Certificate in Advanced Pediatric Therapy

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Why Get A Certificate?

The purpose of this collaborative Certificate in Pediatric Therapy program is to advance and validate the educational and clinical foundation of P.T.'s and O.T.'s choosing to practice primarily with children. Both expert and novice pediatric therapists can benefit from this program, and degree plans can be individualized according to the elective(s) taken.  Since this program is now in its 6th year of existence, its objectives are being re-evaluated so that future courses will be modified to better meet the educational standards associated with the PCS process.

A definite strength of this program is that classes will be coordinated and taught by faculty members from Texas Woman's University, The School of Physical Therapy, and School of Occupational Therapy along with experienced clinicians from Texas Children's Hospital Department of Rehabilitation, thus emphasizing the team approach to management of the pediatric client. Course format will make generous use of Internet technology with most courses requiring at least one on-site campus visit to practice relevant "hands-on" skills with pediatric clients. Individuals who complete the 12 credit hour program can proudly display their Certificate in Pediatric Therapy as an acknowledgement of their Continuing Education efforts.
 

Specifics of Obtaining a Certificate in Pediatric Therapy

Enrollment can be initiated in any semester.  For your initial enrollment in a TWU course, you must submit an application with appropriate fee by completing an online (Texas Common Application).  See Application Information for Certificate Courses for more information. You will need to submit transcripts indicating your baccalaureate degree and degree in physical therapy.  Please allow 4-6 weeks to process your initial application.  After your application is processed, you can register and pay online via Web Advisor. For subsequent enrollment, you can register online through TWU's Pioneer Portal.  Courses can be taken in any order and need not be taken consecutively; however, maximum course enrollment may be limited in some courses.

The course work is offered in an online and on-site format at the TWU Houston Institute of Health Sciences Campus.

The Certificate in Pediatric Therapy is awarded once the student has completed 12 credit hours of approved course work; moreover, completed certificate courses may apply toward a Post Professional DPT or PhD degree.

Core Courses (9 Credit Hours) *
PT 5523 - Pediatric Neuroscience
PT 5533 - Motor Behavior in Pediatrics
PT 5543 - Pediatric Outcome Measures

*Note: A recommended revision to this program is to reduce the number of Core Courses to (2).

Possible Elective Courses (3 Credit Hours)**
PT 5903 - Advanced Topics in Pediatrics
PT 5903 - Treatment of Musculoskeletal Conditions in Pediatrics
PT 5903 - Assistive and Adaptive Technology

** Note: A recommended revision to this program is to increase the number of Elective credit hours to (6) with the addition of more Elective options.
 

Course Descriptions of Required Courses:

Pediatric Outcome Measures
Next available in Fall Semester 2011. Meets on-site in Houston for one 2-day weekend; remainder of course done over Internet.

This course will cover commonly used standardized tests in pediatric rehabilitation for the purpose of providing participants with the relevant information necessary for identifying objective tests and substantiating outcomes of therapeutic interventions. On-site sessions will emphasize practice with children and clinical problem-solving.

Pediatric Neuroscience
Next Available in Spring Semester 2010.  Registration deadline is January 15, 2010.
No on-site meetings; entire course done over Internet.

This course will begin with a review of embryology and will explore the conditions under which both typical and atypical development occur. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the relationship between structure and function of the nervous system as it relates to children with disabilities.

Motor Behavior in Pediatrics
Next available in Fall Semester 2010.  Meets on-site in Houston for a 2-day weekend in mid November; remainder of course done over Internet.

This course will emphasize current theories of Motor Learning and Motor Control as they apply to the evaluation and therapeutic management of children with disabilities. 

Course Descriptions of Electives:

Treatment of Musculoskeletal Conditions in Pediatrics
Not available at this time. 

This course will consist of innovative techniques used in the medical management of musculoskeletal conditions commonly treated in a pediatric population.  Medical and therapeutic management strategies such as surgical procedures, EMG's and tone management with Botox/Baclofen Pumps, will be addressed, along with treatment interventions, including serial casting, pediatric myofascial release, kinesio taping, electrical stimulation applications, use of Biodex for isokinetic strengthening, unweighted treadmill applications, and pool therapy.  A 3-day lab will provide participants with hands on practice and opportunities to problem solve via case presentations.
 

Assistive and Adaptive Technology in Pediatrics
Next available in Spring 2011. Meets on-site in Houston for one weekend; remainder of course done over the Internet.

This course will focus on the processes associated with implementation of assistive and adaptive technology. Students will have the opportunity to learn about the issues related to evaluation and implementation of assistive technology with individuals. Topics will include seating and positioning, computer access, switch use, communication aid technology and electronic aides for daily living.

Advanced Topics in Pediatrics
May be available in Summer 2010, but still under discussion.

This course will examine current issues in Pediatrics including alternative treatment venues and new evidence available in the literature.

Additional Information for Physical Therapists:
Betty MacNeill, PT, DPT 
713-794-2077
emacneill@twu.edu

Additional Information for Occupational Therapists:
Marsha Neville-Smith, BS, MS
217-706-2414
MNevilleSmith@twu.edu