This intensive lab and evidence-based course arms NICU therapists with the latest information to inform best-practices in evaluation and treatment. Learn the theory behind standardized neurodevelopmental assessments and participate in labs to inform therapeutic interventions including handling, positioning, massage, and facilitated motor activity.
This course is designed to provide participants with evidence based research that will contribute to their development and implementation of best practices of therapeutic intervention programs within a NICU environment. This course is designed to provide the therapist currently practicing within a NICU setting the knowledge base to apply evidence based assessment, application and intervention services.
Following Completion of this course, participants will be able to:
1. Discuss the theoretical basis and the evidence based outcomes for therapeutic services in the NICU.
2. Identify common self-regulation signals and different state behaviors displayed by premature infants.
3. Discuss typical motor and sensory development observed in premature infants; 23-24 weeks gestational age to one month old post conceptual age.
4. Discuss the pathophysiology of common medical diagnoses found in the NICU, the outcome of these diagnoses and potential impact a therapeutic management/treatment intervention may have with the infant and family/caregiver.
5. Apply evidence based research to clinical application for therapeutic evaluation, assessment and intervention in the NICU and after discharge.
6. Provide evidence based recommendations of followup care of an infant and family/caregiver after discharge from the NICU.
Roberta “Bertie” Gatlin, PT, DSc, PCS graduated from University of Memphis in 1986 with a BS in Special Education and from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center Department of Physical Therapy in 1989 with a BS in Physical Therapy. She completed her Doctorate of Science with an emphasis in Neurological and Pediatric Physical Therapy in 2013. She received her Board Certified Pediatric Clinical Specialty in 2001 and recertification in 2011. Her experience draws from over 28 years in the field of pediatric physical therapy. She is currently Assistant Professor in the Physical Therapy Department at Emory & Henry College, Marion, Virginia. Bertie’s experience encompasses physical therapy within the NICU, developmental follow-up clinic and outpatient pediatrics servicing all populations. Her research currently focuses on the Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome, wound care practices for the premature infant in a NICU setting and obtaining norms for children in the United States on the Infant Motor Profile. She currently holds the Secretary position for the Tennessee Physical Therapy Association Executive Committee, the Regional VI Director and Neonatology Specialty Interest Group’s Vice-Chair position for the Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy of the American Physical Therapy Association.
"I have attended many NICU Intervention courses; this was by far the best organized, comprehensive, and useful course I have attended. Roberta Gatlin is so knowledgeable in NICU and Pediatric concepts. My peers and I took away many ideas and concepts we will integrate into our NICU. This is a great course for both beginning and seasoned therapists." -Cheryl Walker
Childrens Specialized Hospital
200 Somerset Street
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Directions
Approved provider of continuing education by the American Occupational Therapy Association #3043, for 15.5 contact hours - Intermediate Level Occupational Therapy Process: assessment, intervention. The assignment of AOTA CEU's does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products or clinical procedures by AOTA. NBCOT professional development provider-15.5 PDU's. This course meets the criteria for 15.5 hours that can be applied toward the NTNCB Neonatal Therapy Certification