UNMC_Acronym_Vert_sm_4c
University of Nebraska Medical Center

Vestibular and Concussion in Physical Therapy

Person exhibiting vertigo

8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (7.5 CE hours) | Monday, May 4, 2026 | UNMC Omaha and Kearney Campus

UNMC’s Physical Therapy program is offering elective courses this Spring as part of our DPT curriculum, and we are excited to open the remaining available spots to clinicians who are interested.

Course Description

This is an in-person, one-day course designed to enhance skills and knowledge around management of individuals with suspected concussion and/or vestibular involvement. Topics will include testing and assessment techniques for individuals with potential concussion and/or vestibular impairments including patient management, return to sport/work, and consideration of clinical practice guidelines to guide decision-making. This course will emphasize clinical reasoning and evidence-based practice for management of these common conditions and includes a lab.

  1. Vestibular therapy
  2. Sports concussion
  3. Post-concussion management
  4. Management of concussion vestibular clinical profile
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  1. Identify current practice management for common vestibular conditions in physical therapy.
  2. Use examination skills to differentiate BPPV, and central, or peripheral vestibular dysfunction including diagnoses that may require referral beyond entry level practice.
  3. Identify current practice management and challenges in the rehabilitation process of individuals who have sustained a concussion.
  4. Identify clinical profiles commonly seen following concussion and describe treatment strategies for each concussion profile.
  5. Describe important guidelines for return to play following sport-related concussion.
  6. Describe the importance of psychogenic factors and sleep in concussion management.
  7. Explain practice management of the vestibular clinical profile following concussion.
8-8:15: Welcome, Introduction, Objectives, Course Overview
8:15-9:15: Vestibular Anatomy, Common Conditions, Assessment (With Lab)
9:15-9:30 Break
9:30-10:15 BPPV Assessment and Treatment (With Lab)
10:15-11:00: Other Relevant Diagnoses and Advanced Testing
11:00-11:45: Vestibular Rehab - Including Clinical Practice Guidelines (With Lab)
11:45-12:15 Billing, Case Studies, Wrap Up
12:15 -12:45: Lunch (On Own)
12:45-1:15: Introduction to Concussion Management, Concussion Defined,
1:15-3:00: Clinical Profiles, Concussion Assessment & Treatment (With Lab)
3:00-3:15—Break
3:15-4:15 – Vestibular Profile Assessment and Treatment (With Lab)
4:15-4:45: Return to Sport, Recovery Endpoint
4:45-5:00: Quiz & Course Evaluations
Stacie Christensen, PT, DPT
Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy
University of Nebraska Medical Center

Michael Wellsandt, PT, DPT
Board Certified Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy
University of Nebraska Medical Center

Kate Kuester, PT, DPT
Methodist Fremont Health

Cost

$200 for clinical sites and alumni ($300 regular price)

Cancellation/Refund Policy

100% if canceled 2 weeks in advance (by April 18th). 50% if canceled up to 2 days prior to the course. No refund if canceled the day before the course.

Register Now

Contact

Email ptconed@unmc.edu with any questions regarding this course.