Program Includes:

1:1 Clinician Assessment with Instructor

This program includes two individual meetings with the instructor. The initial assessment occurs prior to starting the program and is to determine the needs of the clinician and clinic. Together we will create an action plan for success. The second 1:1 will help to determine if the program has met the needs of the clinician to date and we will again work together to update the action plan for the remainder of the program.


Vestibular Rehab Certificate for Clinicians: Foundation and Clinical Application

Clinicians will walk away from this course series with knowledge, confidence in their technical skills, experience in differential diagnosis and a plan in place to evaluate and treat patients with dizziness upon returning to the clinic on Monday.

Part 1 of this course is online, self-study of concepts and principles of vestibular function and the effects of vestibular dysfunction in patients presenting with dizziness, imbalance, and falls. Principles of assessment and differential diagnosis will improve the clinician’s efficiency in examination. The evidence reviewed in this course will aid in translation of exam findings into the development of an effective, evidence-based treatment plan.   

                 


Part 2 is a live weekend course  designed help transition didactic learning into clinical practice. Some features of this course include skills labs with instructor feedback, large and small group activities applying the principles of differential diagnosis, and clinical application to real patient cases. Clinicians will develop personalized assessment and treatment templates to incorporate the evidence-based strategies to patient care. 



Virtual Small Group Mentoring

The cohort will meet bi-monthly, virtually for question and answer and case study presentations. Content will depend upon the needs of the participants, and the content being covered. Although educational material will follow a path of development, complex patients may present to the clinic at any time. These complex cases may be discussed during virtual meetings to assist in patient care and develop clinical decision-making skills for all members of the group.


Communication with Instructor via Text and Email

Participants will be able to contact Colleen Sleik PT, DPT, NCS with any specific learning or clinical questions throughout the duration of the program. The purpose of this program is to develop skilled clinicians to improve access for individuals within their home community. Support through the program is intended to enhance clinical decision-making and improve patient care.



Vestibular Rehab Online Community

Participants will joinour online community consisting of clinicians across the country. They will be asked to actively participate by posting questions and responding to posts. This is a great place to develop your professional network, learn, and help others along the way. Participation is not required, but is strongly encouraged.

Introductory Offer!

Instructor

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. 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. She completed the Competency-Based Vestibular Rehabilitation course through Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia in 2010 and has continued her education by attending “Vestibular Rehab: An Advanced Course and Update” through the University of Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh in 2018 and virtually in 2021. She has also attended the International Conference on Vestibular Rehab in 2018 and 2022. Dr. Sleik has been teaching continuing education courses nationally since 2015. She maintains her knowledge through reading current research on various topics to provide evidence-based treatment in her clinical practice, guided by the most current research available. 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 is works at Bellin Health in Iron Mountain, MI, a small, rural community, where 75-90% of her caseload consists of patients with vertigo, dizziness, or balance problems. She has worked in a variety of settings over the years, including hospital-based outpatient, inpatient, home health, skilled nursing facilities and private practice. It is not uncommon for patients to drive several hours to access her specialty vestibular rehabilitation services due to the scarcity of providers in the area. This need inspired her to begin teaching continuing education courses, and she has been teaching nationally since 2015. Her goal is to increase clinicians’ knowledge and understanding of vestibular rehabilitation, ultimately patient access to quality care. Dr. Sleik is pleased to have this opportunity to share her passion for treating vestibular patients and to provide guidance along your journey in helping your patients.

FAQ

  • Who can participate in this group and how will participants be selected?

    Physical and Occupational Therapists of all skill and experience levels are welcome to apply. Each applicant will fill out a questionnaire about their interest, motivation, ability to commit to this program, and clinic support. The mission of this organization is to bring skilled vestibular rehab therapists to rural communities. If selection comes down to a few final applications, preference will be given to those serving rural communities. A cohort will consist of 10 therapists.

  • What is the time committment?

    This is a 12-month program. The first couple months consist of education. You can expect 1-2 hours per week in the beginning as you work through the initial online coursework, read articles, and participate in the virtual meetings. This will be followed by an in-person weekend course. Once the foundational learning is complete, the program focus will shift to treatment of the complex patient, program development, and marketing.

  • Do I need to have video goggles to participate in this group?

    Yes, having video goggles in your clinic is a pre-requesite to being accepted into the cohort. Nearly anyone can treat a textbook posterior canal BPPV with an obvious nystagmus. As a specialist, you are training to treat what others cannot. Visual suppression can occur with many conditions. Goggles allow for testing with vision denied, so that if nystagmus is present, it will be observed. Goggles also allow for recording so that you can review the videos to improve your skills in diagnosis. They also offer the opportunity (with patient and clinic approval) to share your findings with the instructor and/or group for guidance and discussion around the case.

  • Where can I purchase video goggles?

    There are many companies that sell video goggles, including Otometrics, MicroMedical Technologies, and Vestibular First.

  • Will I need any other tools?

    All other tools used in vestibular rehab are easily accessible in a typical physical therapy practice or can be purchased in a store.

  • When are small group virtual meetings held?

    The cohort will be polled to determine the best time to meet collectively. We use Google Meet for small group, virtual mentoring meetings. You do not need to have a google account to use Google Meet. Prior to the meeting date, a link will be posted along with the meeting time and topic to be discussed.