Vestibular Rehabilitation: A Competency-Based Course

This intensive, evidence-based, six-day course is designed for physical therapists, occupational therapists, and MDs with experience treating patients or clients with vestibular deficits. The course includes lectures, laboratory sessions, and additional self-study components. All participants will be expected to demonstrate various skills to the faculty, including 1) performing the oculomotor examination with a focus on identifying nystagmus and canal involvement, 2) conducting balance, gait, fall risk, and functional assessments, 3) applying appropriate treatment procedures for BPPV affecting posterior, anterior, and horizontal canals for both cupulolithiasis and canalithiasis, 4) providing treatment for unilateral and bilateral peripheral vestibular disorders, and 5) managing central vestibular disorders such as traumatic brain injury and stroke. Emphasis will be placed on using assessment results to develop effective treatment plans. The course will feature written, video, and practical examinations. Before enrolling, participants should have experience working with individuals with vestibular deficits and have completed a prior vestibular course.

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 student demonstrated proper performance of specific skills through practical exams and demonstrated an understanding of key concepts related to vestibular rehabilitation, as assessed through written and video evaluations. However, it does not guarantee that the student will retain or appropriately apply those skills and knowledge in the future.

Audience: This course is specifically designed for physical therapy and occupational therapy professionals. 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 advised 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: Intermediate. Participants should have at least one year of experience working with patients with vestibular dysfunction and have completed a vestibular rehabilitation 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. Sites.

Upon completing this course, participants will be able to identify the following:

1. Explain in layman's terms the anatomy and physiology of the vestibular system.
2. Recognize and state the clinical significance of diagnostic studies and lab data.
3. Recognize and state the clinical importance of physical assessments and interview data obtained from medical records.
4. Identify signs, symptoms, and co-existing issues of the client from medical records.
5. Understand the significance of therapeutic regimes, including medications, diet, and surgical procedures, for the patient and vestibular rehabilitation.
6. Recognize disorders that may affect the vestibular system but are not suitable for treatment by physical therapists.
7. Perform and provide rationale for appropriate evaluation procedures.
8. Interpret evaluation findings correctly.
9. Based on evaluation results and medical records, develop and justify a plan of care.
10. Execute appropriate therapeutic procedures.
11. Demonstrate proper post-therapy evaluation and discharge planning.

• Eric Anson, PT, PhD, University of Rochester Med Ctr, Rochester, NY
• Richard Clendaniel, PT, PhD, Duke University, Durham, NC
• Jennifer Christy, PT, PhD, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
• Courtney Hall, PT, PhD, James H. Quillen VAMC, Johnson City, TN
• Lisa Heusel-Gillig, PT, DPT, NCS, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
• Jeffrey Hoder, PT, DPT, NCS, Duke University, Durham, NC
• Janene Holmberg, PT, DPT, NCS, Intermountain Hearing & Balance Ctr, Salt Lake City, UT
• Carrie Hoppes, PT, PhD, The Geneva Foundation, Schertz, TX
• Kristen Janky, AuD, PhD, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Omaha, NE
• Laura Morris, PT, NCS, Elmhurst Memorial Healthcare, Elmhurst, IL Salt Lake City, UT
• Michael Schubert, PT, PhD, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
• Susan Whitney, DPT, PhD, ATC, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
• Sheelah Woodhouse, PT, BScPT, National Dir. Vestibular Rehab., LifeMark Health, Canada

Day 1: Monday

Day 2: Tuesday

Day 3: Wednesday

Day 4: Thursday

Day 5: Friday 

Day 6: Saturday

*Medical Physicians & OTs: MDs, please note that CMEs are not offered for this course. OTs, please be aware that you must obtain accreditation through your professional accreditation agency.

Included in the tuition fees:

• Single: Single-room lodging (6 nights/7 days), 3 meals per day**, daily snacks, course instruction, access to online course materials, and a 3-ring binder with lab sessions.
• Double: Shared lodging with another participant (6 nights/7 days), 3 meals per day**, daily snacks, course instruction, access to online course materials, and a 3-ring binder with lab sessions.
• Day-only: Lunch meal**, daily snacks, course instruction, access to online course materials, and a 3-ring binder with lab sessions.

**Kosher meals will incur additional charges; participants must arrange this directly with the Conference Center. **

• Course materials will not be printed for participants, except for those needed for laboratory sessions.
• One week before the course, you will receive electronic access to lectures and readings via an online platform provided by Duke University.
• During the course, Wi-Fi will be available to access the week’s lectures and readings. You are encouraged to bring a personal laptop or tablet to view these materials.
• Participants who prefer a hard copy of the materials should print them before the course and organize them in a 3-inch, 3-ring binder to bring with you.

All registration must be completed using the online registration/payment portal. Paper registration will not be accepted.

• Register here
• Full payment is due at the time of online registration and can be made by credit card or check.
• Partial payments, “down payments,” or pre-payments are not accepted.
• Cancellations made before February 1, 2026, will receive a full refund minus $350.00 per person/cancellation. Refunds will be issued within 30 days after the course ends.
• Cancellations on or after February 1, 2026, will result in losing the full tuition fee (exceptions will be granted for positive COVID tests).
• Checks that are canceled or bounce will incur a $250.00 fee.
• Checks must be received within 10 business days of registration, or your spot in the course will be forfeited.

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

Course Location and Accommodations:

• Hotel accommodations at the Emory Conference Center Hotel are included in the price of a single or double tuition for 6 nights/7 days.
  Check-in is available at 4:00 PM EST on Sunday, March 8, 2026, prior to the first lecture on Monday morning.
  Check-out is between noon and 2:00 PM EST on Saturday, March 14, 2026.
• Our office will make your hotel reservation.
• You will receive your hotel confirmation via email directly from the Emory Conference Center Hotel at least 4 weeks before the course begins.
• If you need an extra night at the hotel before or after the course, please contact the Conference Center directly to arrange this.

Emory Conference Center and Hotel
1615 Clifton Road, NE, Atlanta, GA 30329
Phone: (404) 712-6000
Fax: (404) 712-6025
www.emoryconferencecenter.com

Flight Information:

Flights to Atlanta should arrive at Hartsfield Jackson International Airport, which is about 25-30 minutes from the Conference Center. Please do not schedule your departure from Atlanta before 6:00 PM on the final day to ensure enough time to reach the airport.

Ground Transportation:

In addition to Uber, Lyft, and taxis, airport shuttle vans operate between the airport and the Emory Conference Center Hotel, stopping at other hotels as well.