Physical Therapy Continuing Education

Course Title:
Musculoskeletal Imaging of the Lumbar Spine and Sacroiliac Joints 101

Price:
$60

Number of CEUs:
0.2 CEUs

Course Instructor:
Troy Burley PT, PhD, OCS, FAAOMPT, is an assistant professor in the DPT program at the University of South Alabama. Troy received his MPT degree from Western University of Health Sciences in 2002 and his Doctor of Philosophy in Orthopaedic and Sports Science from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions in 2018. He is a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy and a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists. In addition to teaching in the DPT curriculum, he is also a Commander in the United States Army Reserve.

Date & Time:
Tuesday, August 16, 2022
5:45 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.

Course Delivery Method:
In-person

Location:
University of South Alabama Department of Physical Therapy. Room: HAHN 2048

Course Description:
Musculoskeletal imaging is an advancing area in the field of physical therapy. As the scope of physical therapy practice expands to include image ordering privileges, it will be necessary that physical therapists are able to effectively integrate musculoskeletal imaging into their practice. This course will give the participant basic radiographic and advanced imaging knowledge concerning image interpretation, patho-anatomical identification, and image ordering guidelines for the lumbar spine and sacroiliac joints.

Learner-based objectives:
Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to:

1. Discuss how routine lumbar projections are integrated into patient care.
2. Identify best radiographic projection and advanced imaging used to view lumbar anatomy.
3. Describe which imaging modality best visualizes common lumbar pathoanatomical diagnoses.
4. Explain the factors concerning radiographic and advanced imaging quality.

Course Schedule:
5:45 p.m. Opening remarks, Course objectives
6:00 p.m. Factors affecting imaging quality
6:45 p.m. Routine radiographic projections and advanced imaging views
7:15 p.m. Application of imaging for common lumbar pathologies
7:45 p.m. Closing Remarks

Course Open to:
PT, PTA, OT, OTA, RN, ATC

Prerequisite course:
None

Special Attire:
Casual attire

Specified Equipment/books:
None

Maximum Registration:
40

 

Course Title:
Orthopedic Special Tests for the Lower Extremities

Price:
$90

Number of CEUs:
0.3 CEUs

Course Instructor:
Richard “Richie” Cahanin, PT, DPT, PhD, Cert. DN, earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2010 from the University of South Alabama. Additionally, he earned a Philosopher of Orthopedic and Sports Science degree from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions in 2018. Dr. Cahanin is engaged in scholarly work at USA, which includes two publications in the International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy regarding leg-length inequality, a chapter in Fundamentals of Musculoskeletal Imaging, and upcoming works involving performance testing s/p ACL reconstruction and measurement of leg-length discrepancy.

Dr. Cahanin has 11 years of experience in clinical practice, five of which were in private practice. Dr. Cahanin has taught in USA’s DPT program since Fall of 2018, where he teaches topics such as ROM & muscle testing, massage, musculoskeletal disorders, orthotics & prosthetics, and research. Dr. Cahanin’s teaching philosophy is to facilitate optimal student learning through an enjoyable and challenging learning environment, content organization, active learning strategies, guided and self-directed learning experiences, and critical thinking skills development.

Date & Time:
Thursday, August 18, 2022
5:45 - 9:00 p.m.

Course Delivery Method:
In-person

Location:
University of South Alabama Department of Physical Therapy. Room: HAHN 2048 & MS Lab

Course Description:
Many orthopedic special tests have been described with limited evidence supporting their use.  Physical therapists use special tests to formulate a diagnosis.  Misdiagnosis of musculoskeletal conditions may often lead to inefficient patient management and could lead to poor outcomes.  In this course, participants will learn how to apply the top orthopedic special tests for musculoskeletal conditions of the lower extremities in order to facilitate appropriate and efficient patient management.

Learner-based objectives:
Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to:

1. Understand basics of biomedical statistics, such as validity, reliability, sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios, and pre-/post-test probabilities.
2. Determine, apply, and understand the clinical significance associated with orthopedic special tests for musculoskeletal conditions of the lower extremities.

Course Schedule:
5:45 - 6:00 p.m.:  Registration
6:00 - 6:45 p.m.:  Biostatistics lecture
6:50 - 7:45 p.m.:  LE special testing lecture
7:50 - 8:45 p.m.:  LE special testing lab

Course Open to:
PT

Prerequisite course:
None

Special Attire:
Shorts/T-shirt

Specified Equipment/books:
None

Maximum Registration:
30

 

Course Title:
Antibiotic Review for the Rehabilitation Professional

Price:
$60

Number of CEUs:
0.2 CEUs

Course Instructor:
Preston Warren, DPT, MD, is an assistant professor in the DPT program at the University of South Alabama. He earned his DPT degree from the University of South Alabama in 2010 and his MD from the University of South Alabama in 2016. He has clinical experience in acute care, skilled nursing, and outpatient physical therapy.

Date & Time:
Tuesday, August 23, 2022
5:45 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.

Course Delivery Method:
In-person

Location:
University of South Alabama Department of Physical Therapy. Room: HAHN 2048

Course Description:
Many rehabilitation professionals frequently treat patients who are receiving antibiotic therapy. This course will review some of the more commonly prescribed antibiotics, their mechanisms of action, common microbes treated, and potential impacts these antibiotics may have on a patient’s rehabilitation course.

Learner-based objectives:
Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to:

1. Identify the primary mechanism of action of specific antibiotics.
2. Discuss the importance of assessing patients who are receiving antibiotics.
3. List potential antibiotic side effects which may impact a patient’s rehabilitation course.

Course Schedule:
5:45 p.m. Opening remarks, Course objectives
6:00 p.m. Briefly review common microbes encountered in clinical practice
6:30 p.m. Discuss commonly prescribed antibiotics, their mechanism of action, and their potential impact on a patient’s rehabilitation course
7:45 p.m. Closing remarks

Course Open to:
PT, PTA, OT, OTA

Prerequisite course:
None

Special Attire:
Casual attire

Specified Equipment/books:
None

Maximum Registration:
40

 

Course Title:
Documentation & Payment Principles: 2022 Update

Price:
$90

Number of CEUs:
0.3 CEUs

Course Instructor:
Ellen R. Strunk, PT, MS, GCS, CEEAA, CHC
Rehab Resources & Consulting, Inc.

Ellen received her Masters in Physical Therapy from UAB, and earned her APTA Board Certification in Geriatric Physical Therapy in 1999. She has been a practicing physical therapist for over 20 years, working in the hospital, skilled nursing, home health, outpatient and cardiac rehab settings. She has held various roles including clinician, manager and Director over multiple programs. Presently, Ellen is owner of Rehab Resources and Consulting, Inc., a company providing continuing education and consulting services for post-acute care settings. Ellen is a member of the APTA, where she has served on Payment Policy Strategy Committees advising the APTA Board of Directors on payment policy in all settings. She serves on a state level as the Chair of the Practice and Reimbursement Committee for the Alabama Physical Therapy Association. In 2009, Ellen became a Certified Expert in Exercise for the Aging Adult, a certification course sponsored by the APTA's Academy of Geriatric Physical Therapy. In 2015, Ellen became Certified in Healthcare Compliance through the HealthCare Compliance Association.

Date & Time:
Tuesday, August 30, 2022
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Course Delivery Method:
The speaker will deliver the course in real time via Zoom. Participants are welcome to join the course by Zoom or in-person with other clinicians and students on the USA campus in an auditorium with a large screen. There will be a time for in-person networking before the course and during breaks.

Location:
University of South Alabama HAHN #1013 Nursing Auditorium or by Zoom

Course Description:
The payer regulations and guidelines for therapy services are complex and always changing. Moreover, understanding how payment requirements differ from practice requirements, and how both differ across practice settings, is important to maintaining your professional integrity.

This course will assist the participant in navigating and applying the rules and regulations. The key components of documentation will be presented along with examples of how to incorporate them into daily documentation. The participant will also learn about recent changes affecting therapists in all settings: the future of telehealth, potential threats to payment for outpatient therapy settings, updates on the Patient Driven Payment Model and the Patient Driven Group Model for skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies, respectively, and how value-based care continues to influence healthcare practices.

Learner-based objectives:
Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to:

1. Effectively document the delivery of medically necessary, skilled rehab services in all therapy settings: hospital, home health, skilled nursing facility and outpatient clinics.
2. Understand the most current documentation regulations and how to implement them in daily practice.
3. Discuss the most recent changes to therapy services payment and how business practices might be impacted.
4. Discuss the most recent policy & payment landscape, including telehealth.

Intended audience:
PTs, PTAs, OTs, COTAs, SLPs, office managers

Prerequisite course:
None

Special Attire:
No special attire is required

Specified Equipment/books:
None

 

Course Title:
Examination and Treatment of Vestibular Hypofunction: The Revised Clinical Practice Guideline

Price:
$120

Number of CEUs:
0.4 CEUs

Course Instructor(s):

• Dr. Dennis Fell, PT, MD, is Professor Emeritus in the University of South Alabama DPT program, teaching since 1992. He continues to teach neuroscience, and neuromuscular rehabilitation in the program and other Universities. He has served in the APTA Education Section, Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy, and is active in the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy (Treasurer and Membership Chair, currently Vice- President). He has taught as Visiting International Professor in South Korea and has given lectures in ten different countries and developed and led annual international interprofessional service trips for students in the health professions. He is author/editor of a new comprehensive, evidence-based “Lifespan Neurorehabilitation” textbook, organized around the patient management model and the ICF model published by F.A.Davis in 2018. He received his University’s Excellence in Teaching Award, College Service Award, 2013 “50 Outstanding Faculty” from the University’s 50-year history and is a 2017 “APTA Lucy Blair Service Award” recipient.
  
  
• Tara Andrews, PT, DPT, NCS, is an adjunct professor in the DPT program at the University of South Alabama. Tara received her DPT degree from the University of South Alabama. She is an ABPTS certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist and has clinical experience in acute, inpatient rehab, and outpatient physical therapy with a special interest in vestibular and neurologic physical therapy.

Date & Time:
Monday, September 19, 2022
5:45 p.m. - 9:45 p.m.

Course Delivery Method:
In-person

Location:
University of South Alabama Department of Physical Therapy. Room: HAHN 2048

Course Description:
This introductory-level course, based on the revised Vestibular Hypofunction Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG) from the APTA Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy, is designed to help familiarize the clinician with common manifestations and the differential diagnosis of vestibular hypofunction. The course will include an up-to-date review of examination and intervention strategies to address Vestibular Hypofunction based on the clinical practice guidelines for vestibular hypofunction.

Learner-based objectives:
Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to:

1. Describe the clinical features of vestibular hypofunction.
2. Describe the pathophysiology of vestibular hypofunction.
3. Demonstrate evaluation techniques for the differential diagnosis of vestibular hypofunction utilizing the Clinical Practice Guidelines to guide the evaluation process.
4. Discuss intervention techniques using the Clinical Practice Guidelines to guide intervention.

Course Schedule:
5:45 p.m. Opening remarks and course objectives
6:00 p.m. Relevant Anatomy of the Vestibular System and Pathophysiology of vestibular hypofunction
6:45 p.m. Evaluation Techniques
7:45 p.m. Intervention Techniques
8:45 p.m. Application of Knowledge via Clinical Case Discussion
9:45 p.m. Conclusion of Course

Course Open to:
PT, PTA, OT, OTA

Prerequisite course:
None

Special Attire:
No special attire is required

Specified Equipment/books:
None

Maximum Registration:
30

 

Course Title:
Physical Therapy for Parkinson Disease: A new Clinical Practice Guideline

Price:
$120

Number of CEUs:
0.4 CEUs

Course Instructor(s):

• Dr. Dennis Fell, PT, MD, is Professor Emeritus in the University of South Alabama DPT program, teaching since 1992. He continues to teach neuroscience, and neuromuscular rehabilitation in the program and other Universities. He has served in the APTA Education Section, Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy, and is active in the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy (Treasurer and Membership Chair, currently Vice- President). He has taught as Visiting International Professor in South Korea and has given lectures in ten different countries and developed and led annual international interprofessional service trips for students in the health professions. He is author/editor of a new comprehensive, evidence-based “Lifespan Neurorehabilitation” textbook, organized around the patient management model and the ICF model published by F.A.Davis in 2018. He received his University’s Excellence in Teaching Award, College Service Award, 2013 “50 Outstanding Faculty” from the University’s 50-year history and is a 2017 “APTA Lucy Blair Service Award” recipient.
  
  
• Blair Saale, PT, DPT, NCS, is an assistant professor in the DPT program at the University of South Alabama. Blair received her DPT degree from Belmont University and she is an ABPTS certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist. In addition to teaching in the clinical skills, pathophysiology, neuroscience, and neurology curriculum, she has experience in acute, inpatient, and outpatient neurorehabilitation. She is also a Parkinson’s Foundation PT Faculty Scholar.

Date & Time:
Thursday, September 15, 2022
5:45 p.m. - 9:45 p.m.

Course Delivery Method:
In-person

Location:
University of South Alabama Department of Physical Therapy. Room: HAHN 2048

Course Description:
This introductory-level course is based on the new Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) for the Physical Therapist Management of Parkinson Disease (PD) from the APTA Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy. The CPG and course are designed to help "improve the comprehensive physical therapist management of individuals with idiopathic Parkinson disease based on the current best evidence". Current evidence will be emphasized, especially for interventions targeting people with early to mid-stage Parkinson disease, supported by the preponderance of evidence. Outcomes that have been shown to improve in relation to a series of interventions and treatment approaches will also be discussed. This course will also include application to PD case activities for integration into clinical practice.

Learner-based objectives:
Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to:

1. Describe characteristics of PD onset and common signs/symptoms, risk factors.
2. Describe the recommendations in the CPG for Physical Therapy for PD (Aerobic Exercise, Resistance Training, Balance Training, Flexibility Exercises, External Cueing, Community-Based Exercise, Gait Training, Task-Specific Training, Behavior-Change Approach, Integrated Care, Telerehabilitation).
3. Apply the principles presented in the CPG to a patient case to make evidence-based recommendations for patients with PD..

Course Schedule: (Following registration and a light meal at 5:30)
5:45 p.m. Opening remarks, Course objectives (Fell)
6:00 p.m. PD: Patient Population, Burden of Disease, Etiology, Risk Factors (Fell)
6:30 p.m. CPG Recommendations – Part A (and 10 min break) (Saale)
7:45 p.m. CPG Recommendations – Part B (and 10 min break) (Fell)
9:00 p.m. Best-Practice Statement (Deep Brain Stimulation, Expert Care) (Saale)
9:15p.m. Application to Case Scenarios (and 10 minutes break) (Fell and Saale)
9:45 p.m. Closing Remarks

Course Open to:
PT, PTA

Prerequisite course:
None

Special Attire:
Casual business attire

Specified Equipment/books:
None

Maximum Registration:
30

 

Department of Physical Therapy
University of South Alabama
HAHN 2011
5721 USA Drive North
Mobile, AL 36688-0002
Telephone: (251) 445-9330
FAX: (251) 445-9238 
Email the Dept. of Physical Therapy

Our facilities include over 18,000 square feet of space, including:

• Two dedicated PT classrooms with open access Wi-Fi throughout the department
• Ample laboratory space for practical learning sessions, including a Musculoskeletal PT Lab, Neuromuscular PT Lab, Integumentary/Physical Agents Lab, Cardiovascular/Pulmonary PT Lab, Anatomical Sciences Lab, Motor Performance Research Lab, Movement Analysis Research Lab, and Hydrotherapy Lab

Courses will be held in rooms 2048, MS lab, and 1013 in the USA Health Sciences Building located at the southwest corner of University Blvd. and USA Drive North. Signs will be posted. Lab sections and activities may be held in adjacent classrooms.

You may park in the Health Sciences Building parking lot located in front of the Health Sciences Building.

Click on map to view in Google Maps.