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 for 1.2 CEUs (12 contact hours) and the two day hands-on "VitalStim® Therapy and Beyond: DINES Specialty Certificate Program" for 1.6 CEUs (16 contact hours) for a total of 2.8 CEUs (28 contact hours).

Course Pricing
$775 (Individual)
$725 (Group - 10-24)
$675 (Group - 25-99)
$575 (Group - 100 or more)
$350 (Renewal 1.6 CEUs awarded)

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 for 1.2 CEUs (12 contact hours) and the two day hands-on "VitalStim® Therapy Course" for 1.6 CEUs (16 contact hours) for a total of 2.8 CEUs (28 contact hours).

Course Pricing
$775
$725 (Group - 10-24)
$675 (Group - 25-99)
$575 (Group - 100 or more)
$350 (Renewal 1.6 CEUs)

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

Disciplines

• Speech Language Pathologist
• Occupational Therapist

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

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.


Exercise is the key ingredient to rehabilitation and dysphagia rehabilitation is no different. The skilled clinician must have a variety of treatment tools available to facilitate an effective exercise program. Ten years ago, VitalStim Therapy introduced NMES as such a tool and it has proven very effective. This course will take the VitalStim Provider to a new level using NMES for dysphagia therapy. The course will review the core concepts underpinning successful use of NMES in the dysphagic patient. 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. This dynamic course will focus on hands on skills. The participants will work with the latest technology combining VitalStim, NMES, sEMG and sEMG triggered 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

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

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.


Therapeutic weighted belts benefit children diagnosed with Autism, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Angelman syndrome, Apraxia, Asperger's syndrome (AS), Ataxia, Cerebral Palsy, Down syndrome, Dyslexia, Fetal Alcohol syndrome (FAS), Hypotonia, Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD-NOS), Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), Rett syndrome, Sensory Integration Disorder (SID), and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). This course will use research, surveys and clinical experience to outline how a weighted belt can:

• Increase body awareness
• Improve balance and coordination
• Increase focus and concentration
• Enhance comprehension and learning
• Reduce hyperactivity
• Maximize therapy outcomes
• Increase therapeutic carryover

Disciplines

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

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

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
2:00 PM Central (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
• Physical Therapy Asst
• Occupational Therapist
• Speech Language Pathology Asst
• Speech Language Pathologist

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

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

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

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

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 in real time.

Course Start Time(s):
Day 1&2 start at 8:00 AM Central (9:00 AM Eastern; 7:00 AM Mountain; 6:00 AM Pacific) see Agenda for full schedule

This course will review the process of the swallow from anticipatory phase through esophageal, including muscle function and nerve innervation. A thorough chart review and medication history is critical to identify key information prior to a swallow screen and bedside eval. Sensory changes due to aging and disease processes impacting the patient's nutrition and diet selection will be discussed. Current research will be presented regarding stroke, Parkinson's Disease, ALS, MS, Head/Neck cancer and other disease processes resulting in dysphagia - what can we expect in each phase of swallow and how it relates to our therapy program.

Disciplines

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

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

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

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.

Disciplines

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Therapists are challenged by patients diagnosed with ALS to provide appropriate therapies and work within our standard practice of care. We must know the impact ALS has on cognition and swallowing, the impact of medications and what therapy tools/techniques can make an impact on their cognition, swallowing and quality of life. This seminar will provide information on the diagnostic process, theories on development of the disease, symptoms that present in early ALS as well as the later stages. Medications may improve quality of life for our patients but may also become ineffective. Medication protocols will be discussed as well as CAM or complimentary alternative medicine. Numerous therapy techniques and tools available will be presented with rationale for their use. Recommendations for modified diets, liquids or even NPO may not be acceptable to the patient and/or family. As therapists, we need to know what options are available and educate/inform our patients and families to allow them to make decisions that work for them. Options will be addressed as well as concerns with waivers and need for appropriate, thorough documentation.

Disciplines

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

This intermediate course is offered for Speech Pathologists and Occupational Therapists. Therapists are challenged by patients diagnosed with Parkinson's to provide appropriate therapies and work within our standard practice of care. We must know the impact Parkinson's has on cognition and swallowing, the impact of medications and what therapy tools/techniques can make an impact on their cognition, swallowing and quality of life. This seminar will provide information on the diagnostic process, theories on development of the disease, symptoms that present in early Parkinson's as well as the later stages. Medications may improve quality of life for our patients but may also become ineffective. Medication protocols will be discussed as well as CAM or complimentary alternative medicine. Numerous therapy techniques and tools available will be presented with rationale for their use. Recommendations for modified diets, liquids or even NPO may not be acceptable to the patient and/or family. As therapists, we need to know what options are available and educate/inform our patients and families to allow them to make decisions that work for them. Options will be addressed as well as concerns with waivers and need for appropriate, thorough documentation.

Disciplines

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

This workshop offers the practicing clinician an opportunity to gain new knowledge and update existing skills in the area of application of electrotherapy and therapeutic ultrasound. Participants will leave the course with an evidenced-based approach to the dosing and application of electrical stimulation and ultrasound. The workshop will include hands-on laboratory sessions to reinforce the concepts and techniques discussed during the lecture portions of the program.

Course Level: Introductory Method of Assessing Student Learning: Observation of Lab Work Course requirements: wear loose-fitting athletic clothing

Disciplines

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

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

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.
The process of sensory integration was first described in-depth by occupational therapist A. Jean Ayres in 1972. Since then, awareness by physicians, teachers, therapists and parents has soared; which means a greater prevalence in therapists' caseloads. The challenges therapists, educators and families face can be daunting. This workshop offers evidence-based sensory strategies to bring to the classroom, clinic or home the very next day. Tools from this course include the curriculum from the instructor's book "Learn to Move, Move to Learn!" The instructor will walk participants in this interactive course through the neuroscience foundations of sensory processing disorder (SPD) to understand the "why" of certain behaviors and how best to address the client's and family's needs. Participants will receive treatment plans for early intervention, preschool and elementary school children. They will also learn to design their own sensorimotor play-based lessons and benefit from the numerous videos, case studies and hands-on labs throughout the course.

Due to price changes with the publisher, the book, "Learn to Move, Move to Learn" will no longer be included as part of the registration.

Disciplines

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

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

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

This brand new course will teach therapists to integrate health and wellness strategies into the daily lives of children and teens who struggle with sensory disorders that impact emotional regulation, attention span, problem solving skills, social interactions, and physical health. As the number of children with sensory processing disorder increases and the correlation between nature-deficit disorder and prevalent childhood disorders is established, it is imperative for therapists to incorporate sensory wellness strategies into their therapeutic interventions. Implementing these strategies into daily life activities improves a child's neurophysiological symptoms resulting from sensory processing disorder.
In this course therapists will learn about the evidence-based therapeutic benefits for youth of yoga, exposure to nature such as green and blue spaces, therapeutic gardening, and much more. Participants will develop a repertoire of fun sensory wellness strategies which can be applied to daily life experiences ultimately helping children develop skills for physical and emotional well-being. What to bring: Yoga mat, feathers, bubbles, straws, streamers, small bean bag or bean bag animal, small stickers that can be placed on fingers

Disciplines

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

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

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.


Electrophysical agents (EPAs), used in conjunction with other therapeutic interventions, has long been established in the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation for the management of soft tissue pathology. EPAs are classified into four categories: thermal, mechanical, electrical and electromagnetic. Over the past few years, a controversy as emerged related to the usage of some EPAs. Consequently, many therapists, today, questioned whether or not they should continue, decrease, or simply abandoned, the use of some EPAs. What should you do? This evidence-based course is dedicated to the use of thermal and mechanical agents. It answers the following fundamental questions. Why should thermal and mechanical agents be part of your arsenal of therapeutic interventions for the management of soft tissue conditions? When should they be used during the course of therapeutic management? Where, or for which indications, should they be utilized? How should they be used in order to get maximum therapeutic effectiveness? This course, taught by a renowned author and expert in the field of therapeutic electrophysical agents, will provide you with the answers you are looking for as regard to what you should do in order to obtain maximal efficacy and effectiveness from thermal and mechanical electrophysical agents in your clinics.

Disciplines

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

This interactive course will take the fear out of helping patients with severe dysphagia who require tube feeding. Participants will leave this course with a strong foundation, and a better understanding, of the many considerations involved with tube feeding. The instructor will use lecture, videos, pictures and case studies leaving participants with a new feeling of confidence. This course will provide information to support patients and families who may feel overwhelmed during this transition period. This course is designed for anyone working with individuals who are facing, or living with, a feeding tube such as SLPs, OTs, Dysphagia Specialists and Nurses. Family members are also welcome to attend. Discussion will include topics such as history, tube basics, feeding methods, tips and techniques, common complications, equipment care and medical considerations. The psychology of tube feeding, impact on the family and mealtime dynamics as well as the heart and mind connection will also be discussed.

Disciplines

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