Course Description
VitalStim Therapy is the most researched dysphagia therapy in the world. Over 19million patients have been safely and effectively treated by over 30,000 therapists in 40 countries around the world. This highly skilled approach is a paradigm shift in the way dysphagia has been managed in the past. This course will provide an introduction to the treatment approach used for infants, pediatrics and adults. Two instructors will present topics including the following:
- Theory of NMES for Dysphagia
- Limitations of conventional dysphagia therapy
- Anatomy/physiology relevant to NMES
- Neuroplasticity
- Role of exercise combined with modalities
- Candidates for VitalStim Therapy
- Research
- Top 10 myths about NMES for Dysphagia
- Regulations on equipment and training
- How to become a VitalStim Provider and access to Clinical Consultants, Private Library, Private VitalStim Provider Groups, and advanced training
Disclosure: This course introduces participants to the VitalStim Therapy protocol, a treatment approach combining traditional dysphagia therapy with NMES for infants, pediatrics and adults. It does not cover other dysphagia treatment protocols or therapies.
Course Requirements:
- Computer with internet and working speakers/sound are required for this course.
- Course must be completed within 30 days of activation (activate course within 6 months of purchase).
- An online multiple-choice quiz (80% passing score) and submission of an online evaluation form are required for successful completion.
- A certificate of completion will be available to print immediately after course is successfully completed.
- SLPs - ASHA CEUs may be obtained by completing the online ASHA form and checking the "Report to ASHA" box.
Course Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Define VitalStim Therapy
- List appropriate candidates for VitalStim Therapy
- Compare traditional dysphagia therapy to a therapy combining NMES and exercise
- Locate research regarding NMES for Dysphagia
- Identify the ethical requirements for usage and training
- List the clinical support benefits for VitalStim Providers
Lesley Mateer
M.A. CCC-SLP
Lesley Mateer, M.A. CCC-SLP is the president of Career Improvement & Advancement Opportunities, Inc (CIAO). Since 1999, she has dedicated her company to taking care of fellow therapists and providing quality, affordable continuing education across the United States. As a Speech Language Pathologist and Rehab Director, Lesley trained healthcare professionals and students on various topics such as Customer Service, Medicare Guidelines, Corporate Orientation, Ethics, Rehabilitation, Motivation and Leadership.
Financial Disclosure: Lesley is the president if CIAO Seminars, the owner of the VitalStim and Beyond, DINES Specialty Program and VitalStim Renewal course.
Non-Financial Disclosure: No relevant relationships.
Karin Mitchell
M.A. CCC-SLP
Karin has been a practicing Speech Pathologist who has been working at CHOC Children’s Hospital in Orange, CA for over 30 years. She is a clinical specialist at CHOC who provides direct inpatient care coverage, including in their Level 4 NICU. Karin is extremely focused on quality improvement initiatives, writing policies and procedures as well as care guidelines and is involved in councils and committees. Karin serves as a clinical specialist and is committed to empowering others through mentoring and education. She is active in development of guidelines, policies and procedures as well as ongoing analysis of programs, always looking to enhance the care provided. She is passionate about feeding and swallowing, breast feeding, developmental care and partnering with families. Her love of teaching and helping others drives her to create and deliver fun and empowering continuing education courses. She is passionate about empowering family members in the care of their babies and children to optimize outcomes and generalize skills. She is equally passionate about educating and training others in their professional growth and development. She finds joy in helping others succeed.
Financial Disclosure: Karin Mitchell receive honoraria from CIAO Seminars for presenting this course.
Non-financial Disclosure: Karin Mitchell uses NMES during swallowing therapy as appropriate.
15 Minutes
VitalStim Therapy defined
15 Minutes
Appropriate candidates for VitalStim Therapy
15 Minutes
Traditional dysphagia therapy compared to a therapy combining NMES and exercise
15 Minutes
Top 10 myths regarding NMES for dysphagia
10 Minutes
Research regarding NMES for dysphagia
10 Minutes
The ethical requirements for usage and training
10 Minutes
Clinical support benefits for VitalStim Providers
Delivery VIA:
- Live On Tour - This course is now being offered live on locations throughout the United States. Contact CIAO if you would like this course brought to your area.
- Online - This course is offered in an online, on demand format.
- Club CIAO - Club CIAO: This course is offered as a stand-alone course as well as part of Club CIAO, our all-you-can-eat buffet of online courses for one low price. Club CIAO and Club CIAO Plus Members also receive 25% off of all Live Stream courses! Club CIAO Premium Members receive all Live Stream events Free!
- Club CIAO Plus - Club CIAO Plus: This course is a stand-alone course as well as part of Club CIAO Plus, our all-you-can-eat buffet of online courses (including 1 and 2 day courses) for one low price. Club CIAO Plus Members also receive 25% off of all Live Stream courses!
Contact hours pre-approved for:
- 1.5 Hours
- CIAO is an ASHA Approved Provider (0.15 ASHA CEUs)
- ASHA CE Provider Approval and use of the Brand Block does not imply endorsement of course content, specific products, or clinical procedures.
- As an IACET Accredited Provider, CIAO offers CEUs for its programs that qualify under the ANSI/IACET Standard
- CIAO is authorized by IACET to offer 1.5 CEUs for this program
- This course meets PDU requirements for NBCOT (1.5 PDUs)
- CIAO is an Approved Provider for the Florida Board of Occupational Therapy
- Approved for:
- 1.5 Hrs. OT/COTAs in FL (CE Broker #20-1197946)
- 1.5 Hrs. Registered with CEBroker for OT/COTAs in AL, AZ, GA, LA, MS, SC, TN
Introductory Level
0.15 ASHA CEUs
CIAO Automatically reports to CE Broker for Florida Occupational and Physical Therapists and Assistants.
Florida SLPs can either use the ASHA CE Participant Form (Bubble Sheet) or self-submit through CE Broker.
CIAO is recognized on the NBCOT Provider Registry (meets PDU requirements for NBCOT)
CIAO is accredited by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET). CIAO complies with the ANSI/IACET Standard, which is recognized internationally as a standard of excellence in instructional practices. As a result of this accreditation, CIAO is accredited to issue the IACET CEU.
very interesting stuff
- Haiku, HI / Dec 2025