This course is designed for rehabilitation specialists (physical and occupational therapists). We welcome other clinicians who are interested in vestibular medicine and rehabilitation, including nurse practitioners, physician assistants, audiologists and physicians.

We recommend that participants have at least two years of experience managing patients with vestibular dysfunction and have previously studied the anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology of the vestibular system.

Upon completion of this course, participants will be expected to:

• Understand and explain anatomy and physiology of the vestibular system.
• Explain and interpret the clinical significance of diagnostic studies, lab data, physical assessments and interview data obtained from medical records.
• Explain and identify signs and symptoms of vestibular dysfunction and be able to appropriately refer to a different provider when necessary.
• Identify therapeutic management for vestibular dysfunction including medications and diet and surgical procedures.
• Identify red flags related to central dysfunction and understand how to address them.
• Formulate care plans for people with vestibular dysfunction based on medical records, vestibular testing and physical evaluation.
• Demonstrate appropriate interdisciplinary care communication and collaboration.

Participants are expected to improve their abilities in the following:

• Skillful performance of oculomotor examination
• Identification of central and peripheral causes for nystagmus
• Interpretation of nystagmus patterns suggestive of pathology
• Differentiation of BPPV type with the appropriate treatment considering: 
  • Canalithiasis vs. cupulolithiasis
  • Anterior, posterior and horizontal canal
• Rehabilitative management for unilateral and bilateral vestibular dysfunction
  • Understand the neuro-otologic approach for surgical management of various vestibular disorders (i.e., Meniere’s Disease, superior semicircular canal dehiscence) 
  • Understand the rehabilitative and medical management for central vestibular disorders (i.e. traumatic brain injury, migraine). 

This course offers three types of content, online core, online elective and in-person curriculum. The Maryland State Physical Therapy Board has approved the hybrid course option (online and in-person) for up to 4.63 CEUs. The CEUs for each of these curriculums are:

• Online content: 2.88 CEUs
  • Core: 1.81 CEUs
  • Elective: 1.07 CEUS
• In-person content: 1.75 CEUs     
  • Lecture and lab: 1.1 CEUs
  • Testing: 0.65 CEUs

The competency certification test is a knowledge-based written examination, which includes case presentations, a visual examination of oculomotor videos and a practical/skills examination. These examinations will be based on the online core and in-person content. 

Participants will be provided with a certificate of competency if they attend and complete the online and in-person courses, including the examinations. A certification of attendance will be provided for the virtual-only course option or for those who do not successfully pass the examinations. 

The competency certification indicates a successful didactic and psychomotor demonstration of clinical assessment and treatment skills for common vestibular disorders. The competency certification does not certify that the participant retains those skills and knowledge or applies them appropriately in the future.

Courses are available through November 30, 2024.  We recommend completing the online content before attending the in-person portion of the course in September.

Registration for the hybrid course option ends on July 31, 2024.

The course is held at The Johns Hopkins Hospital at 1800 Orleans Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21287 in the Chevy Chase Auditorium/Arcade.

• View the location map.
• See travel options for getting here.

Parking is available at the Orleans Street Garage (1795 Orleans Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21287). The cost of parking will not be reimbursed, please reference the parking garage rates to estimate your expense.

There is a Residence Inn Baltimore by Marriott located near the hospital with a room block available at a discounted rate for the first 30 guests: Residence Inn Baltimore by Marriott. There are also several hotels available in the Inner Harbor, Fells Point and Harbor East areas.

To receive a competency certificate, you must pass a written exam, video exam and a practical exam on September 15.

You need to register for the course with your respective state board of physical therapy or occupational therapy to claim CEUs. A course syllabus will be provided online to assist with obtaining CEUs. Maryland State Physical Therapy Board has approved the hybrid course option (online and in-person) for up to 4.63 CEUs.

Dress code is casual and comfortable. Participants attending in person will be expected to practice and demonstrate common examination and treatment techniques, so please dress accordingly.

Groups of three or more registrants from the same institution may receive a group discount of $500 per registrant. Students may receive a student discount of $250 per registrant upon providing proof of being a student. For more information on group or student rates, or to request the discount, please email [email protected].

The course takes place over three days. The first day (Friday) will take place from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. with an optional social event with the course instructors scheduled from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The second day (Saturday) will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The final day (Sunday) will take place from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. The first two days are reserved for lectures and lab, and the examinations will be held on the third day. Breakfast and lunch will be provided on Saturday and Sunday.

Baltimore is a vibrant city with excellent food and art scenes. Get ideas for things to do during your visit.