Primary Care Certification
(PCC)
Physical Therapists have a
definite role as primary care pratitioners especially in family
practice settings, where 70-80% of patient visits are musculoskeletal
diagnoses. This Certification is for the Physical Therapist currently
working in a primary care role or is interested in moving into
the primary care field.
The following seminars are
offered nationwide. Register with the
University of St. Augustine for seminars with the contact source
being USA.
Occupational therapists may
take the seminars indicated, however a certification in primary
care can only be granted to physical therapists.
Primary Care Certification
(PCC) Seminars
S1-Introduction to Spinal
Evaluation and Manipulation
This is a 5-day seminar emphasizing
interpretation of basic science knowledge toward the development
of clinical skills needed for differential evaluation & effective
treatment of spinal dysfunction. General principles of functional
anatomy, tissue & joint biomechanics, pathology and treatments
are applied to clinical examination and treatment. Includes instruction & techniques
of evaluating structure, active movements and palpation for condition,
position & mobility of the spine. Manipulation techniques
are instructed at all levels of the spine except the subcranial
area. Supportive treatments, such as exercises & distraction,
are instructed and practiced to a limited degree. At the conclusion
of the seminar, the student should feel confident to examine & treat
most common spinal conditions.
E1-Extremity Evaluation
and Manipulation
This seminar emphasizes the
interpretation of basic science knowledge & the development
of basic clinical skills which are needed to complete a differential
evaluation of extremity dysfunction, then proceeds to treatment.
General principles of functional anatomy, tissue & joint
biomechanics, pathology, and treatment are presented.
The clinical content of the
seminar includes physical examination, with special emphasis
on performance of joint mobility and assessment of end-feel.
Non-thrust manipulations are instructed & supportive treatments
are discussed.
Medical Diagnostics
With the advent of direct
access and the increasing degree of professional responsibility
being assumed by physical therapists, there has developed a need
for therapists to be aware of those signs and symptoms more representative
of disease than dysfunction. The purpose of this seminar is not
to learn diagnosis, but to understand the process and some of
the techniques that will help safeguard the patient, improve
inter-professional communications, and facilitate appropriate
referral. Content includes disorders of the cardiovascular, pulmonary,
endocrine, gastrointestinal, urogenital, and reproductive organ
systems. Instruction will consist of both lectures and laboratory
experiences.
Pharmacology
Topics will include general
concepts of pharmacology as applicable to physical therapy, discussion
of the classes of commonly used drugs in patinets that present
to physical therapy practices, including: (a) therapeutic efects;
(b) side effects; (c) clinical uses; and (d) contraindications.
We will also present case examples of drug effect and their impact
on physical therapy pratice, and strategies for communications
of the therapist's concerns to the physician.
Imaging for Physical Therapy
This seminar provides a broad
radiographic presentation of commonly occurring dysfunctions
of the spine, pelvis & extremities. The physician provides
an elucidation of the diagnostic considerations and provisions
of differential diagnosis, with a special emphasis on functional
alterations and the relationship of x-ray and other imaging findings
to clinical physical therapy.
Managed Care - Success & Survival
This seminar examines in detail
the business & clinical considerations in forging long term
managed care relationships that will be beneficial to all parties.
The business portion deals with analyzing the local environment & the
practice to determine the readiness for sudden influx of managed
care.
Primary Care Certification
Review of seminar material
from all prerequisite courses in both didactic and lab settings.
Culminates in oral, practical and written exams.
Clinical Triage
This course is a requirement
for DPT and MHSc students in the Primary Care Certification Tract.
This course offers a 40-hour experience to develop screening
and management skills for the neuro-musculoskeletal patient in
a primary care setting. This is an opportunity for physical therapists
to shadow the health care practitioner while observing the integration
of history and physicals, lab results, radiographs, and medications
in the typical primary care practice. This course is not a prerequiste
for Primary Care Certification.
