Explore UAB

Sponsored by The UAB Department of Physical Therapy & The American Physical Therapy Association

The next course will be held in 2026; specific dates to be posted in May, 2025.

Peds Vestibular 03This intense, evidence-based, four-day in person 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 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

Upon completion of the course, participants will earn 3.7 continuing education units (37 contact hours). Participants passing the written examination will earn an additional 3 contact hours for passing the written examination (total possible is 4.0 CEU). Continuing education units will be awarded by the American Physical Therapy Association.

Learning Objectives

Peds Vestibular 02Upon 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

Course Faculty

Jennifer B. Christy, PT, PhD, FAPTA, Course Director

Rose M. Rine, PT, PhD, Jacksonville, Florida

Bree Corbin, PT, DPT, Anacortes, Washington

Course Registration

Tuition for the 2026 course to be posted in May 2025.

See the course brochure from the 2024 course.

Download Course Brochure (PDF)