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Background <p>Dizziness and vertigo affect millions annually, creating a $13.3 billion US economic burden. Physical therapists are key in treating vestibular disorders, but entry-level training varies significantly, necessitating specialized post-professional education. This study evaluates whether the Advanced Vestibular Physical Therapist (AVPT) Certificate Program effectively prepares PTs to meet patient needs.</p> Methods <p>A cross-sectional survey was distributed to 230 graduates from four AVPT cohorts. The 18-question survey assessed program impact on clinical practice, professional development, and patient outcomes using 5-point Likert scales, plus demographic information and open-ended feedback.</p> Results <p>Sixty-seven graduates responded (29% response rate). Nearly all (97%) agreed the program prepared them as frontline vestibular providers, while 92% reported improved patient outcomes. All participants (100%) agreed the program met continuing education needs, and 98% reported changed clinical practice. Average likelihood to recommend was 9.69/10. However, 30% reported employers did not value the certification, and 91% received no additional compensation.</p> Conclusions <p>The AVPT program successfully creates competent expert vestibular providers, improving clinical confidence, differential diagnosis skills, and patient outcomes while addressing critical gaps in entry-level education.</p>

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Training frontline providers: a survey analysis of the advanced vestibular physical therapist certificate program’s impact on clinical practice

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年5月2日

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  • Regan G. Harrell,
  • Chelsea J. Manetta,
  • Susan L. Whitney

摘要

Background

Dizziness and vertigo affect millions annually, creating a $13.3 billion US economic burden. Physical therapists are key in treating vestibular disorders, but entry-level training varies significantly, necessitating specialized post-professional education. This study evaluates whether the Advanced Vestibular Physical Therapist (AVPT) Certificate Program effectively prepares PTs to meet patient needs.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was distributed to 230 graduates from four AVPT cohorts. The 18-question survey assessed program impact on clinical practice, professional development, and patient outcomes using 5-point Likert scales, plus demographic information and open-ended feedback.

Results

Sixty-seven graduates responded (29% response rate). Nearly all (97%) agreed the program prepared them as frontline vestibular providers, while 92% reported improved patient outcomes. All participants (100%) agreed the program met continuing education needs, and 98% reported changed clinical practice. Average likelihood to recommend was 9.69/10. However, 30% reported employers did not value the certification, and 91% received no additional compensation.

Conclusions

The AVPT program successfully creates competent expert vestibular providers, improving clinical confidence, differential diagnosis skills, and patient outcomes while addressing critical gaps in entry-level education.