Number of Courses for Certificate Completion: 6 Courses in length
Number of Contact hours per course:  24 contact hours (0.24 CEU)/ 9 hours per week
Length of each Course: 8-week courses 
Delivery Mode: Online
Cost per Course: $1475/course

*Certificate is eligible to be applied to the Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (t-DPT) program

Program Description

The Online Advanced Orthopedic Physical Therapy Certificate Program is an advanced, evidence-based program designed for licensed physical therapists who wish to deepen their expertise in the evaluation and management of musculoskeletal and spinal conditions.  This program is composed of six interactive, asynchronous 8-week online courses.  Completion of all courses is required to earn the AOPTC certificate

This comprehensive program integrates theory, research, and hands-on laboratory experience to enhance clinical decision-making, diagnostic precision and therapeutic effectiveness in orthopedic rehabilitation. Through a series of specialized courses, participants will explore advanced manual therapy techniques, muscle energy methods, spinal assessment, and targeted rehabilitation approaches for patients across the lifespan including the aging population.

The program culminates in a Capstone Project, allowing students to integrate their knowledge and apply it to real-world clinical applications, research agendas or other scholarly activities that contributes to the advancement of professional practice.

Graduates of the program will emerge as skilled clinicians prepared to deliver high-quality, evidence-based orthopedic care that optimizes function, reduces pain, and promotes recovery for patients with orthopedic and spinal disorders.  

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Advanced Orthopedic Physical Therapy Certificate Program, participants will be able to:

  1. Apply Evidence-Based Practice: Integrate current research findings and clinical expertise into orthopedic assessment and intervention strategies.
  2. Demonstrate Advanced Manual Therapy Skills: Perform safe, effective, and precise manual therapy and muscle energy techniques for the spine and extremities.
  3. Enhance Clinical Reasoning and Diagnostic Abilities: Utilize biomechanical and functional assessment tools to analytically assess, diagnose and manage complex orthopedic and spinal conditions.
  4. Implement Comprehensive Rehabilitation Strategies: Design and execute individualized treatment plans that address both acute and chronic orthopedic conditions.
  5. Adapt Care for Specialized Populations: Apply evidence-based manual therapy techniques to meet the unique needs of older adults and patients with age-related spinal conditions.
  6. Integrate Research and Practice Through Capstone Experience: Develop and present a clinically relevant capstone project that demonstrates mastery of orthopedic physical therapy concepts and contributes to professional advancement.
  7. Promote Optimal Patient Outcomes: Employ biomechanical, neuromuscular, and functional principles to restore movement, reduce pain, and enhance patient performance in daily and occupational activities.

Module 1: Advanced Orthopedic Interventions

Enrolment on paymentPayPal

Number of Contact hours:  24 contact hours (0.24 CEU)/ 9 hours per week
Length of Course: 8-weeks 
Delivery Mode: Online
Cost: $1475 

Course Description

This course and lab component will discuss the basis and practice of Muscle Energy Techniques that are widely recognized for the approach to treating musculoskeletal dysfunction. It will examine and demonstrate the manipulative techniques in which a patient, on request, actively uses his or her muscles from a controlled position in a specific direction against a distinct counterforce applied by the practitioner. The course will also outline the background to soft tissue dysfunction and explain the chain reactions which occur as part of such dysfunctions. Precise assessment and diagnosis guidelines will also be discussed.

Course Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, the participant will be able to:

  1. Explain the biomechanical and physiological principles underlying Muscle Energy Techniques (MET).
  2. Perform MET safely and effectively to address musculoskeletal dysfunctions.
  3. Identify soft tissue dysfunctions and describe their kinetic chain reactions.
  4. Conduct comprehensive assessments to determine appropriate orthopedic interventions.
  5. Apply clinical reasoning to select evidence-based manual techniques for patient care.
Skill Level: Beginner