Receive your Specialty Certificate in VitalStim Therapy!
The original FDA cleared treatment approach to successfully combine Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation and traditional dysphagia techniques.

The VitalStim® Therapy Specialty Program includes the online course, MBS: The Clear Picture 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 (Individual)
$725 (Group - 10-24)
$675 (Group - 25-99)
$575 (Group - 100 or more)
$350 (Renewal 1.6 CEUs awarded)

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

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.


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

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

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

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

This intermediate course is offered for Speech Pathologists and Occupational Therapists. Therapists are challenged by patients diagnosed with Huntington's or Prion Disease to provide appropriate therapies and work within our standard practice of care. We must know the impact these have 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 stages and the changes that occur with the progression. 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 Pathologist
• Speech Language Pathology Asst
• Certified Occupational Therapy Asst
• Occupational Therapist

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

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

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

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

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

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

Each participant will receive a copy of Jenny Clark's popular book, "Learn to Move, Move to Learn."

Disciplines

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

This seminar will provide a road map to assist the professional who is interested in becoming a private practitioner. Private Practice is not for everyone and takes a lot of blood, sweat and tears. Before you begin the process, you need to examine the decisions necessary to build a strong foundation for a successful business. Many options are available for your practice - part time, full time, solo and partnerships and each has advantages and disadvantages to sort through. Many new businesses fail because owners failed to prepare themselves for the financial costs of start up and failed to formulate a strong business plan. Resources will be identified to assist you in writing a business plan and determining an appropriate business structure. Even though start up funds are limited, business consultants are important to your success. Referral sources, marketing and determining a fee structure will be addressed.

Disciplines

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

Have you encountered a family who is struggling to feed their child? Perhaps the child only eats a few select foods or is unable to sit at the table peacefully. These challenges are global and unfortunately threaten, not only the child's nutritional well-being, but the relationship between caregiver and child. According to a recent publication in Pediatrics, Feb 2015, "Parents of young children worldwide are concerned about feeding difficulties". Feeding disorders are recognized by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Addition (DSM-V) and it is concluded that eating a restricted number of foods or displaying a fear of eating is disordered and may have long standing health implications for those who suffer from such challenges. Seiverling et al. estimated up to eighty-nine percent of children with Austism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) exhibit problematic feeding and eating habits, including food hyper selectivity, food refusal and disruptive mealtime behaviors (2011). In this intermediate course, we will examine prevalent diagnosis associated with such feeding disturbances (ASD, neophobia, ARFID) and explore the underlying causes of selective eating in order to develop clinical treatment pathways. Areas of impact will be examined, and treatment solutions will be derived as we work as a team to assist our children and families navigate extreme food hyper-selectivity. Strategies to create peaceful mealtime experiences while increasing the child's comfort level with food will be discussed. Case studies and learning activities will be used to facilitate problem solving and global application of evidence-based intervention. Practitioners who serve children and families impacted by feeding challenges are encouraged to attend.

Disciplines

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

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