RESOURCES & DISCIPLINES Bring This Course to You!
NEW - 2026 UPDATES
Providers should submit their Certificate of Completion to their QA department or clinical administrator for compliance documentation and inspection readiness.
This course is designed to renew competency for VitalStim/DINES Therapy Providers who use NMES for dysphagia therapy. Participants will receive the most current key concepts in research, safety and protocols during the course. In addition to updated placements, parameter modifications, indications and contraindications regarding VitalStim and other NMES for dysphagia information, this course has been updated with significant growth of scientific research, an increase in available treatment protocols, and an expansion of available equipment options.
Participants who successfully complete this course will be equipped with the required knowledge and skills to maximize the impact of the use of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) in the treatment of dysphagia. This renewal course will review topics such as muscle physiology, kinesiology of the swallowing mechanism and pathological swallowing mechanisms and processes. The basic principles and concepts of neuromuscular electrical stimulation as used in the treatment of dysphagia will be reviewed,. Providers will gain an additional perspective on modifying parameters for comfort and fatigue. This renewal will also include various NMES protocols described in the literature. New case studies and patient scenarios have been added to expand the clinical experience.
ONLINE Renewal Specifics:
Do you have access to the VitalStim Plus device? The renewal alone does not satisfy the requirements to use the full components of the advanced VitalStim Plus device. There is separate VitalStim Plus course to cover the additional functions and features that needs to be completed to protect your license. The advanced course covers sEMG, biofeedback, the additional channels, how to use the Bluetooth capability, and more.
Rather Attend In Person?
Go to any LIVE VitalStim® Therapy and Beyond: DINES Specialty Certificate Program. Select Renewal (no MBS required) price during registration.
Click Here for Adult Focus LIVE Renewal
Click Here for Pediatric Focus LIVE Renewal
Jodie graduated from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, FL with a Master of Science degree in Communication Disorders. She has been a practicing speech language pathologist since 1995 with extensive experience in the private sector, school settings and clinical experience in hospital settings which include long term care and outpatient rehab. Jodie became a VitalStim® Provider in 2005. Since then she has utilized this modality in the treatment of dysphagia with both her pediatric and adult patients. Jodie is also a licensed NOMAS® practitioner and certified in NDC (NMES for Dysphagia), MDTP (McNeil Dysphagia Therapy Program) and Myofascial Release. She has presented locally and nationally on various topics such as Best Practices, The Benefits of Oral Motor/Feeding Therapy on Articulation/Speech Clarity amongst others. Currently, Jodie serves the Speech Language Pathology profession as a therapist at Val Verde Regional Hospital in TX and as a certified instructor of the VitalStim® Therapy and DINES Specialty Certificate Program for CIAO Seminars.
Financial Disclosure: Jodie receives honoraria from CIAO Seminars for the presentation of this course. She also receives royalties for the purchase of her recorded course(s)
Non-Financial Disclosure: Jodie uses VitalStim Therapy in her practice.
Jon received his Master of Science from Eastern Illinois University in 1992 and his Certificate of Physical Therapy from Ohio State in 1997. Jon currently holds an academic appointment as an Assistant Professor at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, TN. He teaches courses in anatomy, pathology, orthopedics, and sports medicine. He continues to treat patients and conduct research at Campbell Clinic. He is pursuing a Ph.D. in educational research at the University of Memphis. Formerly the director of rehabilitation for Samaritan Regional Health System in Ashland, Ohio, Jon has also worked as the Director of Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine Coordinator for Campbell Clinic in Memphis, TN. Jon is currently a Certified Instructor for the VitalStim® Certification Course teaching NMES for the treatment of dysphagia. Jon’s professional appointments include Team Physical Therapist and Rehab Consultant for several semi-professional and professional sports teams. He is an NATABOC certified Athletic Trainer and a member of the APTA, Ohio PT Association, and Tennessee Athletic Trainers Association.
Financial Disclosure: Jon receives honoraria from CIAO Seminars for the presentation of this course. He also receives royalties for the purchase of his recorded course(s).
Non-financial Disclosure: There are no financial relationships to disclose.
Karin has been a practicing Speech Pathologist who has been working at CHOC Children’s Hospital in Orange, CA for over 30 years. She is a clinical specialist at CHOC who provides direct inpatient care coverage, including in their Level 4 NICU. Karin is extremely focused on quality improvement initiatives, writing policies and procedures as well as care guidelines and is involved in councils and committees. Karin serves as a clinical specialist and is committed to empowering others through mentoring and education. She is active in development of guidelines, policies and procedures as well as ongoing analysis of programs, always looking to enhance the care provided. She is passionate about feeding and swallowing, breast feeding, developmental care and partnering with families. Her love of teaching and helping others drives her to create and deliver fun and empowering continuing education courses. She is passionate about empowering family members in the care of their babies and children to optimize outcomes and generalize skills. She is equally passionate about educating and training others in their professional growth and development. She finds joy in helping others succeed.
Financial Disclosure: Karin Mitchell receive honoraria from CIAO Seminars for presenting this course.
Non-financial Disclosure: Karin Mitchell uses NMES during swallowing therapy as appropriate.
Lesley Mateer, M.A. CCC-SLP is the president of Career Improvement & Advancement Opportunities, Inc (CIAO). Since 1999, she has dedicated her company to taking care of fellow therapists and providing quality, affordable continuing education across the United States. As a Speech Language Pathologist and Rehab Director, Lesley trained healthcare professionals and students on various topics such as Customer Service, Medicare Guidelines, Corporate Orientation, Ethics, Rehabilitation, Motivation and Leadership.
Financial Disclosure: Lesley is the president if CIAO Seminars, the owner of the VitalStim and Beyond, DINES Specialty Program and VitalStim Renewal course.
Non-Financial Disclosure: No relevant relationships.
Intermediate Level
1.5 ASHA CEUs
CIAO is accredited by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET). CIAO complies with the ANSI/IACET Standard, which is recognized internationally as a standard of excellence in instructional practices. As a result of this accreditation, CIAO is accredited to issue the IACET CEU.
CIAO is recognized on the NBCOT Provider Registry (meets PDU requirements for NBCOT)
CIAO Automatically reports to CE Broker for Florida Occupational and Physical Therapists and Assistants. Florida SLPs can either use the ASHA CE Participant Form (Bubble Sheet) or self-submit through CE Broker.
Tons of new info and so appreciate the presenter.
- Grand Island, NE / Jul 2026
Excellent for providers doing renewal. If possible, please update the pediatric content. Thank you!
- New Brunswick, NJ / Jul 2026
This Vital Stim Renew Update course was very helpful and will allow me to further my skills while utilizing the Vital Stim plus machine with my patients. It has helped me to focus or identify the specific nerves and muscles.
- Jackson, MS / Jun 2026
This course was excellent! It seemed better and more understandable than the first 2 courses I took- maybe because of the time I have had in clinical practice. Maybe because the instructors were so good. I wasn't aware of the new NMES machines that are on the market now and the different protocols. I would have liked to have the diet guidelines the instructor mentioned in the resource section. Also, on the Evaluation of Swallow Function (resource) do you need to update the name of the electrode placements?
- Colorado Springs, CO / Jun 2026
I found it very helpful to comprehensively review muscles, nerves and s/s associated with each electrode placement and to practice parameter settings on the thumb. The exercise applications were very comprehensive. Of note, this is the first time I've taken the e-course vs. liven course, and it was significantly more beneficial in that is allowed me opportunity to pause the video, practice, go back, review, take notes, then go forward at my own pace to truly absorb and implement the training. Given that fact that clinicians can repeatedly go over an application online offers more practice essentially and therefore it might make sense to consider offering the same CEU's that are offered during live courses. Thank you for a wonderful renewal course!
- Waldwick, NJ / May 2026
Great course, very thorough in explanation. Well presented course with great examples and visuals
- Sanford, FL / May 2026
This course was excellent. A very good refresher that helped increase my knowledge and skills in the area of dysphagia evaluation and treatment with or without NMES. I very much appreciate being able to access this course from home at my own pace as I juggle work and family life. Thank you!
- Heppner, OR / May 2026
Loved, loved, loved this course. Very informative and videos were great.
- Pulaski, TN / May 2026