Advances in Vestibular Rehabilitation: A Competency-Based Course

This evidence-based 3.5-day course was developed in response to requests for updated training in the assessment and treatment of individuals with vestibular disorders and to serve as a recertification course for clinicians who have previously completed the Vestibular Rehabilitation Competency-Based Course. The program emphasizes advanced clinical decision-making, with a focus on differential diagnosis and management of peripheral and central nervous system causes of dizziness, vertigo, and imbalance. Led by nationally and internationally recognized expert clinicians and researchers, the course covers advanced examination and treatment of BPPV variants, as well as clinical decision-making in vestibular hypofunction, mild traumatic brain injury, cervical vertigo, pediatric vestibular rehabilitation, vestibular migraine, and persistent postural-perceptual dizziness(PPPD). Emphasis will be placed on using assessment results to develop effective treatment plans. The course will include a written examination.

Two certificates may be awarded: one for attendance (CEUs) and one for achievement. The certificate of achievement indicates that, at the time of the course, the participant demonstrated proficient performance of specific skills through laboratory practice and demonstrated an understanding of key concepts related to vestibular rehabilitation, as assessed through written evaluations. However, it does not guarantee that the participant will retain or appropriately apply those skills and knowledge in the future. Sitting for the written exam is optional. If the participant does not sit for the exam, then only the CEU certificate will be awarded.

Audience: This course is designed for physical therapy and occupational therapy professionals. Before enrolling, participants should have experience working with individuals with vestibular deficits and have completed a prior vestibular course. Other healthcare providers are welcome to participate; however, priority is given to physical and occupational therapists and MDs.

We reserve the right to cancel registrations for non-PT, non-OT, or non-MD providers if the course is overbooked or a waitlist is in place.

This course is not suitable for physical therapy assistants, occupational therapy assistants, speech therapists, or athletic trainers.

For all registrants, especially those who are not PTs, OTs, or MDs, it is advisable to delay arranging air travel until you receive written confirmation from our staff that your placement has been confirmed and approved by the course director.

Level of Learner: Advanced. Participants should have multiple years of experience working with patients with vestibular dysfunction and, ideally, have completed the Vestibular Rehabilitation Competency-Based Course.

Course Prerequisites: While there are no required pre-course readings, it is highly recommended that participants have a working knowledge of the anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology of the vestibular system. To review vestibular rehabilitation before attendance, the textbook Vestibular Rehabilitation, 4th Edition, by Dr. Susan Herdman and Dr. Richard Clendaniel, is available through multiple online bookstores.

• Jim Ballard, PT, DPT, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, NJ
• Richard Clendaniel, PT, PhD, Duke University, Durham, NC
• Jennifer Christy, PT, PhD, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
• Lee Dibble, PT, PhD, ATC, FAPTA, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
• Grayson Doar, PT, DPT, GCS, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
• Janene Holmberg, PT, DPT, NCS, Intermountain Hearing & Balance Ctr, Salt Lake City, UT
• Carrie Hoppes, PT, PhD, The Geneva Foundation, Schertz, TX
• Laura Morris, PT, NCS, Elmhurst Memorial Healthcare, Elmhurst, IL Salt Lake City, UT
• Michael Schubert, PT, PhD, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD

Day 1: Thursday, October 15

8:00 – 8:15: Introduction and orientation by Clendaniel and Dibble
8:15 – 9:45: Lecture on advanced treatment techniques and clinical decision-making for BPPV by Clendaniel
9:45 – 10:15: Break
10:15 – 11:15: Practicum on BPPV with all faculty
11:15 – 12:15: Lecture on the Updated Clinical Practice Guideline for Peripheral Vestibular Hypofunction by Hoppes
12:15 – 1:15: Lunch
1:15 – 2:15: Lecture on novel treatments for vestibular hypofunction by Schubert
2:15 – 3:00: Neuroanatomy of the inner ear in the anatomy lab with Clendaniel and Dibble
3:00 – 3:30: Break
3:30 – 4:15: Panel discussion with faculty on differential diagnosis and clinical decision-making in complex cases
4:15 – 5:15: Participant case presentations (2-3) with all faculty

Day 2: Friday, October 16

8:00 – 9:30: Lecture on concussion assessment and management by Hoppes
9:30 – 10:30: Practicum on high-level balance and concussion assessment/treatment with Hoppes, Morris, and Doar
10:30 - 11:00: Break
11:00 – 12:00: Lecture on cervical dizziness by Clendaniel
12:00 – 1:00: Lunch
1:00 – 2:00: Practicum on cervical dizziness examination and treatment with all faculty
2:00 – 3:30: Lecture on differential diagnosis: motion sensitivity vs. 3PD by Holmberg
3:30 – 4:00: Break
4:00 – 5:00: Participant case presentations (4-5) with all faculty

Day 3: Saturday, October 17

8:00 – 9:00: Lecture on pediatric vestibular rehabilitation by Christy
9:00 – 10:00: Lecture on geriatric vestibular rehabilitation by Ballard
10:00 – 10:30: Break
11:00 – 12:30: Lecture on identification and management of vestibular migraine by Morris
12:30 – 1:30: Lunch
1:30 – 3:00: Lecture on updates in functional and psychiatric vestibular disorders by Holmberg
3:00 – 3:30: Break
3:30 – 5:00: Participant case presentations (3-4) with all faculty
3:30 – 5:00: Lecture on VOR/VSR dysfunction and rehabilitation in neurodegenerative disorders by Schubert and Dibble
5:00 – 6:00: Participant case presentations (3-4) with all faculty

Day 4: Sunday, October 18

8:00 – 9:30: Lecture on VOR/VSR dysfunction and rehabilitation in neurodegenerative disorders by Schubert and Dibble
9:30 – 10:00: Break
10:00 – 11:00: Motor learning of the VOR and postural control in neurodegenerative diseases (PD, Alzheimer’s, MS) by Dibble
12:00 – 1:00: Lunch
1:00 – 3:00: Written testing online via Canvas

Course Location and Accommodations: The course will be held at the University of Utah DPT program. A block of rooms has been reserved next door at the Marriott Hotel, and breakfast, lunch, AM and PM snacks will be provided at the hotel. Once your registration is confirmed, you will be provided with the reservation information at the Marriott.

Coming soon!

Coming soon.

All registrants are advised to delay arranging air travel until they receive a separate email confirmation from Richard Clendaniel, PT, PhD, indicating their placement is confirmed.

Coming soon!