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 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.

Treating acquired speech and language disorders starts with a strong differential diagnosis evaluation. This course will guide the participant in recognizing the differences and then building a combination of treatment approaches to target the impairments. Participants will become familiar with tests including the Newcastle Dysarthria Assessment Tool, The Apraxia Speech Rating Scale, The Apraxia Battery for Adults Assessment, and Cognitive Test Battery for Global Aphasia. Evidence based treatment approaches will be discussed as well as some less researched clinical pathways. These techniques include Rhythm/rate control methods, and articulatory kinematic approaches The instructor will present case studies and guides on documentation. Therapists will leave with a well-rounded approach to acquired speech and language disorders to bring to the patients on Monday morning.

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

COVID-19 has impacted our personal and professional lives, and how we as speech-pathologists, physical therapists, and occupational therapists' practice. This course expands on our basic knowledge of virus transmission, known variants, symptomatic vs. asymptomatic as well as current treatments including mechanical ventilation, intubation, and the need for alternative nutrition. Pediatric cases have increased with severe complications such as multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C). Long COVID or long haulers have their own set of health issues that impact quality of life. This course will present current research discussing the known impact on voice, respiration, ADLs, function, endurance, nutrition, GI system, dysphagia and cognition and the challenges faced in rehabilitation of the long haulers or long covid patients.

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 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
• Occupational Therapist
• Speech Language Pathologist
• Student

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

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

• 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

More than 30,000 dysphagia specialists use NMES for treating dysphagia. With increased interest, comes increased questions and concern. This interactive live stream forum will answer current hot topic questions regarding NMES for dysphagia. The instructor, who has earned a Specialty Certificate and credentials as a Certified NMES for Swallowing (NDC) in NMES for dysphagia will clarify many questions surrounding the use of this modality, including the following: 1. Evidence (research) surrounding NMES for dysphagia 2. Safe and unsafe use of NMES for dysphagia 3. Controversy of placing electrodes below the hyoid The instructor will also answer pre-submitted questions as well as live questions regarding the truths (or not) other those listed above. NOTE: This course is open to any dysphagia therapist who is interested in learning more about NMES for dysphagia. The course is also appropriate for those already trained.

Disciplines

• Speech Language Pathologist
• Speech Language Pathology Asst

This interactive live stream forum with the VitalStim/DINES Clinical Consultant is focused on offering advanced education for VitalStim and DINES Providers. This opportunity for NMES for dysphagia specialists will provide a medium for Providers to ask questions related to research, case studies, contraindications, protocols, new devices and ethics. Discussions could also include identification of appropriate therapy candidates, interpretation of the MBS in planning the intervention. Participants will have the opportunity to problem solve treatments through clinical reasoning. The forum will accept pre-submitted questions as well as live questions. NOTE: Participants must have successfully completed either the VitalStim or the DINES certificate course.

Disciplines

• Occupational Therapist
• Speech Language Pathologist

Physical Agent Modalities (PAMs) for the Rehab Professional (Blue Track) is designed to educate occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants in the use of electro-physical agents in the areas of electrical stimulation (pulsed, alternating, and direct current), and superficial and deep thermal agents. This course is open to ATs, OT/COTAs and PT/PTAs.

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

Physical Agent Modalities (PAMs) is designed to educate occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants in the use of electro-physical agents in the areas of therapeutic electrical current and therapeutic ultrasound. The course also serves as a modalities update for physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and athletic trainers.

Disciplines

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

Postextubation dysphagia or PED is not new; however, it has become more prevalent following long-term intubation of COVID-19 patients. Patients with COVID-19 have specific characteristics SLPS should be aware of. Impact of PED includes high prevalence of pneumonia, high mortality, risk of reintubation and poor outcomes. While there are no standard protocols for screening and diagnosis of PED, research has put forth various time frames for screening and assessment. This seminar will discuss the prevalence of PED, which patients may be more predisposed to PED including COVID-19 patients, clinical factors that increase potential for severe PED, recommendations for screening and evaluation as well as the impact of therapy to improve function and safety with oral intake.

Disciplines

• 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 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

Respiratory Muscle Strength Training is an important addition to our treatment program. Often our treatment programs do not include this modality. This course builds on our basic knowledge of respiration and its connection to speech and swallowing. However, respiration also ties into cardiovascular function and our immune system. These connections will be investigated. We will identify signs and symptoms occupational therapists, physical therapists and nurses should look for during interactions with their clients that would indicate the presence of respiratory muscle weakness. Various diseases and disorders contributing to respiratory muscle strength weakness including COVID-19 will be discussed as well as the use of respiratory muscle strength training in patient recovery and therapy programs. Inspiratory and Expiratory muscle strength training tools and their protocols will be discussed These will be presented with comparisons of similarities and differences. Studies relating to the efficacy of respiratory muscle strength training will be presented for numerous diseases, including COVid-19 throughout the course.

Disciplines

• Certified Occupational Therapy Asst
• Occupational Therapist
• 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

The tongue - it's the common denominator for every evaluation we do for speech and swallowing. It's necessary to evaluate tongue range of motion, strength and endurance as it's critical for speech and swallowing. Data collected during the evaluation helps us create the roadmap for therapeutic activities. This seminar builds on your basic knowledge of evaluating the tongue utilizing traditional tests on the market, the importance of this assessment, specific muscles critical for efficient function, how to determine range of motion and strength to assist in therapy planning as well as tools available to assist in improving tongue range of motion and strength to improve outcomes for speech and swallowing.

Disciplines

• Speech Language Pathologist
• Speech Language Pathology Asst

Improve your knowledge base and skills with tracheostomy and ventilator dependent assessments and treatment approaches. Whether you are currently working with tracheostomy and ventilator dependent patients or if you would like to develop the knowledge and skills for this specialty, this course is for you! The course material will include types of tracheostomies, speaking valves, and treatment strategies to help your patients wean off the vent and successfully decannulate. Therapists working with patients with trachs and vents can be challenged with getting instrumental assessments, choosing treatment strategies, and communicating the role of the therapist for this unique population to multidisciplinary teams. This course will present the physiological and structural changes of the trachea following a tracheostomy. It also offers guidelines and treatment strategies to initiate po intake and achieve voicing using speaking valves. Participants will walk away with new ideas and understandings ready for tomorrow.

Disciplines

• 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