Lymphedema Management

The Academy of Lymphatic Studies provides certification courses (135 hours) and seminars (31 hours) in manual lymph drainage (Vodder Technique) and complete decongestive therapy throughout the year at different locations in the United States. Many of the courses are held in cooperation with universities and outpatient-rehab centers. Certification courses meet the requirements set by the Lymphology Association of North America for the national certification of lymphedema therapists. All courses are taught by PTs and are approved for continuing education units.

For more information, contact Academy of Lymphatic Studies, 11632 High St, Suite A, Sebastian, FL 32958; (800) 863-5935; www.acols.com.

Online t-DPT Program

Whether you have a BSPT, MPT, or MSPT, you can earn the transitional doctor of physical therapy (t-DPT) degree at the University of St Augustine for Health Sciences by completing a 22-credit program. The t-DPT program can be completed entirely online or through a combination of seminars and online for-credit courses. The well-known seminars are offered at locations throughout the country and can be completed with online coursework anywhere, anytime, via computer.

For more information, contact University of St Augustine for Health Sciences, 1 University Blvd, St Augustine, FL 32086; (800) 241-1027; www.usa.edu.

Certification Exams

The NSCA Certification Commission has added more flexibility to registering and scheduling for the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer (NSCA-CPT) exams with computer-based formats. Every step in the registration process is streamlined to allow eligible CSCS and NSCA-CPT exam candidates to register online, pay the fee, and then take the exam as soon as 2 days later. Computer-based testing allows the NSCA Certification Commission to expand the number of testing sites candidates can choose from. With a test-center capacity of more than 300,000 available testing slots, computer-based testing candidates are able to take the CSCS or NSCA-CPT exam when and where they want. Computer-based testing also decreases the wait time between taking an exam and receiving the results.

For more information, contact NSCA Certification Commission, 3333 Landmark Circle, Lincoln, NE 68504; (888) 746-2378; www.nsca-cc.org.

McKenzie Method Instruction

The McKenzie Institute USA is the only US-sanctioned provider of training in the McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT). It has developed an online course—The McKenzie Case Manager—as a teaching tool to refine clinical reasoning skills and to improve overall competence with MDT. Designed for the advanced McKenzie MDT clinician, a collection of eight real-life patient case studies provide complex clinical practice scenarios that focus on the power of using the information gathered on The McKenzie Institute Assessment forms. With a growing body of research to support it, the MDT assessment process is the truly unique and invaluable component to the method. An MDT assessment is a comprehensive and logical step-by-step process to evaluate the problem quickly. This online course provides a way to work through the clinical reasoning process to reach a successful diagnosis.

For more information, contact The McKenzie Institute, 126 N Salina St, Syracuse, NY 13202; (315) 471-7612; www.mckenziemdt.org.

Aquatic Therapy Educational Events

The Aquatic Therapy & Rehab Institute Inc (ATRI) offers continuing education certificates for all courses to help PTs, occupational therapists, personal trainers, and other health care/fitness practitioners maintain their required education hours. All ATRI educational courses include pool labs to provide hands-on application of knowledge. ATRI is a nonprofit educational organization committed to promoting rehab in the pool. The ATRI Course Catalog and 2007 schedule are available on the organization’s Web site or by calling the toll-free number.

For more information, contact Aquatic Therapy & Rehab Institute Inc, 13297 Temple Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33412; (866) 462-2874; www.atri.org.