Course

Planting the Seeds: An Introduction to Neonatal Therapy Practice

Presented by Melanie Parker MS, CCC-SLP, CNT

Access Pass Member Exclusive

Course Description

As the field of neonatal therapy grows, therapists of any discipline may find themselves entering or trying to enter the fast-paced and intense environment of the neonatal intensive care unit with minimal guidance of how to learn, find information, and grow their skills. This presentation explores common ways to begin learning and developing skills as […]
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PediatricOTPTSLPFeeding and Swallowing

Meet Your Presenter

Mel is a curious and passionate speech-language pathologist who is excited to lead and teach others along the way. She earned a Masters of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the MGH Institute of Health Professions in 2015. She has since served patients and families across the lifespan in a variety of healthcare settings, including skilled nursing, inpatient rehabilitation, acute care, critical care, and early intervention. While practicing in Montana, Mel had the opportunity to grow her skills treating feeding and swallowing in a Level III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). There she became enthralled by the resilience of NICU families, the growth and support of premature and critically ill infants, and the amazing skill and compassion of each person on the NICU team. She immersed herself in learning about neonatal therapy, became a Certified Neonatal Therapist (CNT), and is working towards becoming a lactation consultant. Upon relocating to her home state, Mel opted for a new perspective in a different work environment. She currently works as an early intervention SLP supporting feeding, swallowing, and communication development.

Accreditation

  • This program is offered for .1 ASHA CEUs, (Introductory Level).

Course Details

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

  1. Define the role and purpose of a neonatal therapist.
  2. Identify at least 3 unfamiliar areas of ‘Scientific Knowledge’ from the Neonatal Therapy Core Scope of Practice.
  3. ​​List 5 sources to locate published research pertaining to NICU Therapy.
  4. Show 2 sources for continuing education regarding NICU neuroprotection and development.
  5. Identify 2 opportunities to network to or participate in mentorship in neonatal therapy.

Time-ordered Agenda

  • 0:00 - Introduction and setting expectations
  • 0:05 - Pathways that lead to neonatal therapy practice
  • 0:15 - Knowledge, skills, and experience for neonatal therapists
  • 0:35 - Resources for self-guided learning and continuing education
  • 0:45 - Networking, mentorship, and cooperative learning
  • 0:55 - Final reflection and Q/A
  • 1:00 - End course + quiz

Instructional Level

Introductory
Information is geared to practitioners with little or no knowledge of the subject matter. Focus is on providing general introductory information.

Target Audience

SLPs, PTs, and OTs who work with children.

Live Course Information

This course will be presented on the Zoom platform. High-speed internet connection is required.

Recorded Course Information

This course will be available for CEUs until July 22, 2027.

Instructor Financial Disclosures

  • Presenter is being paid by Therapy Insights to prepare and present this course.

Instructor Non-financial Disclosures

  • I am a member of the Dysphagia Research Society, the National Association of Neonatal Therapists, and am Certified Neonatal Therapist, but I do not receive financial compensation from any organization.

Certificates of Completion

Once the exam is completed and you have provided feedback about the course, you will receive an emailed certificate of completion with course title, course instructor name/title, learning objectives, your name, your license number (if desired), and a confirmation from the CE Task Force director confirming completion of course. If your state licensing board requires specific records of course participation (all licensing boards are different), please email us and we will provide the documentation.

Instructional Methodology

Lecture

Refunds & Cancellation

Please see our full refund and cancellation policies here.

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