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$89.00 USD

97% rating - reviews

0.5  ASHA CEUs

Esophageal Disorders: A New Technology And Perspective On Management #e189


Presenter: Robert Arnold, SLPD, CCC-SLP, BCS-S

Learn different instrumental technologies useful for the assessment of esophageal swallowing physiology.


"Clear, useful, and well organized. It was so good to learn more details about specific disorders of the esophagus (instead of just referring to GI and letting them figure it out). Now, I will be able to better direct my colleagues as to *why* the referral was made."

– R.F., prior course participant

Read more comments about this course!

Some signs and symptoms traditionally thought by SLPs to represent an oral and/or pharyngeal dysphagia may also at times be the result of a primary or comorbid esophageal swallow disorder, or even be the result of pathology at the level of the stomach, intestine, and/or colon. This course explores integrating into the clinical swallow exam the concepts of esophageal physiology evaluation as well as screening for signs and symptoms of pathology in the lower GI tract. In addition, key concepts to an emerging differential diagnostic algorithm for holistic evaluation of physiological disorders of the upper aerodigestive tract including but not limited to swallow disorders will be discussed.

Special emphasis is placed throughout the course on esophageal treatment options as well as indications for specialty physician referrals. Course presenter has been trained to use equipment not normally used by SLPs to show esophageal disorders not generally understood by SLPs with the purpose of bringing awareness of esophageal disorders that can influence treatment planning and need for referral. Participants interested in obtaining the training needed to use the equipment shown as part of this course should contact the presenter.

Course is offered for 0.5 ASHA CEUs – 5 Contact Hours.

Course Overview & Run Time

Course Overview – Run Time: 5:01:00

  1. Brief overview of past literature pertaining to the evaluation of swallow disorders and the adverse impact of disordered deglutition.
  2. Review of anatomy and physiology of the esophagus.
  3. Discussion of some instrumental assessments well suited for evaluation of esophageal physiology pertaining to swallowing.
  4. The influence of disordered lower GI physiology on the swallow physiology of the upper aerodigestive tract.
  5. Dysphagia case studies which involved esophageal and/or lower GI pathologies.
  6. Introduction to the concept of a holistic, differential diagnostic algorithm for evaluation of physiological disorders of the upper aerodigestive tract including but not limited to swallow disorders.
  7. Interventions for esophageal swallow disorders.
  8. Enhancement of the clinical swallow exam with the inclusion of an esophageal history.
  9. Conclusions.


"I liked learning in greater detail the importance of assessing the esophagus & how to do it. I enjoyed the holistic approach, going over how the upper and lower digestive tracts work together, and linking multiple areas together – voice, swallowing, GERD, & cough."

– A.H., prior course participant

Read more comments about this course!

Content Disclosures

The content of this online CE course does not focus exclusively on any specific proprietary product or service. Course presenter has been trained to use equipment not normally used by SLPs to show esophageal disorders not generally understood by SLPs with the purpose of bringing awareness of esophageal disorders that can influence treatment planning and need for referral. Participants interested in obtaining the training needed to use the equipment shown as part of this course should contact the presenter. Presenter financial and non-financial disclosures may be found in the Presenter & Disclosures area.

Course Format

Video PowerPoint presentation with author narration & downloadable handout. Stop and re-start the course at any point. Learners retain access to course content after completion for ongoing reference and review.

Reviews

Comments From Prior Course Participants

"Esophageal screening was beneficial. I liked the online PDF slides." D.C. (Oct. 2024)

"The information on instrumentals was helpful." B.P. (Aug. 2024)

"Treatment of esophageal dysphagia was beneficial. The course was easy to understand." S.J. (Jul. 2024)

"I appreciated the numerous case studies and the advocacy for SLPS to evaluate esophageal dysphagia in patients with oral dysphagia who exhibit prolonged meal times and other s/s of GERD." K.D. (Jul. 2024)

"The focus on esophageal disorders was helpful. I liked the inclusion of case studies; thorough." J.B. (Jun. 2024)

"General understanding of the esophagus was beneficial. I really enjoyed the videos." R.S. (Jun. 2024)

"The discussion that typical complaints of globus sensation can be much more than they seem was beneficial. I liked the case studies." L.S. (Apr. 2024)

"The overall understanding of disorders at the esophageal level and thinking about the swallowing process from oral stages to the stomach and beyond!" A.A. (Feb. 2024)

"Key areas to indicate esophageal dysphagia, need for palpation to augment FEES. Flexibility to learn, reflection and applying to community learning disability caseload." J.A. (Feb. 2024)

"Discussing types of esophageal dysfunction and how they contribute to pharyngeal dysphagia. I found all the information interesting and useful." R.D. (Jan. 2024)

"Esophageal dysphagia/etiologies were beneficial to discuss." J.P. (Jan. 2024)

"The case history questions and considerations when screening for esophageal dysphagia or esophageal involvement were beneficial. I liked that the course was self-paced without a time limit for completion." N.M. (Jan. 2024)

"Increased awareness of the signs and symptoms of esophageal swallow disorders and potential treatments." S.B. (Dec. 2023)

"The discussion of the type and impact of esophageal disorders on swallowing and how to make a differential diagnosis was beneficial. I liked the discussion of differential diagnosis being done in a single exam to help patients get referred more efficiently and quickly." R.K. (Dec. 2023)

"The esophageal info/testing and case studies were beneficial." D.D. (Dec. 2023)

"Looking to the future of our practice, specifically the endoscopy into the esophagus, was beneficial. I liked the research and literature cited that the SLP role in the management of esophageal disorders is often vague." L.P. (Nov. 2023)

"Very extensive coverage of esophageal dysphagia diagnosis and treatment." S.D. (Nov. 2023)

"The decision tree of how to determine symptoms relating to different types of dysphagia will be very useful. I really liked the specific case studies and follow-up information about them." D.K. (Nov. 2023)

"There was tons of evidence-based information and studies to support. I learned additional exercises for swallowing issues from this course." S.R. (Oct. 2023)

"Learning all of the possible comorbidities that can contribute to aspiration. I liked the case studies." D.B. (Oct. 2023)

"The case studies! I will talk to my colleagues about this training." L.T. (Oct. 2023)

"The case studies were very helpful!" J.F. (Oct. 2023)

"Understanding the various types of esophageal dysphagia as categories. LOTS of case studies!!" S.N. (Sep. 2023)

"Identifying need for GI consult was beneficial." J.Z. (Sep. 2023)

"The steps for testing for esophageal dysphagia and questions to ask for history were helpful." C.P. (Aug. 2023)

"Information provided regarding the scope of practice in dealing with esophageal phase disorders as an SLP was beneficial." L.B. (Jul. 2023)

"Learning how esophageal assessment fits into our scope of practice. The content was interesting and simple to comprehend." L.M. (Jun. 2023)

"Different treatments and referrals for esophageal dysphagia. I liked that I could pace myself through this self-study." E.S. (Jun. 2023)

"All content was beneficial! I liked the powerpoint and lecture format." L.M. (May 2023)

"The esophageal obstruction information...causes, etc was beneficial. I liked the informational format." M.W. (Mar. 2023)

"I liked the case studies." B.M. (Mar. 2023)

"Speaker was obviously very knowledgeable. I liked the case studies and learning how various conditions present. Good info on slides, and he didn't just read them. He talked about them, referenced them, and gave lots of other context. Made course more interesting." L.D. (Jan. 2023)

"Good information related to esophageal dysphagia. Course was thorough but not overwhelming." J.S. (Dec. 2022)

"I liked everything. Learning various conditions causing esophageal dysphagia was helpful." T.B. (Dec. 2022)

"Esophageal education was new and helpful. Learning esophageal disorders and their potential contributions to voice disorders. List of instrumental assessments suited for evaluation of esophageal swallow physiology. Definition of pharyngo-esophageal dysphagia. List of targets for lumen restoration." S.M. (Dec. 2022)

"Clear, useful, and well organized. It was so good to learn more details about specific disorders of the esophagus (instead of just referring to GI and letting them figure it out). Now, I will be able to better direct my colleagues as to *why* the referral was made." R.F. (Nov. 2022)

"Thorough information presented." S.M. (Nov. 2022)

"The explanation of terminology, treatment techniques, and strategies were good." M.K. (Oct. 2022)

"The content was good and I liked the esophageal disorders topic." T.J. (Sept. 2022)

"The course was easy to follow." A.S. (Aug. 2022)

"This course was excellent!" C.H. (June 2022)

"I liked the esophageal focus and the esophageal history intake." J.M. (Mar. 2022)

"I now have a better understanding of some of the esophageal terminology and disorders." N.A. (Feb. 2022)

"Presenter was EXCELLENT. Not only was he informative and experienced, but there was an incredible compassion regarding the plight of those who live in rural locations who cannot access appropriate diagnostic methods. Also, he had a wonderful compassion about the impact of these disorders." C.S. (Jan. 2022)

“I loved Dr. Arnold's clear presentation style and the plethora of information that can be applied to daily practice.” D.M. (Jan. 2022)

Course Objectives

At course conclusion, participants will be able to:
  1. Identify 4 different instrumental technologies useful for the assessment of esophageal swallow physiology.
  2. List 5 common etiologies that may result in esophageal dysphagia.
  3. List the 3 major types of esophageal dysphagia.
  4. Connect specific signs and symptoms to the presence of an esophageal dysphagia.

Presenter & Disclosures

Robert J. Arnold, SLPD, CCC-SLP, BCS-S

Robert J. Arnold, SLPD, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, is the Chief Clinical Officer for Southeastern Biocommunication Associates, LLC. Dr. Arnold has over 20 years of experience in medical speech-language pathology as a diagnostician, therapist, clinical research scientist, author, inventor, and adjunct professor. He has made numerous presentations at the state, regional, and national level. Dr. Arnold has been twice presented with the Distinguished Clinical Achievement Award by the Speech and Hearing Association of Alabama and he is a Board Certified Specialist in Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders. In addition, Dr. Arnold is the inventor of the Oromotor Dynamometer.

Speaker Disclosures:

Financial — Robert Arnold is the presenter of online CE courses sponsored by Northern Speech Services; receives royalties.

Financial — Robert Arnold is the inventor of Oromotor Dynamometer; holds the patent.

Financial — Robert Arnold is the author of the CSA Endoscopy differential diagnostic algorithm for the upper aerodigestive tract; holds copyrights & trademark.

Financial — Robert Arnold is a co-owner of Southeastern Biocommunication Associates, LLC; ownership interests. 

Nonfinancial — Robert Arnold has no relevant nonfinancial relationships to disclose.

Intended Audience / Accreditation

Intended Audience/Accreditation
asha ce approved provider

This program is offered for 0.5 ASHA CEUs (Intermediate Level; Professional Area).

Intended Audience

  • Speech-Language Pathologists

ASHA CEUs: NSS online courses are registered with ASHA and are offered for ASHA CEUs. The number of ASHA CEUs is noted above. Note that 0.1 ASHA CEU = 1 contact hour = equals 1 CEE.

ASHA CE Registry: During the enrollment process, if you select to receive ASHA credit for this course and if you provide your ASHA number, NSS will automatically submit your CEU information to the ASHA CE Registry after successful course completion (80% on post test). This submission happens once per month, during the first week of the month. For example, if you complete your course on November 7th, NSS will submit all November online course CEUs to ASHA during the first week of December. When ASHA inputs the information into their database, they will mark the course as completed on the last day of the month in which it was completed, so November 30th using this example. The certificate of completion available for you to print immediately, however, will reflect the actual completion date, November 7th in this example. Due to ASHA processing procedures please allow 2-3 weeks, from the submission date, for the course to appear on your ASHA transcript.

ASHA CEUs: Attendees must meet at least one of the following conditions in order to be eligible to earn ASHA CEUs:

  • Current ASHA Member
  • ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) Holder
  • Licensed by a state or provincial regulatory agency to practice speech-language pathology (SLP) or audiology
  • Credentialed by a state regulatory agency to practice SLP or audiology
  • Credentialed by a national regulatory agency to practice SLP or audiology
  • Engaged in a Clinical Fellowship under the supervision of an individual with their ASHA CCC
  • Currently enrolled in a master's or doctoral program in SLP or audiology

If an attendee is not an ASHA member or CCC holder but meets any of the above criteria, they may inform the ASHA CE Registry of their eligibility by visiting this site.

Licensing Boards: Most state licensing boards DO accept CEUs earned online (usually classified as home-study credits). Some state boards do, however, place a limit to the number of credits that can be earned via home study/online courses. For the most current information, we suggest that you contact your licensing board or agency to verify acceptance policies and/or any credit limits related to home-study courses prior to registering for this course.

Additional accrediting agencies by which Northern Speech is an approved CE provider:

  • California: NSS is approved as a provider of continuing education by the California Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology Board. Provider #PDP4. Online CEU limits may apply; please contact SLPAHADB for current online CEU acceptance policies.
  • Iowa: NSS is approved as a provider of continuing education by the Iowa Board of Speech Pathology and Audiology Examiners. Provider #169.
  • Kansas: NSS is approved as a provider of continuing education by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Provider #LTS-S0005.

Frequently Asked Questions

Online Course FAQ — Click Here

Customer Support: Please phone 888.337.3866 or email info@northernspeech.com.

Course Completion Timeframe:

You have unlimited time to complete our online courses. You may log off and log on as often as you’d like to in order to complete all sections of a course.

However, completion dates are based on Eastern Standard Time. Therefore, if you need your CEUs by a certain date, be sure to complete the course test before 11:59pm EST on that date. For example, if you need CEUs before January 1st, you will need to complete the course test before 11:59pm EST on December 31st.

Content Access:

Access to course materials and content does not expire, even after completing the post test. You may continue to review course material by logging into your NSS account, clicking the My Online Courses tab, and then viewing your desired course.

Certificate of Completion:

On successful completion of the post test (80%), a certificate will be immediately available for download and/or printing. This certificate will include your name, date of completion (based on Eastern Time Zone, USA/Canada), and number of contact hours (CEUs / CEEs). Please note that CEUs are awarded on the date of successful test completion, not the date of course enrollment. Please ensure that you successfully complete the post test prior to any licensure renewal dates.

ASHA CE Registry Submission:

During the enrollment process, if you select to receive ASHA credit for this course and if you provide your ASHA number, NSS will automatically submit your CEU information to the ASHA CE Registry after successful course completion (80% on post test). This submission happens once per month, during the first week of the month. For example, if you complete your course on November 7th, NSS will submit all November online course CEUs to ASHA during the first week of December. When ASHA inputs the information into their database, they will mark the course as completed on the last day of the month in which it was completed, so November 30th using this example. The certificate of completion available for you to print immediately, however, will reflect the actual completion date, November 7th in this example. Due to ASHA processing procedures please allow 2-3 weeks, from the submission date, for the course to appear on your ASHA transcript.

Purchase Orders:

Purchase orders are currently not accepted for online orders, if you wish to submit a purchase order please do so at info@northernspeech.com or fax to 888-696-9655.

What is an Online Course?

Our Online Courses consist of video, audio, and/or text content and are offered for ASHA CEUs. Unlike a webinar, which requires participants to be logged on and at a computer at specific times, our Online Courses are available to you at any time, from any device, via your NorthernSpeech.com online account. You may work at your own pace and start and stop your course as you wish. Your course will conclude with a short post test. On successful completion of the post test (>80%), a printable certificate of completion is presented to you.

Receiving CEUs:

Northern Speech is an ASHA CE Provider and our online courses are registered with ASHA and offered for ASHA CEUs. Please note that successful completion of the online post test is required prior to the awarding of CEUs. Please contact your state licensing board for acceptance policies related to CEUs earned online. Please note that courses offered for university students are not applicable for CEUs.

Registering for an online course:

You may browse all online courses by clicking the Continuing Education tab above, then Online Courses. Once you find a course, click Enroll Now, and you will be asked to either log into your existing Northern Speech account or create a new online account. Once you’ve entered your account information and provided your credit card payment, your course will be immediately available to you.

Accessing your purchased course or returning to a purchased course:

You will be able to access your online course by logging into your Northern Speech account and then clicking the My Online Courses tab on your profile screen. Click the course you would like to start or to resume. From there, proceed through the course sections until you are ready to complete the post test. You do not have to complete your course all at once. You may log on and off as you wish.

Testing requirements:

Each online course concludes with a post test consisting of multiple choice or true & false questions. Scores of 80% or greater are required for successful course completion and awarding of CEUs. You may revisit course materials and retest as needed to achieve a passing score.

Number of CEUs offered:

We offer courses from 1 to 21 contact hours. Each course will note the number of CEUs offered. Please note that 0.1 CEU = 1 contact hour = 1 CEE.

State licensing boards and online CEUs:

NSS is an ASHA CE Provider and most state licensing boards DO accept ASHA CEUs earned online (usually classified as home-study credits). Some boards do, however, place a limit to the number of CEUs that can be earned via home study/online courses. For the most current information, we suggest that you contact your licensing board or agency to verify acceptance policies and/or any CEU limits related to home-study courses prior to enrolling in an online course.

Course formats:

Our course formats include: text, audio, video, and PowerPoint with author narration. Each course will note the format on the course description page. Most courses include closed captioning.

Course handouts:

Most of our online courses provide a link to download the accompanying handout as a PDF file. 

Group discounts:

Groups of 3 or more are eligible for a 20% discount on each registration on most of our online courses. To receive this discount, registrations need to be processed together via the "Group Rates" tab on the Online Course of your choice.

Computer requirements:

For our online courses to function best, we recommend that you update your computer to include the newest version of your Internet browser (Safari, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Internet Explorer, etc.) and newest version of your computer's operating system. Also a high-speed Internet connection is recommended (cable or DSL). Speakers or headphones will be required for many of our courses as many contain audio components.

Course Cancellation Policy:

A purchased online course can be exchanged, refunded, or transferred to another individual if contact is made with NSS (via phone or email) within 30 days of purchase and the course materials have not been viewed or downloaded. 

Special Needs:

Please click here for any special needs requests, and we will do our best to accommodate them. 

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