severity and frequency, and medical and therapeutic intervention across the lifespan. Case studies and pertinent research will be discussed.

This course will discuss both pediatrics and adults.

Disciplines

• Speech Language Pathologist
• Speech Language Pathology Asst

Using an educational screening tool, participants will examine assessments for 13 skills including eye movement control, eye teaming, focus shifting, auditory-visual integration, and visual memory. Through case studies and interactive demonstrations, students will experience vision problems and be challenged to determine if they can spot a problem as a client would be assessed. Analyze cases of strabismus and amblyopia and plan for referrals to appropriate vision professionals.

Disciplines

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