Pediatric Vestibular Rehabilitation: A Competency-Based Course
Sponsored by The University of Alabama at Birmingham
Department of Physical Therapy
& The American Physical Therapy Association
April 30, 2026- May, 3 2026
This intense, evidence-based, four-day course is designed for physical therapists, occupational therapists and MDs with experience treating pediatric patients/clients. The course consists of lecture and laboratory sessions with additional self-study sessions. All participants will be expected to demonstrate a variety of skills to the faculty including 1) the oculomotor examination with emphasis on the identification of nystagmus and canal involvement, 2) balance, gait, gross motor development assessments, 3) appropriate treatment procedures for BPPV affecting posterior, anterior and horizontal canals for both cupulolithiasis and canalithiasis, 4) treatment procedures for unilateral and bilateral peripheral vestibular disorders, and 5) treatment procedures for central vestibular disorders including concussion. Emphasis will be on utilizing assessment results to develop an effective treatment plan. The course will include written, and practical examinations.
Continuing Education Units: Two certificates may be given in this course – one for attendance (37 CEUs) and one for achievement (+3 CEUs for a total of 40). It is our intent that the certificate of achievement signifies that, at the time the course was given, the student demonstrated proper performance of certain skills (based on practical exams) and understood basic information (based on the written exam) related to vestibular rehabilitation for children. The granting of the certificate of achievement in no way certifies that the student retains those skills and knowledge or applies them appropriately in the future.
Audience: This course was designed specifically for physical therapy and occupational therapy professionals. However, we welcome any medical professional who works with children with vestibular dysfunction.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
1. Describe developmental anatomical components and physiology of the peripheral and central vestibular system.
2. Explain the physiology of normal and abnormal nystagmus.
3. Examine and interpret results of tests for vestibular deficits & related impairments.
4. Identify pathologies known to affect vestibular function in children
5. Identify impairments and rehab potential for children, based on vestibular diagnostic testing.
6. Diagnose conditions affecting vestibular function in pediatric clients.
7. Describe vestibular-related impairments in children.
8. Discuss & demonstrate appropriate interventions for vestibular-ocular reflex (VOR) and vestibulospinal (Vsp) impairments in children.
9. Identify the mechanisms underlying recovery of vestibular function.
10. Demonstrate basic skill in evaluation and treatment of vestibular function and related impairments
Please delay arranging air travel until you have received separate, written confirmation from our staff that your placement has been confirmed and approved by our course director.
Course Faculty:
Jennifer B. Christy, PT, PhD, FAPTA
The University of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham, AL
Bree Corbin, PT, DPT
Anacortes, WA
Kristen Janky, AuD, PhD,
CCC-A Boys Town National Research Hospital Omaha, NE
Lisa Farrell, PT, PhD
Symmetry Alliance, Inc. Weston, FL
Rose M. Rine, PT, PhD
Jacksonville, FL
