Vestibular Rehab Certificate for Clinicians

Vestibular Rehab Certificate for Clinicians: Foundation and Clinical Application

June 28-29, 2025 Nashua, NH

Hosted by St. Joseph Hospital - 75 Northeastern BLVD Nashua, NH 03062

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“Colleen is extremely knowledgeable, but tries really hard to make this information accessible to all. She seems like she wants to support better access to care for patients by educating the providers they work with.”

Audra - Waukesha, WI

“The course information was broken down into sections by diagnosis that made so much sense...I can’t thank Colleen and Jack enough for putting things together in such an organized and complete way without it being overwhelming or confusing.”

Jade - Dubuque, IA

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Instructors

Colleen Sleik PT, DPT, NCS

Physical Therapist

Colleen Sleik, PT, DPT, NCS, is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and a Neurologic Clinical Specialist, specializing in the treatment of patients with vestibular disorders. She has treated patients with vestibular disorders in a variety of settings over the years, including outpatient clinics, acute care, home health, skilled nursing facilities and private practice. Dr. Sleik currently works at Bellin Health in Iron Mountain, MI where her caseload consists of patients with dizziness, balance problems, post-concussion syndrome, neck pain and headaches. She was instrumental in developing Bellin’s Vestibular Specialty track. She developed coursework and training to establish baseline vestibular clinical competency for all new physical therapists in the organization and offers mentoring to support therapists throughout the health system. She is also an active member of Bellin Health’s concussion specialty track. Dr. Sleik graduated from The College of St. Catherine with a Master of Physical Therapy in 2003. She earned a transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy degree through The University of St. Augustine, Florida in 2010. In 2010, she completed the Competency-Based Vestibular Rehabilitation course through Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia and has continued her education by attending advanced vestibular rehab courses through the University of Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh and regularly attends the International Conference on Vestibular Rehab. Dr. Sleik is a board-certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist 2017-2027 and was previously a board-certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist 2012-2022. She is a member of the Vestibular Disorders Association (VEDA) and the American Physical Therapy Association, including the Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapists and the Vestibular Special Interest Group. Dr. Sleik lives and works in a small, rural community in Michigan where it is not uncommon for patients to drive several hours to access her specialty vestibular rehabilitation services. This need inspired her to begin teaching vestibular rehabilitation continuing education courses. She has been teaching national-level seminars in vestibular rehabilitation since 2015. Her goal is to increase clinicians’ knowledge and skills in vestibular rehabilitation, ultimately improving patient access to quality vestibular care. Dr. Sleik is pleased to have this opportunity to share her passion for treating this special population and guiding your journey in providing specialty care in vestibular rehabilitation.

Jack Cervantes PT, DPT, OCS

Physical Therapist

Jack Cervantes, PT, DPT, OCS is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and a residency-trained board certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist. He currently works in the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics Health System (UWHC). Dr. Cervantes graduated from the Carroll University Doctor of Physical Therapy Program in 2022 and completed the UW Hospital & Clinics and UnityPoint Health - Meriter Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Clinical Residency Program in 2023. He works with advanced spine and general orthopedic patients with a growing vestibular population in an outpatient setting at UWHC. Dr. Cervantes is working to increase his vestibular case load to promote more convenient access to vestibular care. He is a part of the Concussion Work Group with physical therapists with orthopedic and neurological specialties. As a clinician, Dr. Cervantes utilizes evidence-based treatment approaches to provide his patients with the best care available, while also providing them with strategies for long-term management. Dr. Cervantes’ interest in vestibular rehabilitation began following an intensive 8-week clinical experience with Dr. Sleik, treating patients with various diagnoses of dizziness. He has assisted in the development and presentation of Vestibular Rehab Certificate for Clinicians: Foundation and Clinical Application since 2023, educating both students and clinicians. This course has allowed Dr. Cervantes to pursue his passion and career goal of educating current and future clinicians as a way to give back and advance the profession of physical therapy.

VESTIBULAR REHAB CERTIFICATE FOR CLINICIANS

INSTRUCTORS

Colleen Sleik PT, DPT, NCS

Jack Cervantes PT, DPT, OCS

Differential diagnosis in dizziness is key to effective treatment. The online portion of this hybrid course will provide the clinician with the foundational knowledge to improve understanding of vestibular function and the effects of vestibular dysfunction in patients presenting with dizziness, imbalance, and falls. The live weekend course focuses on training and refining clinical skills in assessment and treatment, differential diagnosis through large and small group activities, review of nystagmus videos, treatment progression labs, and case study analysis. This course will prepare the clinician through education and practice, to perform an efficient examination and develop an effective, evidence-based treatment plan for patients with dizziness. Approved for 22 contact hours for PT and OT, NYAPTA 24 contact hours

Course covers:

Pathophysiology of dizziness originating in the peripheral and central vestibular systems as well as cervicogenic causes
Recognizing and interpreting nystagmus videos
Principles of assessment and differential diagnosis of dizziness
Lab time for performing oculomotor exam, neuro screen, positional testing, and vestibular-specific functional outcome measures
BPPV: assessment and treatment techniques with instructor feedback
Clinical practice guidelines for peripheral vestibular hypofunction and translating that to treatment
Vestibular rehab lab to practice treatment, dosing, and activity progressions
Education on advanced practice vestibular topics

Instructional Methods: Demonstration, skills-check, large and small group discussion, video, case analysis

Educational Level: Intermediate; Delivery method: Live

Learning Objectives

1. Develop skills to perform canalith repositioning maneuvers for posterior, horizontal, and anterior canal BPPV with proper technique.

2. Apply differential diagnosis in clinical decision-making utilizing special tests and screening assessments.

3. Develop vestibular rehab treatment plan for patients with vestibular hypofunction based on clinical practice guidelines.

4. Develop personalized evaluation template for utilization in patient care.

5. Apply vestibular evaluation template to case studies to improve confidence in utilization and clinical practice.

6. Apply vestibular rehab techniques to patients with central and cervicogenic dizziness.

7. Recognize that there are other causes of dizziness and list indications for referral to a clinician with further training in this area.

Approved by the Wisconsin APTA for 2.2 CEU's and New York APTA for 2.4 CEU's. Focus on Function Physical Therapy, PC is an AOTA Approved Provider of professional development. Course approval ID#0000006328. This course is offered at 2.2 CEU's, intermediate educational level, foundational knowledge. The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA.