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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This course is offered by BYU as a cooperative with ASHA Approved Provider CIAO Seminars

Disciplines

• Student
• Speech Language Pathologist
• Speech Language Pathology Asst

Have fun at the course, have fun with your clients! Join us in therapeutic play - the NDT way! This interactive basic level course for OT/COTA 's, PT/PTA's and SLP's will emphasize treatment strategies to promote "natural ways to play" in the child with neurological involvement. Therapists will learn introductory handling techniques to optimize postural control and visual/perceptual skills. Participants will learn how neuromotor control and influences of the sensory systems impact functional outcomes. Participants will learn basic components of Integrative Yoga Therapy (IYT) and how these strategies relate to NDT. Therapists will be challenged to facilitate creative play with the children they work with and gain knowledge in the value and foundation of "play". This course will take you through lecture, handling and movement labs, interactive discussions and problem -solving to spark individual creativity and basic understanding of NDT and IYT.

Disciplines

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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