CER7004

Specialty In Pediatrics Certificate For Physical Therapists

Course ID
CER7004
Campus
Online
Level
Certificate
Instructor
UMSAz Faculty
Semester
Rolling Basis
Method
Online

Course Audience: Physical Therapists

Course Objectives: Upon the completion of this program, students will be able to:

  • 1. Integrate the concepts of motor control progression within the pediatric population while designing appropriate advanced treatment plans that incorporate evidence based practice.
  • 2. Evaluate neuromuscular pediatric clients using advanced methods and interpret the results to design appropriate progressive treatment plans.
  • 3. Discuss and apply the advanced principles of pediatric manual therapy.
  • 4. Synthesize the current concepts of pathophysiology of neurologic spasticity and its management while designing appropriate treatment sessions.
  • 5. Analyze the progression of pediatric movements and determine the appropriate modifications to achieve treatment goals.
TimePlaceRoomDate RangeInstructor
 Asynchronous Online Online Rolling Basis UMSAz Faculty

Certificate Program series:

Specialty In Pediatrics Certificate 

Program Description:  The program prepares students to integrate the complex concepts and theories of motor control and pathophysiology of neurologic conditions with its impact on pediatric functional movements.  Students will develop advanced pediatric treatments, assess for improvements, and perform advanced modifications for progression of treatments.  Application of techniques will be discussed and performed while utilizing evidence-based practice.  

 

Program Audience

This program is designed for Physical Therapists.

 

Program Schedule and Topics


Semester 1

Semester Topic: Motor Control Theory and Practice

Start Date: Rolling Admissions each Semester

Course Description:  This course and lab component will focus on the examination and treatment of patients with problems related to balance, mobility, and upper extremity function, based on evidence-based practice. The course will also discuss the progress in motor control and the effects of age, disorder, and rehabilitation.

Semester 2

Semester Topic: Pediatric Manual Therapy

Start Date: Rolling Admissions each Semester

Course Description:  This course and lab component examines the present comprehensive conceptual approach to the subject of manual therapy for children of different ages. The course will also focus on the relationship between the neuromusculoskeletal structure and function at different stages of development. It will also outline the prevention of problems during child development and effective treatment and management. Discussions and labs will also cover the pediatric spine.

Semester 3

Semester Topic: Pediatric Movements

Start Date: Rolling Admissions each Semester

Course Description:  The course and lab component will explore the motor control, learning, and development of children with movement disorders. The course will assist the student in increasing their knowledge of the effectiveness of intervention. It will also examine topics on motor control for posture and prehension, motor learning challenges of children with movement dysfunction, predictors of standing balance in children with cerebral palsy and the reliability of a clinical measure of muscle extensibility in preterm and full-term newborn infants. Controversial therapies for developmental disabilities will also be discussed.

Semester 4

Semester Topic: Pediatric Advanced Neuromuscular Intervention

Start Date: Rolling Admissions each Semester

Course Description:  This course and lab component will focus on the comprehensive physical therapy interventions for children with neurologic conditions. The course will examine the pathophysiology of neurologic deficits and possible rehabilitation interventions for improving movement outcomes. Biofeedback research, applications, clinical procedures and biomedical instrumentation will also be discussed.

Semester 5

Semester Topic: Pediatric Advanced Spasticity Management

Start Date: Rolling Admissions each Semester

Course Description:  This course and lab component will focus on the clinical evaluation and management of spasticity. Current concepts on pathophysiology of chronic neurologic spasticity and discussion on the complex medical and surgical management will also be discussed. 

Semester 6

Semester Topic: Capstone in Pediatrics Project

Start Date: Rolling Admissions each Semester

Course Description:  This course will focus on the learner developing a capstone project. The learner will integrate the content that they have covered throughout the curriculum. The course will allow the learner to analyze and apply the information to a specific clinical in-depth issue while adding to the learner’s professional body of knowledge via manuscript or professional meeting presentation. 

Program Delivery Type

This program is offered online asynchronously.  A short intensive 2-day on campus lab is required once a semester for select courses that require a lab. 

 

Program Presenter

Faculty members within the university community.

Program Admissions Requirements

Transcripts

Official transcripts of your Physical Therapy degree B.S or higher from an accredited college or university showing at least 2.00 GPA.

Letter of Recommendation

One letter of recommendations from any member of the academic staff of graduating institution or employer, or current senior colleagues and consultants. 

Recommendation Form

 

Reading & Writing sample

Provide a writing sample from reading and answering 3 questions from an article that is linked on the application.

* International Students Only: English Language Proficiency Test is required (university offers Berlitz exam which is taken online)

An English language proficiency test is required. The IELTS and TOEFL standard of English Language levels listed below are applicable to all postgraduate courses. The table also lists the equivalents from other test providers.

  Examination

  Minimum Grade

  IELTS

 Average 6.5 (with 6.0 or above in each component)

  TOEFL* (Internet-based)

 87 (minimum component scores of Listening 21, Reading 22, Speaking 23, Writing 21)

  TOEFL* (Paper-based)

 550

  Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)

 59-75 (with 4 minimum component scores of 59)

  Berlitz (offered by UMSAz)

 CEFR B2 level

 

Program Tuition

Program

Tuition per Course

Total Number of Courses

Length of Program

Specialty in Pediatrics for PTs

$1425

6

2 years

(6 Semesters)