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

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

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

So much of what we know about our world comes through our visual system. It affects reading, writing, posture, use of a communication board and so much more, yet we are taught so little about this system that has such a huge impact on the functional abilities of our children. This engaging course will explain the anatomy and physiology of the visual system through evidence-based research and demonstrate the role vision plays in making academics more difficulty for some children. Therapists will learn to recognize the simple signs of undiagnosed vision-based learning impediments so they might better interpret the results of standardized testing. Through lab practice and case studies, attendees will gain confidence in assessing ocular motor and near vision focusing skills then design programs and use modifications to get the best possible outcomes. Attendees will then learn easy and fun techniques for improving these skills.

Disciplines

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

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

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

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

So much of what we know about our world comes through our visual system. It affects reading, writing, posture, use of communication, and some much more, yet we are taught so little about this system that has such a huge impact on the functional abilities of our children. This course presents the most complete pediatric vision course curriculum ever offered. This expanded course will explain the anatomy and physiology of the visual system and, through evidence-based research, demonstrate the role vision plays in making academics more difficult for some children. Therapists will learn to recognize the simple signs of undiagnosed vision-based learning impediments so they might better interpret the results of standardized testing. Through lab practice and case studies, attendees will gain confidence in assessing ocular motor and near vision focusing skills then design programs and use modifications to get the best possible outcomes. Therapists will learn the common signs of dyslexia and get the truth on computer vision syndrome. Attendees will then learn easy and fun techniques for improving these skills. This course offers a curriculum to make the novice therapist into the "go-to" vision resource.

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

The range of function in older children with "hypotonia" varies greatly. Hypotonia can impact function greatly or slightly. In this introductory course, the participants will learn through lecture, labs and videos intervention ideas for promoting play and function in older children (3-13 years). The intervention ideas will be based on NDT and SI approaches as well as some ideas from the sports medicine arena. This course will include postural control activities and interventions, activities to integrate ATNR and STNR reflexes, assistive devices for upright mobility, as well as visual motor activities and midline crossing skills required for higher level gross and fine motor skills. Speech therapists will learn the importance of postural alignment and support for breath control as well as play ideas to promote language and communication through play.

Disciplines

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

This introductory level course will utilize lecture, video and hands-on lab sessions to teach participants in this course therapeutic techniques and interventions to help the young child (birth to 3 years) with hypotonia, regardless of the cause, through the developmental stages from supine to standing. This course will be based on NDT and SI principles to facilitate functional skills including gross motor, fine motor and postural control. By considering the internal and external factors which can impact arousal, posture and functional skills, participants will help young children achieve their highest functional level.

Disciplines

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

Vision is our furthest reaching sense, telling us 75% of what we know about the world around us. Stroke, brain injury and concussion can disrupt the visual system, affecting not just our patient's knowledge of the world around them but also how they interact and move through that world. This course will explain the most common visual consequences of stroke and brain injury from double vision, near vision focusing problems to visual cuts. Participants will learn to assess and document these deficits and learn modifications to improve performance and safety during treatment sessions in the clinic and at home. The participants will learn simple, inexpensive techniques to improve visual symptoms and patient outcomes. Physical, Occupational and Speech therapists will all benefit from a deeper understanding of the functional role of the visual system in their patient's recovery.

Disciplines

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