Dysphagia Essentials
Dysphagia Essentials
8 hours10 modulesIntermediateSLPs, Graduate Students, Medical SLPs
About This Course
Dysphagia Essentials is a comprehensive clinical training course for SLPs entering medical settings or seeking to refresh and strengthen their dysphagia knowledge. Covering anatomy, evaluation, IDDSI, treatment planning, and documentation — this course builds the clinical foundation you need to assess and treat swallowing disorders with confidence.
What You'll Learn
Understand the anatomy and physiology of normal swallowing
Identify the clinical signs and symptoms of dysphagia
Conduct a comprehensive clinical swallowing evaluation (CSE)
Apply the IDDSI framework for diet texture modification
Interpret MBSS and FEES findings
Develop evidence-based dysphagia treatment plans
Document dysphagia evaluations and treatment compliantly
Educate patients and caregivers on swallowing safety
Course Curriculum
Module 1: Anatomy & Physiology of Swallowing
- Oral, pharyngeal, and esophageal phases
- Neurological control of swallowing
- Normal vs. disordered swallowing
Module 2: Dysphagia Across Populations
- Neurogenic dysphagia (stroke, TBI, Parkinson's)
- Head and neck cancer
- Pediatric feeding and swallowing
- Geriatric dysphagia
Module 3: Clinical Swallowing Evaluation
- CSE components and procedures
- Oral mechanism examination
- Screening vs. comprehensive evaluation
Module 4: Instrumental Assessment
- MBSS: procedure, interpretation, reporting
- FEES: procedure, interpretation, reporting
- When to refer for instrumental assessment
Module 5: IDDSI Framework
- IDDSI levels 0–7
- Testing methods and compliance
- Patient and caregiver education
Module 6: Dysphagia Treatment
- Compensatory vs. rehabilitative strategies
- Evidence-based treatment approaches
- NMES and neuromuscular approaches
Module 7: Tracheostomy & Ventilator Management
- Tracheostomy types and implications for swallowing
- Passy Muir Valve (PMV) use
- Speaking valve trials and documentation
Module 8: Documentation for Dysphagia
- Evaluation report writing
- Treatment note requirements
- Medical necessity for dysphagia services
Module 9: Patient & Caregiver Education
- Communicating diet modifications
- Safe swallowing strategies
- Family training and home programs
Module 10: Clinical Decision Making
- Ethical considerations in dysphagia management
- Comfort feeding and quality of life
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
Enroll Today
$397
Lifetime access. Self-paced. Practical skills you can apply immediately.
Enroll NowAsk a QuestionLifetime course access
Self-paced learning
Downloadable resources
Certificate of completion
CEU eligible (select courses)