Advanced Vestibular Physical Therapist (AVPT) Certification Modules 1-4

The application opens on March 1st, 2024, at 12pm EST. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. The application can be found here.

Program Overview

The AVPT certification is delivered in a highly innovative format that allows participants from anywhere in the world to experience cutting-edge vestibular content from the University of Pittsburgh with limited travel. The hybrid format includes self-paced online coursework, synchronous virtual meetings via Zoom, and four interactive weekend workshops. The content is delivered in four specific modules and arranged by content. The modules do not need to be taken in order, but Modules 1-3 must be completed before attending Module 4, which includes a hands-on skills session on the University of Pittsburgh Campus.

The full program consists of 4 modules.

Intended Audience

Participants best suited for this experience are:

• Licensed in good standing in country of origin. Will need to provide copy of license as proof. 
• Minimum of two years of post-professional vestibular rehabilitation clinical experience

Favorable consideration will be given to applicants with at least one of the following:

• Graduate of an APTA accredited residency program
• A certified ABPTS specialist

All candidates are required to submit a Cover Letter and Curriculum Vitae demonstrating credentials and qualifications that meet or exceed the above admission requirements. The enclosed cover letter should indicate the participant’s expectations of the program, desired learning objectives and opportunities for implementing new concepts into clinical practice. 

If a candidate does not meet the prerequisite admission requirements, s/he can submit evidence of the equivalent of the above criteria subject for approval by our AVPT Advisory Panel through an individual review process. Submit your request and justification with your cover letter in the application linked below. A phone interview may be required. 

Start Date and Duration

This program will starts in May of each year and goes until the following April.

The modules have their own start dates and workshops. See more information in the Module Overviews below.

Cost

Each module will cost $675.

The total cost for the program is estimated $2,700. (Not including any travel fees or other considerations)

Type of Certificate or CEU Offered

Upon completion of the modules, the Advanced Vestibular Physical Therapist (AVPT) certification is granted from the University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences.

Participant Expectations and Program Components

Each module will consist of 12-16 hours of online presentations, required readings and a virtual journal club via Zoom. Participants will be required to complete the pre-requisite work prior to the weekend workshop. Each weekend workshop will provide 10-12 hours of interactive live presentations delivered through Zoom and the opportunity to network with world-renowned experts.

At the completion of each module's weekend workshop, the participants will be provided a quiz as a review of the content presented within the module. The quiz is required for CEU purposes in some US states and is designed to prepare participants for the written exam for those who are completing all four modules of the AVPT program. 

Each module can be taken independently, but participants must complete all four modules and successfully pass the competency examination to become certified as an Advanced Vestibular Physical Therapist.

See module overviews below.

Featured Instructors

Faculty, Instructors and Speakers	Name and Bio
	Susan Whitney DPT, PhD, NCS, ATC, FAPTA
Variety of speakers and guest facilitators	Click here to learn more about all the speakers. (Word Document download)

Module Overviews

Module 1

Module Overview
This module's topics include advanced vestibular anatomy, VOR function, vestibular testing, outcome measures, differential diagnosis, vestibular perception and acute diagnosis and management. 

Agenda and Learning Objectives

Module Dates:
July 27-28, 2024
The weekend workshop for Module 1 is offered July 29-30, 2023 (Zoom Classroom).

Saturday Sessions: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (EST)
Sunday Sessions:  8 a.m. - noon (EST)
In addition, there will be a pre/post module session on the Tuesday evening before and after each weekend session (7-8:30 p.m. EST).

Module 2

Module Overview
This module will cover and include concussion, vision, eye movements, vestibular hypofunction CPG, Mal de Debarquement, CNS disorders, and pharmacological/surgical management.

Agenda and Learning Objectives

Module Dates:
October 19-20, 2024
The weekend workshop for Module 2 is offered October 21-22, 2023 (Zoom Classroom).

Saturday Sessions: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (EST)
Sunday Sessions:  8 a.m. - noon (EST)
In addition, there will be a pre/post module session on the Tuesday evening before and after each weekend session (7-8:30 p.m. EST).

Module 3

Module Overview
This module will cover and include, advances in BPPV, PPPD, and other conditions associated with vestibular disorders.

Agenda and Learning Objectives

Module Dates:
January 4-5 2025
The weekend workshop for Module 3 is offered January 6-7, 2024 (Zoom Classroom).

Saturday Sessions: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (EST)
Sunday Sessions:  8 a.m. - noon (EST)
In addition, there will be a pre/post module session on the Tuesday evening before and after each weekend session (7-8:30 p.m. EST).

Module 4

Module Overview
This module will require in-person participation on the campus of the University of Pittsburgh for immersive skills lab sessions, and a competency examination that will include a comprehensive written and practical component of content delivered within all four modules. 

Agenda and Learning Objectives

Module Dates:
April 4-6, 2025
The weekend workshop for Module 4 is offered April 5-7, 2024 and is an in-person event at the University of Pittsburgh in a Campus Classroom.

Friday, April 4, 2025: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (EST)

Saturday, April 5, 2025: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (EST)

Sunday, April 6, 2025: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. (EST)

Requirements: Must complete Module 1-3

Contact Information and Additional Details
Questions related to this course can be directed to: advancedvestibularPT@pitt.edu.