A: Always, and to anyone who has a strong passion to become a specialized therapist in vestibular rehabilitation. - Alek, MS, OTR/L, PT

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the CCVR Course virtual?

It is a virtual, on-demand course that allows you to proceed at your own pace however, we do have the option of following along with our guided lesson plan.

Can you sign up any time or does it have a particular start/end date? If no particular start/end time, then can students take as long as they want to complete the course or is it expected students complete course within 3 or 6 month period?

Yes, you can sign up at any time. There are no start/end dates and you can take as long as you need to complete the course. We find that on average our students complete the course, virtual lab, and final exam within a 4 month period.

It sounds like students will need to be evaluated on skills. How is this done if the course is online?

You will demonstrate your skills via video with course instructor. Participants are required to demonstrate skills in the following areas: Clinical Exam - Nystagmus, Oculomotor Exam, Vestibular Ocular Reflex, Cervical Exam and Treatment, Positional Testing, and BPPV Treatment.

How many hours per week commitment?

We have found that participants spend 3 to 5 hours per week working through the course material.

When are the coaching calls?

We have regularly scheduled coaching calls with course instructors (1 hour per week). These are live and recorded for later viewing.

When are the quizzes?

The quizzes are at the end of every module. They will always be available to you so you can go back at any time to review the questions.

When will the labs be held?

We will hold the live lab at Texas State University Physical Therapy Department or at 360 Balance & Dizziness Clinic on April 29, 2023. Virtual labs are also available if the live lab is not an option for you. Virtual labs occur every month. Once you've completed the course material, you will pick the virtual lab date that works for your schedule. After successfully demonstrating your skills, you will receive a link to take the final examination.

How experienced in vestibular rehabilitation should a therapist be before attempting this course?

Experience is recommended but not required. Keep in mind that the format will be presented in a supportive, interactive manner. You will have access to weekly coaching calls and everyone should know that all participants are encouraged to ask questions as needed. We will also make available preparatory reading materials as well as links to additional resources for those participants who are interested.

Will there be continuing education credits available?

This educational offering is eligible the following hours:​ 39.25 continuing education hours (competency-based track that includes online course and a lab). We have staff dedicated to obtaining CEU approval across all states for physical therapists, physical therapy assistants, occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, and athletic trainers. As part of our mission, we will work with you to obtain continuing education credit in your state with your accrediting body as an individual licensee. Email us at support@360neurohealth.com if you would like to obtain continuing education credits in your state/region. Certificates will be awarded upon successful completion of the educational offering and evaluation form. Please click here for an up-to-date list.

What is your cancellation policy?

If you purchase the CCVR Course and find it wasn’t what you expected within 30 days, we’ll give you your money back. There are no strings attached and it is absolutely risk-free for you. Getting a refund is easy and fast. Simply send an email to support@360neurohealth.com.

How long does it take to get through the CCVR Course?

The CCVR Certification Course is organized into a flexible schedule that allows you time to complete the course at your own pace. Plus, once you purchase the course, you will have lifetime access to all of the modules and materials. We want to give you as much time as you need to complete the certification as we recognize that all of you are industry professionals with busy schedules.

Can you help me show my employer the return on investment for this course?

Although no course (or even licensure) guarantees that individuals will retain and/or apply skills appropriately, successful completion of competency-based training has shown to result in improved patient outcomes and is cost-effective. Investing in more advanced training is considered a win-win-win. Employers demonstrate an investment in their staff, which can increase confidence and value in the employee as well as decrease staff turn-over. Staff can increase clinical skills and job satisfaction. Patients have better outcomes. Here are 3 points of interest to discuss regarding the return-on-investment (ROI) in competency-based education:

(1) Bottom Line: ROI = Financial Return/Investment: Niche market w/minimal cash investment to treat patients with dizziness and/or balance disorders. Vestibular dysfunction is present in 40-50% of geriatric population with dizziness/imbalance1.

Example: If you add 15 visits a month (1 - 2 patients) with an estimate of $80/visit over just 3 months (45 visits), this results in $3,600 in revenues. When you consider the cost of the CCVR course as a $997 investment, the financial return on investment (ROI) is 260%.

(2) Quality of Care: The Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA) found that providers who considered/screened for vestibular dysfunction during the initial visit for patients with dizziness resulted in an accurate diagnosis within 1 month versus 8 months when the provider did not consider the vestibular system as a plausible cause2.

(3) Patient-Centered: Studies show vestibular rehabilitation results in better patient outcomes than general therapy and medication alone. Medications continue to be one of the most common treatments for dizziness. Yet, in most cases, effective treatments are available through vestibular rehabilitation without the use of medications that typically hinder the recovery process and increase the risk for falls3-4. Research shows that targeted, customized vestibular rehabilitation results in better patient outcomes versus general therapy and improving patient outcomes is the ultimate goal. Although the bottom line ROI can easily be shown through increased referrals in a niche market with little investment, the true ROI becomes less about bringing in money and more about the patient-centered bottom line through the following: early identification and treatment of the cause(s) of dizziness and/or imbalance, optimal patient outcomes and higher patient satisfaction.

REFERENCES: 1. Murdin, Louisa, and Anne G. M. Schilder. Epidemiology of balance symptoms and disorders in the community. Otol Neurotol. 2015;36(3):387–392. doi:10.1097/mao.0000000000000691. 2. Haven, Lisa. VEDA Produces Benchmark Study to Help Reduce Suffering. On the Level: Quarterly Newsletter of the Vestibular Disorders Associations. 2011;28(3-4):1-9. 3. Horak FB, Jones-Rycewicz C, Black O, Shumway-Cook A. Effects of vestibular rehabilitation on dizziness and imbalance. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1992;106:175-80. 4. Giray M, Kirazli Y, Karapolat H, Celebisoy N, Bilgen C, Kirazli T. Short-term effects of vestibular rehabilitation in patients with chronic unilateral vestibular dysfunction: a randomized controlled study. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2009;90:1325-31.

Will this course give me a title?

This course will not give you a title that indicates a board recognized certification. Currently, there is no recognized board certification in vestibular rehabilitation. You can use the designation, Certificate of Competency in Vestibular Rehabilitation**, upon successful completion of our didactic and practical competency-based coursework. This designation, however, is to be spelled-out and not be represented by initials after your name and other degrees and board certifications. You must, however, also know your practice act to be aware of any language that would supersede this. We also encourage you to know the position of your professional association. For instance, the following is a more current statement by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)**, "The APTA spells out out non-APTA certifications and honors in its materials and publications only when they are contextually relevant and space is available. The House position does not provide for abbreviating non-APTA certifications and honors after someone's name." The following is an example: Jane Doe, PT, DPT, Certificate of Competency in Vestibular Rehabilitation, ImPACT Trained Physical Therapist, Certified Exercise Experts for Aging Adults.

What is your contact information?

Leave a voicemail with our answering service at 888-313-4443, email us at info@360neurohealth.com (preferred method), or use the chat feature.

Faculty

Kamran Barin, PhD

Kamran Barin, Ph.D. is Assistant Professor Emeritus, Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The Ohio State University. Dr. Barine served as the Director of Balance Disorders Clinic at the Ohio State University Medical Center for over 25 years until his retirement in June 2011. He received his Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Electrical/Biomedical Engineering from the Ohio State University. He has taught national and international courses and seminars in different areas of vestibular assessment and rehabilitation. Some of his contributions can found on www.audiologyonline.com, www.asha.org, www.audiology.org, and www.otometrics.com.

Shin Beh, MD

Shin C. Beh, MD is among the few neurologists in the US with expertise in neuro-otology, and a rising leader in vestibular migraine. He has served as a full-time faculty member at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center since 2014, founding and currently directing the Vestibular & Neuro-Visual Disorders Clinic. Dr. Beh’s clinical and research focus is in diagnosis and treatment of neurologic disorders that cause with vertigo, dizziness, nystagmus, and imbalance. Dr. Beh is part of the Headache & Facial Pain Program and has a special interest in the relationship of migraine and vestibular symptoms. Recognized for his publications in vestibular migraine, he has researched novel methods of treating acute vestibular migraine episodes, publishing the first studies that utilize neuromodulation as rescue therapies for vestibular migraine attacks.

Jamie Bogle, Aud, PhD

Jamie M. Bogle, AuD, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Audiology at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science and is the Division Chair of Audiology at Mayo Clinic Arizona. She also holds academic rank at the University of Colorado at Boulder, Salus University, and Gallaudet University. Clinically, Dr. Bogle evaluates children and adults with dizziness and imbalance due to peripheral and central conditions. She is interested in improving the diagnostic tools available for evaluating patients across the lifespan in order to better understand inner ear function in both typical and disordered patients. Her research interests include the integration of visual and vestibular information in individuals with neurological conditions, including concussion, and the improved understanding of the importance of gravito-inertial information into overall body function. She earned her Doctorate of Audiology (AuD) and PhD from the University of Colorado at Boulder and was awarded the James and Martha Crawford Endowed Clinical Research Fellowship in Otolaryngology at Mayo Clinic Florida. Dr. Bogle has recently been awarded the 2018 Outstanding Early-Career Audiologist Award from the American Academy of Audiology.

Dana Day, AuD, CCC-A, MBA

Arizona-licensed Doctor of Audiology, Dana Day, has been helping people hear and feel better for over 25 years. She is the owner and founder of Arizona Balance & Hearing Aids, and has been providing expert audiology services to the people of Phoenix and Maricopa County since 1985. Dana earned her doctorate from A.T. Still University, Arizona School for Health Sciences. Her specialties include working with patients of all ages, while providing state of the art technology to resolve hearing and balance disorders. Dana has taught audiology students at both Arizona State University and A.T. Still University. She is also a clinical supervisor to 4th year doctoral students

Sally Fryer Dietz, PT, DPT, CST-D

Dr. Sally Fryer Dietz is the Founder and Director of Integrative Pediatric Therapy and Integrative Concussion Therapy. Both are unique clinics designed to provide a broad spectrum of individualized physical & occupational therapy services for children & adults. Integrative Concussion Therapy focuses on individuals of all ages, who have sustained concussive injuries and continue to suffer from persistent symptoms. Integrative Pediatric Therapy focuses on children with learning differences and other developmental disabilities. Sally became widely recognized throughout the world for her unique treatment plan as lead physical therapist for conjoined Egyptian twins, Ahmed and Mohammed Ibrahim. She was spotlighted on Oprah, Dateline NBC, and Discovery Health for her unique contribution to their treatment. Since 2014 she has been involved in the Dr. John E. Upledger & Ricky Williams Foundation Concussion Pilot Program, demonstrating the advantages of CranioSacral Therapy in alleviating symptoms of post concussive syndrome.

DeAnne Fitzgerald, OD

Dr. Fitzgerald has been in the eye care profession for over 30 years. A graduate of the College of Optometry in Forest Grove, Oregon, she got into the profession because of her passion for helping people. "The eyes are the windows to the body," she says. "So many things can be seen and diagnosed with a thorough eye exam." Dr. Fitzgerald has been providing eye care to the Corridor community since she moved to Cedar Rapids in 1984. When asked about her future goals, Dr. Fitzgerald replies that they are, "To continue to grow and contribute through my passion for my career." She currently offers patients examinations, diagnoses and treatments for the management of vision diseases and disorders. Dr. Fitzgerald is always investigating and investing in the latest eye care technology to provide the best state-of-the-art patient care possible.

Dr. Gerard Gianoli, MD

Gerard J. Gianoli, M.D., graduated from Tulane University with a degree in Engineering and subsequently matriculated from Tulane University's Medical School in 1986. He did an internship in General Surgery and an internship in Pediatrics. Following a residency in Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery, he completed a fellowship in Otology, Neurotology and Skull Base Surgery at the Michigan Ear Institute. He was a full-time Associate Professor at Tulane Medical School until July 2000 when he joined Ear and Balance Institute. He still maintains a Clinical Associate Professor appointment at Tulane in both the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and the Department of Pediatrics. He has published and lectured extensively in the field of Neurotology and serves on multiple Editorial Review Boards for the fields of Neurotology and Otolaryngology.

Denise Gobert, PT, PhD

Dr. Gobert is a board-certified neurologic specialist who has been practicing for over 22 years. She currently teaches in the Neuro/ Research tracks in the Doctoral Physical Therapy Program at the Texas State University-Round Rock, Texas. She also treats patients with neurological disorders in the outpatient-teaching clinic at Texas State and works PRN at the St. David’s North Austin Medical Center. Her clinical practice and research specializes in the care of persons with neurological movement disorders resulting from CVA, vestibular-related pathologies and traumatic brain injury. She received her BS in Physical Therapy at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, Texas, and her Masters in Exercise Science and Doctorate in Kinesiology at the University of Texas at Austin. She is also a Certified Expert in Exercise for Aging Adults. Dr. Gobert has directed several specialty programs including the Balance and Gait Program for persons with movement disorders at Texas State University. In addition, she has taught clinical workshops, authored several peer-reviewed book chapters, research papers and presentations for national and international organizations.

Natalie Hiddeman, PT, DPT, NCS

Natalie Hiddemen has a doctorate in physical therapy holds a board certification in neurologic physical therapy from the American Physical Therapy Association. She also has a certificate of competency in the evaluation and treatment of vestibular disorders. She is a PWR!Moves-certified therapist, which is a specialty in treating individuals with Parkinson’s disease. Dr. Hiddemen is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and the Vestibular Disorders Association. She serves as the Director of Clinical Education for 360 Balance & Hearing. Prior to joining the 360 Balance & Hearing team in 2016, Dr. Hiddemen became an experienced therapist working at UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles and St. David’s Rehabilitation Hospital in Austin. During this time, Dr. Hiddemen specialized in the rehabilitation of individuals suffering from a brain injury or stroke. Dr. Hiddemen is a proud graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and received her physical therapy degree from Texas Woman’s University in Dallas. She was born and raised in Arlington, Texas.

Natasha Johnson, PT, MSPT

Natasha Johnson, has lived in Austin, Texas for approximately 20 years. Received undergraduate degree from University of Texas at San Antonio, Magna Cum Laude in Bachelor’s of Science in Biology, 2001. Received Master’s Degree in Master’s of Science in Physical Therapy, 2003. Certified Competent in the Evaluation and Treatment of Vestibular Disorders from Emory University. Certified from Concussion Health in the Evaluation and Treatment of Vision and Vestibular Dysfunction in the Mild Traumatic Brain Injury/Post Concussion Syndrome Population. Currently, involved in completing the last portion of studies & criteria to become a Fellow of the Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association (NORA). St. David’s Medical Center Mentor Program Coordinator and Neal Kocurek Scholarship Program Mentor. I have worked as a Senior Physical Therapist, I believe one of my God given gifts, at St. David’s Rehabilitation for approximately 18 years, treating Neurological, Vestibular, & Visual Dysfunction clients.

Dr. Craig Kemper, MD

Dr. Craig Kemper is a board-certified neurological surgeon and has broad interests in general neurosurgery. Dr. Kemper is the region's most accomplished Acoustic Tumor surgeon and serves as medical directory of Neuro-Oncology at St. David’s Medical Center. After earning his medical degree from The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Dr. Kemper interned at Vanderbilt University Hospital in Nashville. He performed his Neurosurgery residency at Vanderbilt as well. He has been in private practice since 1994. Dr. Kemper is board certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgeons and is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. His professional affiliations include the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, the Congress of Neurological Surgeons, the Meacham Society and the Southern Neurological Society.

Dr. James Kemper, MD

Dr. James Kemper subspecializes in Otology and Neurotology. After more than ten years of solo practice, Dr. Kemper joined Austin ENT Clinic in April of 2011. As a college undergraduate, Dr. Kemper attended Davidson College, in North Carolina for one year. In 1985, he graduated with Honors from the University of Texas with a degree in Biology. He completed his medical school and his Otolaryngology residency at The University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston. Dr. Kemper completed his Board Certification in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, in 1995. After practicing for two years in general otolaryngology, his interest in ear surgery led him to pursue a fellowship in Otology and Neurotology. He left Austin for one year to study at the Otology Group under the guidance of Michael E. Glasscock, III, MD and Wes Kreuger, MD. Since 1998, Dr. Kemper has concentrated exclusively on diseases of the ear and skull base, in patients from infancy through adulthood. His broad experience in managing hearing and balance disorders includes chronic ear disease/infection, management of vertigo and Meniere’s syndrome, tumors of the ear and brainstem as well as cochlear implantation and other hearing implants.

Shelly Massingale, PT, MPT

Shelly Massingale is the Senior Clinical Manager of the Banner Concussion Center. She is a Physical Therapist and is a specialist in vestibular and balance therapy. Shelly has been practicing physical therapy in the Outpatient Neurological setting for the past 22 years. She became certified in vestibular therapy from Emory University in March 2003 and was Advanced Certified at Emory University in August 2007. Over the years, she has developed skills in both vestibular therapy and in neurological rehabilitation. Shelly has been the Senior Clinical Manager with the Banner Concussion Center since its opening in April 2013. Since this time, she has been treating mild traumatic brain injury and post concussive syndrome from sports related injuries, motor vehicle accidents and all other types of injuries that cause mTBI. She has lectured and trained therapy students as well as therapists on current treatments for concussion/mTBI. She is also involved in research regarding balance testing for athletes who suffer from mTBI. Shelly is the author of three separate articles focusing on therapy for vestibular disorders. These articles have been published in medical journals such as Laryngoscope and in the journal of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. Her research background is now extending out in the area of concussion/mTBI and balance testing and treatment.

Michelle Petrak, PhD

Michelle Petrak is the Director of Clinical Audiology at Interacoustics DK where her primary role is new product development and is also a practicing audiologist in the Chicago area. She has a doctorate in Electrophysiology and Biomolecular Electronics. Her areas of expertise include videonystagmography, electrophysiological techniques (ABR, ASSR, VEMP, and ECoG), and pediatric audiology. She lectures extensively on these topics, nationally and internationally, and has published articles in hearing industry journals.

Kendal Reddell, PT, DPT, NCS

Kendal Reddell has a Doctorate in Physical Therapy and is an American Physical Therapy Association Board Certified Clinical Neurologic Specialist. She also holds a Certificate of Competency in the evaluation and treatment of vestibular disorders from Emory University. Kendal is a Parkinson’s Wellness Recovery (PWR!) certified therapist, as well as a Certified Brain Injury Specialist. Originally from Stephenville, TX, Kendal earned her bachelor’s degree from Tarleton State University where she competed in NCAA Women’s Basketball. She went on to receive her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in 2010. Prior to joining the 360 Balance & Dizziness team, Kendal worked in a variety of settings specializing in brain injury, stroke, Parkinson’s Disease, and vestibular disorders.

Angela Rich, PT, OCS, ScD, ATC

Angela Rich earned Bachelor of Science degrees in Athletic Training from Southern Illinois University in 1984 and Physical Therapy from Texas State University in 1994. She completed her Doctor of Science degree in Physical Therapy from Texas Tech University Health Science Center in 2011. She was awarded her Manual Therapy Certification from the International Academy of Orthopaedic Medicine in 2010 and Board Certification in Orthopaedics from ABPTS in 2015. Angela was a private practice owner for 16 years, specializing in orthopaedics and sports medicine. In 2015, she turned her focus to teaching as an Assistant Professor in Texas State University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy Program with responsibilities in Orthopaedics and Therapeutic Interventions. In 2017, Dr. Rich was recognized with the Faculty Excellence Award in Teaching for the Department of Physical Therapy and the College of Health Professions. Her research agenda focuses on the identification of movement system dysfunction and impairment-based intervention.

Emily Schottman, OD, FCOVD, MA Counseling, LPC

Dr. Schottman holds both a doctorate in Optometry (1996, Southern California) and a Masters in Counseling (2014, St Edward’s University). She is an Optometrist turned Counselor who specializes in visual, brain-based techniques to quickly and efficiently improve difficult feelings, thoughts and physical symptoms. Dr. Schottman specializes in sleep, menopause, anxiety and depression relief. She is also a cancer survivor and specializes in post traumatic stress and its impact on relationships, as well as post-traumatic growth and identity/career change. Dr. Schottman is the owner of Stars In Your Eyes Optometry, and limits her clinical work to counseling only.

Rudie Spigarelli, PT, DPT, MTC

Rudie Spigarelli has a doctorate in physical therapy and holds a certificate of competency in manual therapy and concussion management. Dr. Spigarelli is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and Vestibular Disorders Association. She serves as Director of Physical Therapy for 360 Balance & Hearing. Prior to joining the 360 Balance & Hearing team in 2015, Dr. Spigarelli gained experience working with orthopedic issues Texas PT Specialists in Austin and her love for vestibular disorders began as a physical therapy student while completing an internship at 360 Balance & Hearing. Dr. Spigarelli is the proud graduate of from Texas Woman’s University in Houston. She graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in exercise science at Texas State University in San Marcos.

Bridgett Wallace, PT, DPT, ITPT - Course Director

Bridgett Wallace, PT, DPT, has a doctorate of physical therapy and holds competency-based certifications in vestibular rehabilitation and concussion management. Dr. Wallace has been treating patients with dizziness and balance disorders for more than 20 years and is the founder and President of 360 Balance & Hearing – a specialty clinic for the evaluation and treatment of dizziness and balance disorders that includes both audiology and therapy services. She is also the co-founder and Director of Clinical Education for 360 Neuro Health Institute, which provides online, mobile and live educational offerings for health care providers. Dr. Wallace is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and the Vestibular Disorders Association. Dr. Wallace consults and lectures both nationwide and internationally in concussion management and on vestibular disorders. She has provided consulting services to The University of Texas Athletics since 1998 and MLB Umpire Medical Services since 2011. Dr. Wallace co-authored two patents for vestibular disorders and developed an iPhone app, PLAY IT SAFE®, which was designed for sideline-concussion assessment. She has been published in the Eye & Brain Journal and has contributed to chapters in Therapeutic Exercise and Lifespan Neurorehabilitation - both textbooks used in therapy schools. Dr. Wallace was awarded the Health Care Heroes Award by the Austin Business Journal in 2011 and Distinguished Alumni Award by Texas State University Physical Therapy Department in 2013.