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

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

de Quervain’s Tenosynovitis

Biologix Solutions LLC ↗

The purpose of this course is to review the current literature on deQuervain’s tendonitis with emphasis on specific interventions using appropriate outcome measures. This course focuses on the
prevalence, incidence, histopathology, causes, risk factors, diagnosis, evaluations and appropriate
treatment / therapeutic interventions for patients with de Quervain’s tenosynovitis.

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

Dynamometry – Creating Strength Profiles Using Hand-Held Dynamometry ONLINE

MET (Medical Exercise Therapy) ↗

In this course, the research that’s been done to underpin the basis for hand-held dynamometry ls addressed. Based, in part, on the research published in Hand-Held Dynamometry: Guidelines for Daily Clinical Practice, this course will help students obtain the skill set for using a handheld dynamometer as a valid and reliable assessment tool in daily clinical practice. The different instruments, assessment, and utilization modes are examined. With a mix of lecture and extensive lab practice, this course enables clinicians to immediately implement the use of clinical dynamometry.

Hamstring Strains: Rehabilitation & Prevention of Hamstring Strains

Medbridge ↗

Many athletes are missing games secondary to hamstring muscle strains. This course will cover how to rehabilitate hamstring strains and prevent reoccurrence. Topics will include: reporting hamstring strain epidemiology, examining risk factors, providing evidence for prevention of both initial and recurrent injuries, and using current evidence in choosing a rehabilitation process. Additionally the course will show to use clinical milestones to progress athletes’ return to play.

Hip Labral Injuries

Biologix Solutions LLC ↗

The diagnosis of acetabular labral tears is becoming more frequent, largely due to improvements in MRI
and arthroscopic techniques. This course will provide a review of hip anatomy and lower extremity examinations before briefly discussing the most common surgical interventions for labral tears in the hip.
Several post-operative protocols will be discussed with sample interventions and treatment progressions.

Hyperkyphosis: Evaluation & Treatment Considerations

Medbridge ↗

Hyperkyphosis is commonly seen by physical therapists, but there is often a lack of understanding of the differentiation between postural and structural deformity. The course will provide entry level information about Scheuermann’s disease and postural hyperkyphosis. Clinical evaluation and radiologic diagnostic criteria will be described. Treatment indications and goals for physical therapy will be explained. An overview of physical therapy concepts for Scheuermann’s Disease will be provided and in addition, example exercises will be shown.

Orthopaedic Proficiency Certification (OPC)

Upstream Rehab Institute ↗

This 5 course series is designed to develop the highest level of evidence-informed orthopaedic rehabilitation skills. A clinician with the OPC designation represents someone who is a movement expert, integrating advanced technical skills and pain neuroscience with comprehensive exercise prescription to skillfully manage patients along with the entire healthcare team. This certification is open to all clinicians, but specifically designed for physical therapy assistants and licensed athletic trainers. The course series culminates in a final comprehensive written and live practical examination.

Orthopedic – Cervical Radiculopathy – Concepts in Managing Cervical Radiculopathy Course

PT Seminars ↗

This online certificate course will review examination procedures to identify prognostic considerations as well as best approaches to treatment. Specific sequenced treatment concepts will be presented in a practical manner using decision making algorithms. Link to Course

Orthopedic – Cranio Facial Therapy Academy 1

Eureka Seminars ↗

CRAFTA® delivers a unique and effective treatment and management of patients with temporomandibular and craniofacial dysfunctions and pain. The CRAFTA® courses were developed to meet the interests of physical therapists, speech pathologists, and dentists. These courses will be taught by Michiel Trouw – a Master manual therapist and an extended-scope physiotherapist. A graduate of the University of Utrecht (Netherlands), Michiel has taught the CRAFTA® concept since 2011.

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.

Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: Optimizing Outcomes Course

PT Seminars ↗

This online presentation will give clinicians confidence by thoroughly addressing RTSA mechanics, considerations, and pitfalls. Attendees will understand a logical, specific progression of post-operative management to achieve maximum outcomes while managing expectations and therapy visits. Link to Course

Sacroiliac Joint Specialist Certification

PESI Inc. ↗

Welcome to the Hesch method. For almost 40 years, Dr. Jerry Hesch has been teaching and applying this unique, evidence-based method of manual therapy — a whole body approach to evaluating and treating movement dysfunction. In this completely self-paced online certification course, you’ll explore the latest and most relevant research regarding interventions for sciatica, low back, pelvic girdle, and hip pain. Hands-on labs and real-life case studies show you exactly how to screen and treat lumbopelvic-hip motion dysfunction.

Scapular Dysfunction- Functional Assessment and Treatment of Scapular Dysfunction Course

PT Seminars ↗

A systematic approach that includes scapular position, muscle performance, and movement patterns is required to best understand the role of scapular dysfunction in patients with shoulder pain. This webinar will provide a scientific basis for the evaluation and treatment of scapular dysfunction based on the latest evidence and current clinical thought. Link to Course

Sports medicine – Bike Hab: Exercises for Biking

MedBridge ↗

Bike Hab: Exercises for Biking. In this course the patient’s posture, mobility, stability, and even pedaling technique blend together to impact body stress during cycling. Clinical goals are developed for rehab in terms of posture and neuromuscular recruitment patterns, and to ensure that they are carried over to on-the-bike skills. Link to MedBridge

Tendonitis – Treating Tendonitis in the Upper Extremity

Rehab Education ↗

This hybrid online combined-concepts CE course will provide innovative techniques that can be used immediately with numerous “take home” tips and pearls. . Includes extensive demonstrations, lab and video evidence to present the concept of muscle imbalance and alignment. Focus on the agonist/antagonist muscle relationship, joint kinematics with movement as well as compensation movement patterns. Explore techniques on how to improve joint ROM, eliminate pain and sensitivity, and restore balance to the upper extremity.

Whiplash

Medbridge ↗

Evidence-Based Assessment of Acute Whiplash for Prognosis and Treatment Planning. This course will break down the challenge of whiplash, including topics such as its incidence, cost, trajectory, and presentation. There is a thorough review of the mechanisms that influence clinical presentation and recovery as well as the clinical assessment and evaluation procedures

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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