Balance and Falls Prevention in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Professional Credential Course

Sponsored by APTA Geriatrics and hosted by Mercer University Department of Physical Therapy

Course Dates:    Course 1: October 6-8, 2023                    Course 2: March 23-24, 2024

Course Fees: APTA Geriatrics Member: $1,100; APTA or Non-member: $1,300. Course fees are paid directly to APTA Geriatrics.

Location: Mercer University Atlanta Campus, Davis Hall. 3001 Mercer University Drive, Atlanta, Georgia 30341

Course Description: Are you a Physical Therapist ready to improve the lives of your older patient community through balance and fall prevention? Join APTA Geriatrics for their next Balance and Falls Prevention in Community-Dwelling Older Adults professional credential course.

This two-course, in-person series was designed to support experienced physical therapists as clinical and community fall prevention leaders. It provides a solid foundation through a series of educational components completed over a 12-month period.

The Balance and Falls Prevention credential course will take you beyond examination tools and interventions toward expertise in the science of balance and aspects of fall prevention, particularly for community-dwelling older adults. Upon completion, you will directly and immediately apply evidence-based principles in your practice and use what you’ve learned to advocate for local community programs.

Registration Link: click here

Questions: Please contact Delaney Slattery at dslattery@aptageriatrics.org

Guidelines-based Diagnosis and Treatment of Common Musculoskeletal Disorders using Manual Therapy, Movement Reeducation, and Exercise

Sponsored by Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy (AOPT) and hosted by Mercer University Residency in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy

Course Dates:  Lower Quarter: September 29-October 1, 2023

Cervical/Thoracic Spine: October 13-15, 2023

Upper Quarter: January 26-28, 2024

Course Fees:  AOPT Member: $600; Non-member: $700. Course fees are paid directly to AOPT.

Location:  Mercer University Atlanta Campus, Davis Hall. 3001 Mercer University Drive, Atlanta, Georgia 30341

Course Description:  This evidence-based course series explores the content of the Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy’s (AOPT) Clinical Practice Guidelines. Clinicians will discuss didactic knowledge and participate in skills practice. The objective of this seminar series is to train the participants in the skills required to implement the Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy’s (AOPT) Clinical Practice Guidelines at a high level. It will be 12 days of fast-paced, high-level skill-building. Participants may choose to take the entire 12-day course series or any of the individual 3-day weekend courses.

Registration Link:  click here

Questions: Please contact Tara Fredrickson at tfred@orthopt.org

Orthopaedic Physical Therapy with Emphasis on Dry Needling for Common Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction

Sponsored by Mercer University Residency in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy

Course Instructor: Joe Donnelly

Course dates: March 1-3, 2024 and April 26-28, 2024

**Practical examination April 28, 2024 and written exam available April 28-May 5, 2024

Course Fees: $2,075; $1,867.50 for Mercer PT alumni and CIs/Mentors

Course Description:  This 51-contact hour lecture/laboratory course advances knowledge and skills that will enhance the ability to examine and evaluate patients/clients with myofascial pain and dysfunction utilizing integrated orthopaedic manual therapy approaches and evidence-based best-practice principles. The laboratory portion will reinforce and expand upon physical examination and intervention techniques with an emphasis on dry needling techniques for the axial spine and extremity muscles. Participants will synthesize the concepts of clinical reasoning and clinical decision making while incorporating evidence-based practice principles for patient management. Upon completion of this course, participants will sit for a written and practical competency examination in order to perform physical therapy dry needling techniques for the muscles covered in this course.

Registration Link:  click here

Fees: Non-refundable 3.75% credit card fee applies

Cancellation: 30-day cancellation for full refund (less credit card processing fees)

Questions: Please contact Beth Collier at collier_nb@mercer.edu

Movement Links Seminar Series

Hosted by Mercer University Fellowship in Manual Physical Therapy

Course Instructors: Josh Lee

Course dates: March 15-17, 2024, April 12-14, 2024 and May 18-19, 2024

Course Fees: $1,000-$2,500 (see registration link for options)

Course Description:  This seminar series is designed to provide a deeper understanding of the movement and neuromuscular approaches in the evaluation and management of musculoskeletal pain syndromes. Functional regional interdependence between the muscular, osteoarticular and central nervous system in the regulation of movement will be a focus of discussion and practice. Clinical reasoning of the evaluation and management process and its integration with manual orthopedic procedures will be discussed along with extensive hands-on practice and feedback.

LOWER QUARTER
Introduction to the Functional Approach, Posture and Gait Analysis, Postural Stability, Lower Quarter Movement exam. Neuromuscular Facilitory and Inhibitory Techniques, Corrective and Reflexive Exercises, Movement Re-ed

UPPER QUARTER
Upper Quarter Movement Exam, Neuromuscular Facilitory and Inhibitory Techniques, Corrective and Reflexive Exercises, Movement Re-ed

FUNCTIONAL MANAGEMENT PROGRESSION
Movement analysis based on integration of both upper and lower quarters. Analysis of complex movements and skills and breaking its component parts down to functional synergies, planar movements and impairments

Registration Link: click here

Questions: Please contact Beth Collier at collier_nb@mercer.edu