Presenter: Tom Franceschini, MS, CCC-SLP
This course is intended to educate and inform SLPs about GERD and LPR as it affects both swallowing and voice disorders in adults.
Learn how anatomy and physiology relate to the genesis of reflux for a more complete understanding of the syndromes. Review current GERD and LPR research and apply the findings to SLP practice. Also, understand the role SLPs can play in assessment, as well as behavioral and medical treatment.
Course is offered for 0.4 ASHA CEUs – 4 contact hours.
Course Overview – Run Time: 4:02:44
PART I: Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease: Effects on Swallowing and Voice
PART II: Pathophysiology and Treatment
"So many of the symptoms of GERD that are commonly seen in elderly and adult patient populations go unnoticed or ignored. I'm glad to be one more clinician with eyes on pts who may need GI consults." – L.T., prior course participant
"This is going to be something I now add to my case history with all clients. I also feel prepared to be making relevant recommendations in my reports to clients and back to their GPs. The presenter's manner was engaging and his anecdotes and experience were helpful."
– S.S., prior course participant
The content of this online CE course does not focus exclusively on any specific proprietary product or service. Presenter financial and non-financial disclosures may be found in the Presenter & Disclosures area.
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.
"Causes and symptoms of GERD were helpful to discuss. I liked the thoroughness of content." A.P. (Aug. 2024)
"Treatment was beneficial. I liked the knowledge of the presenter." J.R. (Aug. 2024)
"The various procedures were helpful. I liked the ease with when you can take the course." B.P. (Aug. 2024)
"GERD and LPR were beneficial to discuss, and I liked the images." N.M. (Aug. 2024)
"More thorough assessment, additional things to consider when screening and evaluating GERD. The presenter is so knowledgeable! He made it interesting and engaging - really great. Love that videos of these procedures we are familiar with but may not have seen are included in this." D.U. (Jul. 2024)
"Beneficial discussion of unanticipated side effects of GERD and LPR." A.J. (Jun. 2024)
"Discussing how to treat LPR and GERD was helpful. I liked the anatomy review with illustrations and thorough description of LPR and GERD and how they affect swallowing and voice." N.A. (May. 2024)
"We have several outpatients who come in for MBSs who actually have GERD and not an oropharyngeal swallow disorder. This will be helpful in giving them more information. Material presented in an easy to understand format." K.P. (May. 2024)
"It was beneficial to discuss the importance of medication in combination with lifestyle changes. I enjoyed the expertise of the presenter, the use of illustrations and videos in order to provide a better understanding of procedures, anatomy, and physiology regarding this topic." M.S. (Apr. 2024)
"The various tests used to diagnose GERD and LPR were helpful. I liked the discussion on other causes of GERD that you may not have considered." M.S. (Apr. 2024)
"All of the information was beneficial. I liked the presenter." E.G. (Apr. 2024)
"Excellent graphics/videos and interesting content. It was helpful to discuss symptoms of and medications that promote reflux." J.P. (Mar. 2024)
"Correlations between findings on MBSS and GI concerns/diagnoses." J.P. (Jan. 2024)
"Causes of GERD and LPR and that lifestyle changes can make such a difference. The progression of the material allowed for easy following." M.S. (Dec. 2023)
"Discussing symptoms of LPR was helpful. I liked that the course was to the point." J.B. (Dec. 2023)
"A wealth of functional information for carryover into practice. LPR symptoms and differences between it and GERD were beneficial to discuss." J.W. (Dec. 2023)
"All of the content was relevant as I am a rehab SLP and frequently encounter esophageal dysphagia. The content was presented in a way that was easy to understand." N.S. (Nov. 2023)
"Understanding the huge impact reflux can have on so many parts of the body. I liked being able to listen and re-listen to either complex parts or info of particular interest." T.M. (Nov. 2023)
"I liked the presenter's extensive personal experience in combination with extensive research. I specifically liked the context in the acute setting following intubation/prolonged TF." D.K. (Nov. 2023)
"Well presented and extremely informative course." K.K. (Nov. 2023)
"The comparison between LPR and GERD was helpful. Overall, excellent information." B.G. (Nov. 2023)
"Excellent coverage of reflux causes and treatments. The role of the SLP was explained well. Comprehensive and practical clinical information." S.D. (Nov. 2023)
"The explanation of the various surgical procedures helped me better understand the differences, pros, and cons so that I can use that information when working with patients who experience swallowing difficulty with esophageal components. I liked the visuals (diagrams, videos) utilized in conjunction with the audio explanations." K.B. (Oct. 2023)
"This whole course was beneficial, particularly the discussion of various patients. I liked the discussion of clinical experience, the pictures, and videos." S.V. (Oct. 2023)
"The expertise of the presenter was outstanding. Significantly increased my understanding of this subject. The connection between disorders we treat and how it relates to the anatomy and physiology of digestion was beneficial—really good charts and videos." L.G. (Oct. 2023)
"Discussing all the signs and symptoms associated with GERD that may be referred to SLPs was helpful. Great explanations of each process and I liked the videos." S.H. (Sep. 2023)
"Learning the external symptoms of LPR and testing was beneficial." C.C. (Sep. 2023)
"Discussion of causes of LPR/GERD was beneficial. I liked the breadth of information included, the expertise & experience of the presenter, and his personal stories." C.W. (Sep. 2023)
"This course is very helpful for SLP daily practice at SNF and other medical facilities. Conditions associated with Reflux, Diagnosing LPR, and treatment were beneficial topics." A.T. (Jun. 2023)
"Learning the importance of the esophageal scan during MBS was beneficial. I liked the videos, pictures, and the pace of the presentation." E.M. (Jun. 2023)
"Clearly organized information and engaging speaking style. The whole topic was very interesting." G.R. (Jun. 2023)
"The different symptoms of GERD and LPR were interesting. I liked the easy-to-follow slides and handouts." K.S. (Jun. 2023)
"Very informative course - beyond what I was expecting. The esophageal disorders and impacts were beneficial. The link to reflux and many reasons why someone would present to the clinic." J.L. (May 2023)
"Informative and applicable content. Helpful for understanding my pts with reflux and what they may have already had completed in the hospital and complications I may see once they are discharged home." A.J. (Apr. 2023)
"I liked the real-life examples, and the discussion on the causes of GERD." M.B. (Apr. 2023)
"Discussion of side effects of PPIs was beneficial. I liked the pace and course content." S.A. (Apr. 2023)
"This course went by so fast because it was so interesting!! I really enjoyed listening to speaker's real-life experiences. The pictures and graphs were extremely helpful." K.D. (Feb. 2023)
"Excellent speaker. All of Tom's courses are awesome! He explains the material in a manner to easily understand the content. " K.H. (Feb. 2023)
"Testing explanations were beneficial. Tom F's esophageal courses are always full of info that is very difficult to get in other dysphagia trainings. Always very detailed and easy to understand. So thankful that he continued to explore esophageal dysfunction as part of the swallowing process......even when he was told not to years ago!!" M.W. (Feb. 2023)
"All discussions related to my daily practice. Course was easy to follow and comprehend." M.S. (Feb. 2023)
"Causes of GERD that I was unaware of. I liked the incidental stories related to treatment and patient cases." L.S. (Jan. 2023)
"All topics were beneficial! I liked the slides of actual procedures." J.W. (Jan. 2023)
"I liked the assessment information." C.R. (Jan. 2023)
"Education to provide Pt regarding the effects of GERD on voice and swallowing was beneficial. I liked the images and videos for visualization of topics being discussed." L.L. (Dec. 2022)
"I liked the speaker's expertise. And learning treatment approaches and better understanding of the medical treatments including surgery." D.D. (Dec. 2022)
"Extremely helpful for my work in Home Health. Practical and overall thoroughness of content." B.C. (Dec. 2022)
"Discussing the diagnosis of esophageal pathologies and what is current in treatment methods. Course was practical for clinicians who specialize in swallowing disorders." B.L. (Dec. 2022)
"I liked all of it. So many of the symptoms of GERD that are commonly seen in elderly and adult patient populations go unnoticed or ignored. I'm glad to be one more clinician with eyes on pts who may need GI consults and ultimately, get relief from symptoms." L.T. (Dec. 2022)
"The whole course was excellent. There are many things that were helpful such as the GERD questionnaires and the educational references. The slides and diagrams were great as well. The presenter provided little clinical stories throughout to make the material more relatable. Using real life clinical examples was a nice touch." S.M. (Nov. 2022)
"Very clear, lots of examples and graphics. Very thorough." J.S. (Nov. 2022)
"Interesting causes or contributors to GERD of which I was unaware. Easy to follow. Contained enough medical terminology, description of studies, etc. to provide a sound foundation." B.S. (Nov. 2022)
"I liked the practical advice and experience of the presenter including discussions of actual patient cases. Learning differences between GERD and LPR as well as the possible links with asthma." J.L. (Nov. 2022)
"The presenter was excellent." K.I. (Nov. 2022)
"The whole topic was fascinating and the four hours went by quickly. The presenter is fantastic. His anecdotal information makes it easy to remember the information. The differential diagnostic information was very beneficial for deciding referrals to other disciplines, what tests or meds might be helpful, etc." G.S. (Nov. 2022)
"Presentation was fantastic. The presenter was very informative." R.M. (Nov. 2022)
"Easy access and flexibility of the course." R.L. (Nov. 2022)
"I liked the diagnostics and prevention, presenter's knowledge-base, and the examples." C.H. (Oct. 2022)
"Great signs and symptoms and lifestyle strategies to address reflux." B.H. (Oct. 2022)
"I liked the topic of SLP's role in reflux and ease of course access." C.D. (Sept. 2022)
"The flow and format of the course is excellent." T.M. (Aug. 2022)
"Clearly presented with excellent handouts." L.F. (July 2022)
"Very informative course. I work in a SNF and I see a lot of GI related issues. I liked learning the effects of reflux disease and swallowing." J.M. (July 2022)
"Great speaker. Content was excellent." A.H. (June 2022)
"Learning more in-depth information about signs, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment for GERD and LPR." J.G. (May 2022)
"All content was great – useful and relatable to my practice." C.S. (May 2022)
"The pictures and videos were super helpful. Liked learning how GERD is diagnosed and how to appropriately refer patients." J.V. (May 2022)
"Photos, graphics, videos, images, and description of real procedures and tools were very helpful. Thank you. This course increased my knowledge and understanding of GERD and LPR." R.G. (Apr. 2022)
"Presenter was fluent, precise, articulate with excellent slides and videos. Excellent information about a condition I was not well educated about." S.M. (Apr. 2022)
"I liked the patient examples and the slides showing procedures. Good info on behavioral and treatment options." W.W. (Apr. 2022)
"I really enjoyed this class – great explanations, examples, pictures/videos, etc." K.M. (Apr. 2022)
"The visuals of the different esophageal issues in order to adequately label them for GI to further assess was beneficial. I liked the fact that it's online and I can do it when I have time, and that I can also review the course when I have questions during my practice." I.D. (Apr. 2022)
"S/s of various conditions to indicate importance of GI referral, review of anatomy, process of digestion – very thorough, well explained, supported by anecdote and diagrams." E.M. (Mar. 2022)
"Instructor was great! Perfect level of information." L.C. (Feb. 2022)
"The importance of LPR and GERD in dysphagia patients will help me with my patients in SNF. The presenter was knowledgeable about symptoms, pharmacy, etiology and made relevant recommendations." V.J. (Feb. 2022)
"I liked the extraesophageal symptoms, link to asthma." J.A. (Jan. 2022)
"Symptoms of LPR, extraesophageal symptoms of GERD, medications and surgeries, advice to patients. The thoroughness, easy to follow and understand." P.A. (Jan. 2022)
"Speaker was a real pleasure to listen to – knowledgeable, organized, and passionate." S.S. (Dec. 2021)
"Practical tips to address behavioral modifications needed and the contra-indications for PPI with other meds." V.G. (Dec. 2021)
"The treatment portion of the presentation, including lifestyle changes as well as meds." S.S. (Dec. 2021)
"I liked the review of the differences between GERD and LPR; different diagnostic tests." S.M. (Dec. 2021)
"I liked the interesting information, presenter moved at a good pace through info. Also, different treatment options besides meds." S.S. (Nov. 2021)
"The information was applicable. The presenter explained the information in a clear concise, and well organized manner." B.O. (Oct. 2021)
"The ways to make a differential diagnosis between LPR and GERD and lifestyle changes related to managing GERD and LPR were beneficial. The instructor was informative and had working knowledge of subject and cases to relate." M.K. (Sept. 2021)
"Learning about the role that LPR and GERD can play with voice and swallowing. This is going to be something I now add to my case history with all clients. I also feel prepared to be making relevant recommendations in my reports to clients and back to their GPs. The presenter's manner was engaging and his anecdotes and experience were helpful." S.S. (Aug. 2021)
“Despite working closely with our GI docs over the years, I felt that the presenter shared insights concerning LPR, chemical interactions within the body, and insights regarding etiology of clinical presentations that I have never heard before. The practical, very applicable information will be extremely useful in my daily practice!” J.A. (Jul. 2021)
“I liked that the speaker provided examples from his practice. I feel these examples helped me to understand how related dysphagia and LPR symptoms are.” J.W. (Jul. 2021)
"It was very complete – from what kinds of things can cause GERD and onto management, medications, and various surgical procedures." J.D. (Jun. 2021)
"I enjoyed the sections on LPR vs GERD and their symptoms, how to diagnose and treat. I liked the applicable information - great case study discussions to assist with making the information functional in daily practice. This information assists in seeing the big picture when working with acute patients." K.C. (Jun. 2021)
"This course really helps with my assessment and treatment of pts with GERD and LPR and in guiding them to next steps to discuss with their family docs." R.H. (May 2021)
“I loved the flow of the presentation. The presenter was wonderful and made it feel like a 1-hour course instead of a 4-hour course. This definitely made me so much more interested in reflux/esophageal dysphagia in general.” M.C. (Feb. 2021)
"The discussion of causes and symptoms of GERD and treatment were most beneficial. Excellent presenter style - very comfortable and makes it easy to listen to him. It didn't sound like he was reading every line but presented as a discussion. Very knowledgeable and complete. I wish I knew someone with GERD and then would send for an evaluation." G.J. (Jan. 2021)
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial — Tom Franceschini is the presenter of online CEU courses by Northern Speech Services; receives royalties.
Nonfinancial — Tom Franceschini has no relevant nonfinancial relationships to disclose.
This program is offered for 0.4 ASHA CEUs (Intermediate Level; Professional Area).
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:
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:
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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