Certificate in Upper Extremity Rehabilitation

This program is designed to provide Occupational Therapists and Physical Therapists with the in-depth knowledge and skills to facilitate their decision to specialize in the therapeutic management of disorders and problems affecting the upper extremity.  The program will be presented primarily through four on-line courses, with optional on-site laboratory and clinical experiences.  New admission occurs every Spring semester (mid January). Due to the intensive curriculum of the program, working therapists are advised to take one course per semester. 

Graduate Certificates will be awarded upon satisfactory completion of  Four online courses (12 credit hours):

Course 1: Upper Extremity Anatomy and Function                 

Examines the structural anatomy of the upper extremity, including the musculoskeletal, neurological, vascular and integumentary systems; and relates this through an understanding of biomechanical principles to its function in both normal and abnormal (disease or injury) conditions. 
Credit: Three hours.

Course 2: Problems and Injuries of Upper Extremity

Etiology, pathology, medical diagnosis, prognosis, medical and surgical treatment for problems, injuries and congenital anomalies of the upper extremity.
Credit: Three hours.

Course 3: Evaluation of the Upper Extremity

Comprehensive evaluation techniques of the upper quadrant for the purpose of determining an accurate therapy diagnosis and developing an effective treatment plan, including the evidentiary basis, validity, reliability, and limitations of the techniques.
Prerequisites: Course 1 and Course 2.  Credit: Three hours.

Course 4: Clinical Reasoning and Therapeutic Management in Upper Extremity Rehabilitation

An evidence-based approach to the therapeutic management of upper extremity problems, injuries and congenital anomalies; including problem-based case studies to develop clinical reasoning and suggested guidelines for management of specific categories of disorders.
Prerequisites: Course 1 and Course 2.  Credit: Three hours.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Admission Criteria

Candidates are accepted on the basis of application and space available:

Application to the School of Occupational Therapy for any of our certificates or degree programs also requires Application for Admission to TWU.  This is done with the Texas Common Application. 

• Please follow this link to begin the process: Graduate Application form, follow instructions, and submit online.
• All candidates must complete an application.
• Therapists must apply as either degree seeking or non-degree seeking students to the TWU Graduate School.

U.S. Department of Education Gainful Employment Disclosure

Advanced Studies in Upper Extremity Rehabilitation [pdf]