Physical Therapy Certifications

This month CE For Therapy has partnered with PESI Inc. to offer the online course Orthopedic Myofascial Certificate: Solutions for Pain, Posture & Mobility. Link to Course  Join Theresa Schmidt, PT, DPT, MS, OCS, LMT, CEAS, CHy to build a solid foundation in the leading soft tissue treatment techniques, including: Myofascial Release, Cupping, Trigger Point Release, Positional Release (strain and counterstrain), Foam rollers and Mobilization Tools, AND MORE!

CE For Therapy has an extensive database of Physical Therapy  Certifications, Methods, Techniques, Specialties, and Topics offered by Continuing Education Providers. If you are aware of additional Physical Therapy Certifications, Specialties, Methods, Techniques, or Topics that you think should be added, please contact us.

Physical Therapy Certifications and Techniques

Aquatic Therapy – Bad Ragaz

TBA

Balance – Evidenced-based Assessment of Functional Strength and Balance in Geriatric Rehabilitation

Therapy Network Seminars ↗

Older adults can pose unique challenges for clinicians due to their sedentary lifestyle and potential for complex medical history. Rehabilitation professionals are experts in movement science and should play an integral role in prescription of appropriate physical activity to ensure maximal levels of success with older adults. In order to do this, a thorough functional assessment is necessary to identify the impairments that are most likely causing the activity limitation or participation restriction. The course content will provide you with a better understanding of the available evidence-based functional assessment tools available to evaluate your patient for strength or balance deficits affecting their functional status. Link to Balance Course

Concussion – Comprehensive Concussion Management in Sports Medicine Course

PT Seminars ↗

This webinar will use recent literature to provide participants the most current understanding of concussion injury. The causes and risk factors of concussion injuries will be explored. An overview of the best practices will be presented including sideline identification, diagnosis, treatment, practice restrictions, and safe return to participation. Link to Course

Concussion – CCMI Clinic Certification Program

Complete Concussion Management Inc ↗

The Complete Concussion Management (CCMI) program provides partnered clinics with everything needed to implement an effective, evidence-based concussion management program.

Through practitioner education, continuous research updates, state-of-the-art Concussion Testing and Management Software, access to marketing resources and technology tools, the CCMI program has been proven to help our Certified Clinics and Clinicians improve patient outcomes and stay at the forefront of concussion management, treatment, and rehabilitation.
Link to Course

Dermoneuromodulation – TBA

Differential Diagnosis- Module 1: Intro to Screening for Referral/Physical Assessment

AdvantageCEUs.com ↗

This Online course is derived from the textbook Differential Diagnosis for Physical Therapists by Catherine Goodman, MBA, PT, CBP and Teresa Snyder, MN, RN, OCN, CS. At the completion of this course, participants should be able to identify the key factors that create a need for screening, recognize clinical presentation "red flags", differentiate between medical screening versus screening for referral, describe the purpose of the diagnosis, identify issues with establishing a diagnosis and the scope of physical therapy practice, and recognize key objectives set forth by the APTA in achieving autonomous physical therapist practice. Link to Course

Dual-Task Treatment Programs

Mobility Research Institute of Continuing Education ↗

This online course describes the different components and features of computerized Dual-task assessment, and addresses treatment programs blending balance-gait, gaze, and cognitive exercise/activities, along with use of outcome tools. The course is aimed at the aging population and patients with neurological impairments, but is applicable for younger clients as well. Link to Course

Geriatrics – Expert in Applied Geriatric Neurology Certification (CEAGN)

GREAT Seminars & Books ↗

By focusing in application, this certification course extends and enriches learning in the area of geriatric neurology. Participants will apply course content from the 5 prerequisite courses to respond to 5 course-specific, advanced case studies. Participants who successfully pass the 5 case study assignments will receive the certification designation Certified Expert in Applied Geriatric Neurology (CEAGN).

LSVT BIG Certification

LSVT Global, Inc. ↗

LSVT Global, Inc. trains and certifies physical and occupational therapy professionals and students in LSVT BIG®, a specialized, evidence-based therapy to improve function and mobility in people with Parkinson disease and other neurological conditions. The LSVT BIG Training and Certification Course can be taken online, virtually or in-person. Discounted student and group rates are available. Link to LSVT BIG Online and Live Certification Courses

Neurodegenerative Impairments: Assessment and Treatment Strategies – LIVE WEBINAR

Education Resources, Inc. ↗

Learn practical management strategies to improve outcomes for patients with neurodegenerative disorders. Improve your understanding and management of muscle tone, kinetic disorders and ataxia from diagnosis through late-stage. Case studies with videos will be used to develop assessment and treatment plans with strategies to address both motor and non-motor impairments including decreased attention, difficulty multitasking, and behavioral barriers. Presenter is Robert Hand, DPT, NCS, PT.

Neurodynamic Techniques

MedBridge ↗

In this online course, Guido Van Ryssegem will provide the clinician with knowledge and skills in neurodynamic techniques. Clinicians will understand the science and concepts, principles of examination, evaluation and intervention related to injuries or symptoms related to neurodynamics. Clinicians will be able to perform neurodynamic assessment and manual therapy techniques, and will learn to make appropriate decisions for the implementation of the proposed manual therapy techniques.
Link to MedBridge

Neurological – Autonomic Nervous System

Flex CEUs ↗

Autonomic Nervous System and Related Disorders- Utilizing Integrative Manual Therapy. This course presents the principles of Advanced Strain and Counterstrain Technique to help balance the autonomic nervous system in order to help alleviate symptoms, by creating homeostasis. Link to Flex

Neurological – Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS) Certification

Academy of Certified Brain Injury Specialists ↗

ACBIS offers a voluntary national certification program for both direct care staff and professionals working in brain injury services. ACBIS provides the opportunity to learn important information about brain injury, to demonstrate learning in a written examination, and to earn a nationally recognized credential.

Neurological – Cerebral Palsy – KEYtoCP™: A Systematic, Intensive Treatment Model

Rehab Education ↗

Developed by Pia Stampe, PT, DPT, the KEYtoCP™ Treatment Model provides a comprehensive and completely unique treatment experience for every client and their family– to address their unique goals, and keep improving long after the intensive has ended. Participants will learn how to use this highly systematic approach to treatment of children with all types of cerebral palsy to jumpstart change, address how to avoid formation of maladaptive habits, and change maladaptive habits that have already developed. The KEYtoCP™ approach is firmly based on current brain research and knowledge about how to best harness the brain’s ability to change.Course is series of four 4-hour live webinars over 4 evenings, 15 contact hours – Live Interactive Webinar (via Zoom)

Neurological – Constraint-Induced Therapy: Introduction to Modified Constraint-Induced Therapy

MedBridge ↗

Learn the most well-known and intensively studied neurorehabilitative therapy, taught by one of its pioneers! Learn from Dr. Page, who was the first to develop and implement modified, distributed versions of constraint-induced therapy, and to show that this reimbursable outpatient approach changes the brains and movements of patients even decades after brain injury and stroke. In this introductory course, Dr. Page will introduce the rationale, scientific basis, and practical application of modified constraint induced therapy into your clinic, including applications to the upper and lower extremities and speech.
Link to MedBridge

Neurological – Neuro Specialist Certificate Course: Functional Neuroscience & Rehabilitation Simplified

PESI ↗

You will discover a plethora of dynamic techniques and assessment tools applicable in every practice and walk away with the essential skills to transform the lives of your patients.
All sessions are designed to offer a solid foundation and then get straight to the information you can use immediately in the clinic — anatomy/physiology, case studies, neuromuscular facilitation techniques, passive and active ROM exercises, guided motor imagery, manual therapies, home programs, and more!
It's neuroscience made simple. This is your chance to get a front-row seat to practical, evidence-based strategies you can use immediately.

NeuroVestibular Complex

Therapy Network Seminars ↗

This hands-on course is designed to bridge the gap between evaluation and treatment of adult patients with balance disorders associated with vestibular dysfunction. A structured method of examination involving the components of movement and mobility will be presented in conjunction with treatment paradigms specific to the diagnosis and impairments. Functional testing procedures and evidenced-based treatment techniques will be demonstrated and reinforced with hands on practice time to allow for integration of the material. All course materials have been carefully designed to serve as a life long resource in the clinic.

Parkinson’s – Activator® Parkinson’s Wellness Course

Urban Poling ↗

Activator® Course for PD Wellness is interactive and dynamic, a combination of evidence based research, practical demonstrations, video analysis, and hands-on training - all focused to help your clients live their based life with PD.

A pair of Activator Poles and Boot Tips are included in the price of enrollment.

Postural Restoration Certified™ (PRC)

Postural Restoration Intstitute ↗

The Postural Restoration Institute credentialing program recognizes individuals with advanced training and extraordinary interest in the science of postural adaptations, asymmetrical patterns and the influence of polyarticular chains of muscles on the human body. The PRC credentialing program is available to PTs, PTAs, OTs, and chiropractors who have attended the required PRI courses, demonstrated a thorough understanding of the science through completion of the PRC application, and successfully participate in both clinical and analytical testing.

Postural Restoration Trained™ (PRT)

Postural Restoration Intstitute ↗

Postural Restoration Trained™ (PRT) is a credential available to Athletic Trainers (with Certification through the BOC), Athletic Therapists (with Certification through the CATA), Strength and Conditioning Coaches (with CSCS Certification through the NSCA or SCCC Certification through the CSCCa), Certified Special Population Specialist (with CSPS Certification through the NSCA, and completion of a Bachelor's degree or higher degree), and Exercise Physiologists (with Certification through the ACSM) who have attended PRI courses, demonstrated a thorough understanding of the science through completion of the PRT Application and successfully participated in both clinical and analytical testing.

Pusher Syndrome – Evaluation and Treatment Techniques

Mobility Research Institute of Continuing Education ↗

The purpose of this online course is to familiarize the learner with modern definitions and identifying features of contraversive pushing, as well as instill an understanding of the principles of treatment for this disorder. Participants will recieve information on the Definition of Pusher Syndrome, research findings, prognosis, and the many names of Pusher Syndrome. Link to Course

Spinal Cord Injury – Occupational and Physical Therapy Management of SCI: A Functional Treatment Approach

Spinal Cord Injury Seminars ↗

SCI Seminars presents a comprehensive approach to the treatment of the spinal cord injured (SCI) client from onset of injury through acute inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation. Expert presenters from several nationally-recognized facilities share evidence-based and experienced-based treatment techniques and considerations through lecture, video, discussion and lab activities. Participants with all levels of experience will learn to more effectively and efficiently progress their clients with spinal cord injury to reach their highest functional level. Link to Course

Traumatic Brain Injury : Tools and Strategies to Promote Recovery for the Moderately-Severely Challenged – Live Webinar and Online Courses

Education Resources, Inc. ↗

This course will provide a framework and utilize video-based cases to provide optimal evaluation, assessment, and treatment strategies for individuals with moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries. Best practices and the integration of existing evidence into clinical reasoning, along with strategies for reflection to drive professional growth, will be emphasized. This will facilitate efficient and effective decision-making by the clinician to optimize outcomes for individuals with moderate to severe TBI.

Visual (Dys)Function in Concussion, TBI, Stroke and Vestibular Diagnoses: Evidence Based Neurological Rehabilitation

Gold Standard Seminars ↗

This course aims to provide an understanding of how vision and visual processing affects persons with brain injury or disease and how therapists can address these needs within a rehabilitation setting. Participants will receive a foundation of the anatomy and neurology of visual processing. The course will then provide an understanding of visual function skills and their effect on occupation. Participants will also be provided with resources and evidenced based screening measures and guidelines for evaluating visual skills and will have the opportunity for hands on learning, administering these tools.

Visual Rehabilitation & Neuro Handling After a Neurological Incident…Concepts for Function

Motivations Inc. ↗

This 2 day course will discuss the concepts of the physical care and evidence based principals to create results in clinical interventions for stroke, hemiplegia, brain injury, spasticity and general motor control issues. The course will focus on preception and oculomotor deficit remediation and compensation after a neurological event. Occupational and physical therapists and assistants will find this course to be heavily lab based to provide attendees with skills for immediately use for effective strategies in the clinic.

CE for Therapy presently features multiple providers that offer a wide variety of Physical Therapy Certifications, Methods and Techniques. Here are some brief descriptions of some of our favorites, taken from the Physical Therapy Certifications / Techniques appearing above:

Torticollis: Assessment and Treatment of Infants and Children Online Series, offered by Education Resources, Inc.,  is instructed by Cindy Miles, PT, PhD, PCS, NDT, a leading expert on torticollis and plagiocephaly, who discusses the increased incidence, etiology, and pathophysiology of this disorder. This course is chock-full of case studies and interactive at-home lab practice opportunities to provide the knowledge of effective assessment and treatment of children with torticollis. Evidence-based treatment strategies that can be integrated into routines and functional play will be provided as well as recommendations for follow-up. At-home labs are offered and can be practiced with a baby-doll or partner.

Swim Whisperers – Overcome Roadblocks for Aquatic Therapy offered by Swim Angelfish. This course dives into identification of the 14 most commonly seen roadblocks for swimmers with special needs. Connection between each roadblock to the underlying problem as a therapist along with learning a strategy to overcome the roadblock will be identified for clinical use. 2 Hour Online Course. Link to Course

3D Movement Analysis and Performance System (3DMAPS®) Certification,  offered by the Gray Institute, leverages movements that are authentic to everyday life by utilizing all three planes of motion. This system allows the practitioner to examine, evaluate, and treat patients based on the philosophy that the influence of one part of the body effects another. This 10-hour, 100% online Physical Therapy Certifications course is the perfect complement for physical therapists and other movement professionals.

Advanced Office Ergonomics Assessment Specialist Certification (AOEAS®), offered by The Back School, provides a comprehensive overview of the many causative factors of and solutions for the prevention of office musculoskeletal disorders. Using the OSHA survey tool the D-2, this Physical Therapy Certifications course certifies that you are able to perform an OSHA-compliant ergonomics analysis in multiple types of offices. Participants will learn to identify and resolve the common risk factors in today’s traditional and non-traditional office environments.

Process-Based Specialist in Movement & Pain (PSMP), offered by Dynamic Priniciples LLC, is a 90-credit hour online and live hybrid Physical Therapy Certifications program which can be flexibly completed over the course of 1 to 5 years. This course work is designed to help participants re-conceptualize movement, manual therapy, and pain science clinical understanding and interventions to current standards of science-based evidence, while simultaneously building up communication and behavior modification skills to help clinicians better work with clients and patients who struggle with movement and pain. In this process, clinicians are introduced to a biopsychosocial process-based framework called the Movement with Pain Framework (MWPF) to help them take on uncertainty and complexity with increased comfort. This coursework is combined with a portfolio review to encourage the clinician to incorporate different science-based perspectives from other educators within the domains of Movement, Manual Therapy, Communication, and Behavior. The program finishes with a capstone providing opportunities for both conceptual and experiential integration.

Geriatric Certification, offered by Evidence in Motion, offers PTs and OTs the opportunity to develop expertise in the clinical management of the aging patient population. The evidence‑based curriculum focuses on the development of clinical competencies in the treatment of older adults with functional and cognitive decline with the intention of returning patients to active and healthy lifestyles. Coursework for this Physical Therapy Certifications course consists of a dynamic combination of didactic, collaborative, and clinical education experiences using a blend of distance learning, online courses, and weekend intensive on-site courses.

Applied Functional Science Certification (CAFS®), Link to CAFS offered by the Gray Institute, was developed for movement professionals from all industries and from all levels. The program includes more than 25 hours of video content, testing, and supplemental documents to help you design and implement functional programs based on the needs, wants, and goals of each unique client. CAFS is entirely online and can be completed at your own pace. Once enrolled, the student will have access to the content for a period of three years and can continue to access the content to this Physical Therapy Certifications course even after completion.

Advanced Exercise Therapist Certification (AET) offered by the
Egoscue Institute, Link to EI will further develop your existing skill set. With your 5-year certification, you will be a health professional with a level of proficiency in the Method that very few have achieved. While this Physical Therapy Certifications course hits on a wide variety of topics, the program provides a particular focus on the gross anatomy knowledge needed for many of your therapeutic interactions.Practitioners with the AET Certification are the only students allowed to open an Egoscue Method facility. Link to Egoscue

Functional Manual Therapy Certification (CFMT), offered by the
Institute Of Physical Art, is an intense 4 days of review of 8 required courses, followed by 2 days of written and oral/practical testing. The Following is the required Physical Therapy Certifications course work: Functional Mobilization I, CoreFirst™ Strategies for Back Education and Training, Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation I, FMT Foundations, Functional Mobilization II, Functional Mobilization Lower Quadrant, Functional Mobilization Upper Quadrant, and in addition, applicants must Attend Functional Gait.

The Human Movement Specialist (HMS) certification, offered by the Brookbush Institute, acknowledges that you have completed 80 hours (or more) of course work toward a growing expertise in human movement science. All courses are short (1 – 4 hours), you choose the courses you think are important to your current work environment, you get credit for each passed exam, there is no giant final exam at the end, no timelines and it’s all included in membership, with no additional fees. Link to Brookbush

In order to receive the Kinesio Taping® Practitioner Certification (CKTP), offered by Kinesio University, candidates must complete the Kinesio Taping Assessments, Fundamental Concepts and Techniques, and the Advanced Techniques and Clinical Reasoning Approved Seminars, and then must pass the online CKTP Exam with 80% or higher. The letters “CKTP” after a name ensure confidence that the practitioner has undergone the necessary training to integrate Kinesio Taping in to their practice.

More Physical Therapy Certifications and Techniques

Offers Physical Therapy Certifications

WoundEducators.com offers Physical Therapy Certifications. The PT Wound Care Certification Course Online Training Component contains 17 interactive modules that pertain to all areas of wound management and includes digital images, animated activities, and video clips that demonstrate important learning concepts. The Certification Training Kit has a current wound management textbook that reinforces online training, an Interactive CD containing case studies that allow you to apply your wound care knowledge through the diagnosis and treatment of patients, and a Wound Certification Study guide that includes an outline of each module and a note-taking area. The course requires 57 Hours to complete. Link to Cert Course

Constraint-Induced Therapy: Introduction to Modified Constraint-Induced Therapy
Offered by MedBridge. Link to MedBridge Learn the most well-known and intensively studied neurorehabilitative therapy, taught by one of its pioneers! Learn from Dr. Page, who was the first to develop and implement modified, distributed versions of constraint-induced therapy, and to show that this reimbursable outpatient approach changes the brains and movements of patients even decades after brain injury and stroke. In this introductory course, Dr. Page will introduce the rationale, scientific basis, and practical application of modified constraint-induced therapy into your clinic, including applications to the upper and lower extremities and speech.

Introduction to Musculoskeletal Imaging offered by Redefine Health Education

This course is designed for health professionals to enhance their foundational knowledge in diagnostic imaging modalities. The course focuses on a range of modalities including radiography, magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography. The course will convey the inherent statistical properties of each modality and how that impacts interpretations and clinical management. The course will instruct on radiologic verbiage to maximize the students’ ability to garner information from an interpretation and for inter-professional communication with radiologists. Students will also be taught a communication strategy with radiologists to improve the interpretation, improve the clinical correlation, and ultimately improve the management of the patient.

More Physical Therapy Certifications and Techniques

CLINICAL AI CHI©- Certification Course offered by Inertia Therapy Services

The basis of Ai Chi is it’s 19 kata’s: continuous movements that form a sequence with gradual increasing difficulty. There is no need to perform all movements. Different protocols exist, consisting of a choice of the 19 movements and/or a different amount of repetitions.
Clinical Ai Chi® is Ai Chi, which is used to solve a patient-specific problem. This mostly means that it is adapted to the possibilities of a person with a musculoskeletal and/or neurological problem. The elements of Clinical Ai Chi® should fit in a custom-made treatment program and be the result of a clinical reasoning process.

Certified Expert in Applied Geriatric Neurology offered by Great Seminars and Books

This 5-hour course is designed to extend and enrich learning in the area of geriatric neurology. Prerequisites: successful completion of (>80% correct on the post-test) of 5 of the following 7 courses:

• Gait & Balance: Not Falling for You
• Seating and Mobility: Choose the Right Path
• Wiihabilitation: You Never Knew Skilled PT Could Be This Fun
• Vestibular Rehabilitation: Does the Thought Make Your Head Spin?
• A Master Clinician Demystifies MS: Steps to Rehab Success for Patients with Multiple Sclerosis.
• A Master Clinician Confronts Stroke
• Neuro-Oncological Rehab: Head to Toe

Musculoskeletal (MSK) Soft Tissue Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) Certificate offered by Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS)

The MSK Soft Tissue Clinical Certificate is appropriate for medical professionals whose scope of practice requires the evaluation of MSK Soft Tissue to identify Abscess, Muscle Tear, and other common pathologies. POCUS for the evaluation of MSK Soft Tissue is portable, allowing for real-time imaging and on-the-spot interpretation. Point-of-Care Ultrasound can be used by physicians, advanced practice providers (e.g., physician assistants, nurse practitioners, physical therapists), and other medical professionals who use POCUS for clinical evaluation or therapeutic decision making.

Frequently Asked Physical Therapy Certifications Questions:

How many years does it take to become a physical therapist?

Professional (entry-level) and Post-Professional (transitional) physical therapist education programs in the United States currently offer the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree to all new students who enroll. The length of professional DPT programs is typically 3 years, and the curriculum that is offered is prescribed by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). The course pre-requisites for admission vary significantly across PT education programs. PT programs may require preprofessional (pre-PT/undergraduate) science courses to be completed in a 4-year university/college within the 7-10 years prior to enrollment.

How do you become a certified physical therapist?

After graduation, Physical Therapists have the opportunity to become Board-certified Clinical Specialists through the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS). Specialty certification is voluntary, and Physical Therapists can become board-certified specialists in the following areas: Cardiovascular and Pulmonary, Clinical Electrophysiology, Geriatrics, Neurology, Orthopedics, Pediatrics, Sports Physical Therapy, and Women’s Health.  Two avenues that are associated with significant PT Post Graduate Continuing Competency costs, are Clinical Residency and Clinical Fellowships.

A Clinical Residency is a planned program of post-professional clinical and didactic education for physical therapists that is designed to significantly advance a physical therapist resident’s preparation as a provider of patient care services in a defined area of clinical practice. A Clinical Fellowship is a planned program of post-professional clinical and didactic education for a physical therapist who demonstrates clinical expertise in an area of clinical practice related to the practice focus of the fellowship.

NEW ABPTRFE Policies

During the past year there have been several changes in the policies that the American Board of Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Education (ABPTRFE) has put into place, that has caused some practitioners to be concerned about the basic survival of Residency and Fellowship programs.

ABPTRFE now has the following policies:

• Item 13.4 “Change in Curriculum” – requires a physical site visit for every additional participant practice site after the addition of a second new practice site in one calendar year.
• 4.2.4  Admission Criteria: requiring residency training, or American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) specialist certification– i.e. the elimination of the “Skills Track” as the third path for admission to a fellowship program.

Some practitioners are concerned that these new policies  threaten the future of post-professional residency and fellowship programs because they create divisiveness, disruption, and increased administrative burden in these clinical training programs. CE For Therapy will cover this issue on the “Physical Therapy Residency and Fellowship Programs Face ABPTRFE Mandated Changes” Post

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