Course Overview

This educational program is designed to train physical therapists and chiropractors to be the firt-contact provider for patients with spinal problems, that leads to certification as a Primary Spine Practitioner. This advanced course is for practitioners that desire to work in a team-based environment that comprehensively manages and coordinates the care for individuals with these spine-related disorders. 

Program Goal

To train physical therapists and chiropractors to be the first-contact provider for patients with spinal problems.

Program Components

• The PSP Certification Program™ consists of a total of approximately 120 hours of instruction.
• The program is divided into 4 "units" of instruction, with each unit consisting of two parts:
  • A set of online educational modules (8-12 hours)
  • A weekend skill-building workshop (16 hours), along with 2 supportive textbooks.

Participant Expectations

• Students are required to pass quizzes accompanying each online educational module.
• Following each live weekend course, students will also need to pass a unit test which covers both the online learning and live coursework. 
• There is also a final practical competency exam that will be given after the last weekend course (Unit 4) of the PSP series.

Featured Educators

• James Irrgang, PT, PhD, ATC, FAPTA
• Donald R. Murphy, DC, FRCC
• Michael Timko, PT, MS, FAAOMPT
• Carol M. Greco, PhD

At the Conclusion of the Course

• Students will be eligible to enroll for Module 2.
• All 4 units must be completed to be eligible for the certification examination.

For More Information

Additional course details, including the agenda and learning objectives can be found here.

Due to COVID-19 Precautions, the live weekend workshops may occur virtually through Zoom meetings. The course content will remain interactive and will require participation at scheduled times with other members of the cohort.