The certificate in clinical electrophysiology program has its beginning in 1997 when the founders of this program (Dr. Bob Kellogg and Dr. Roger Nelson) identified a need to standardize the process of education for this specialty area. They formulated the first program many times on paper, but it was not until 1998 that they formalized the concepts of the didactic portion and practical aspects of EMG/NCV testing needed to practice in this specialty area.
Guided by the principles of ethical treatment of all patients subject to clinical electrophysiologic tests, they formulated a program of study that emphasized the human dimension. The program content emphasized and presented in-depth: musculoskeletal anatomy, neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, neuropathology, biomedical instrumentation, neuronal conduction techniques (motor and sensory studies), late responses, needle EMG techniques, interpretation, administration, ethics, and other related areas. The didactic knowledge was examined by the use of formal written examinations. Additionally, the measurement of clinical proficiency was attained by formal practical (hands-on) examinations. Written examinations and practical examinations were administered on a monthly basis. The current program has evolved into a hybrid experience of self-paced independent learning to supplement the in-person lectures and laboratory sessions as well as a switch to online didactic examinations to increase more time for in-person education.
Presently, the use of an evidence-based approach to patient care ensures that the practitioner who takes this program is performing as a true reflective practitioner. Drs. Kellogg and Nelson are proud of the success of this EMG/NCV certificate program. The continued success of this program is due primarily to the dedicated lecture and laboratory faculty who currently teach in this program.
Due to the growing demand for excellence and clinical expertise in the performance of electrophysiologic studies, the EMG/NCV certificate program has been expanded to include opportunities for a ‘Residency in EMG/NCV testing’. The American Board of Physical Therapy and Residency and Fellowship Education (ABPTRFE) has approved our residency program in EMG/NCV testing. The American Academy of Clinical Electrodiagnosis is the first residency to be approved by the ABPTRFE. Residency-trained graduates will display competencies at a level unparalleled in today’s healthcare arena. Residents who complete the program are prepared to sit for the American Board of Physical Therapist Specialty board certification examination in clinical electrophysiology to achieve the status of an Electrophysiological Clinical Specialist (ECS). The residency program is also open to all health care professionals whose practice act allows them to perform EMG/NCV testing.
About Our Program
Electrophysiology (Electromyography and Nerve Conduction Studies) education is an active, continuous, cooperative process between the teacher and learner and must meet both the needs of the learner and the objectives of the teacher. Learning is a developmental process in which the learner is responsible for the acquisition and synthesis of knowledge. Members of the expert faculty (lecture faculty and laboratory faculty) are exemplary professional role models who embrace the learning process as active participants. The faculty focuses on enabling the learner to synthesize information and develop problem-solving skills. While recognizing individual differences among participants in both rate of learning and ability to perform the laboratory exercises, the faculty adjust teaching strategies to meet the needs of each resident, whether in the classroom, practical exercises, or tutorial sessions. The faculty ensures that the learning process is logical and the material presented is well sequenced, evidence-based, and can be assimilated within the time allotted.
To facilitate the learning process, the lecture and laboratory faculty must guide the development of the participants in a positive and non-threatening manner. Assessments are made monthly in the form of written exams, practical exams, and classroom problem solving activities. These assessments are necessary to ensure participant is gaining mastery of the material and also to enable the faculty to modify the program to address deficient areas. The faculty makes every effort to help each participant succeed.
