FEES Training Course: Pittsburgh, PA 2025

Description

This two-day FEES Training Course consists of two parts: an online prerequisite component and an in-person hands-on training component. This is essential for starting your journey toward FEES competency. Upon registration, you will receive access to the online component, which must be completed prior to Day 1 of the in-person course.

Online Introduction to FEES Course Description:

This online Introduction to FEES course provides the foundation for starting your journey toward FEES competency. Throughout this course we infuse citations from research. In each section, we have included access to research papers and links to other resources to enhance your understanding. Finally, we have included downloadable handouts throughout. This course includes:

• A review of recent research regarding instrumental swallowing assessments, specifically FEES
• A review of the nasal, pharyngeal, and laryngeal anatomy, including normal and abnormal variants
• A review of normal swallowing in adults and geriatrics
• Information on advocating for instrumentals, developing a FEES program, and incorporating FEES into clinical practice
• A FEES protocol including anatomy/physiology assessment, bolus trials, and intervention application
• An overview of rating scales available for use with FEES
• A review of clips from recorded FEES exams to allow the participants to begin to interpret FEES

For more details on the online Introduction to FEES prerequisite included in this course, visit: https://carolinaspeechpathology.thinkific.com/courses/introduction-to-fees

*If you have already taken our online Introduction to FEES course, email ZWR1Y2F0aW9uIHwgcGF0aGVvdXNoZWFsdGggISBjb20= and we will provide you with a discount code (deducting the amount you paid for the online course) to register for this live course.

In-Person Hands-On Practice:

Following completion of the online course, the live, in-person FEES Training Course is the next step in your journey toward FEES competency. This is where we go through a FEES protocol in detail and teach you how to perform FEES. You will learn how to pass the endoscope utilizing good body mechanics, achieving ideal pre-swallow and post-swallow views. We will discuss tips for tricky scope passes and suggestions for improving the comfort of your patient. Our instructors will mentor and supervise you completing a minimum of 15 normal scope passes. Our course instructors have been deemed competent for supervision and training in FEES by board certified Otolaryngologists. Time is spent reviewing FEES exams to begin fine tuning those FEES interpretation skills.

Learning Objectives:

Following these courses, participants will be able to:

• Discuss research supporting use of FEES
• Label swallowing anatomy from a superior view
• Identify normal and abnormal swallowing physiology on FEES
• Describe rating scales that can be used with FEES
• Outline a FEES protocol, incorporating an Anatomy and Physiology Assessment
• Identify swallowing structures from a superior view
• Utilize a FEES protocol while scoping normal subjects
• Demonstrate the ability to safely pass the endoscope and achieve adequate pre and post-swallow positions
• Maneuver endoscope while patients eat, drink, and utilize compensatory techniques
• Begin to analyze FEES exams by identifying swallowing variations and underlying physiology contributing to deficits

Cost: $650

The cost includes access to the online prerequisite (15 hours, 1.5 ASHA CEUs) and the in-person/hands-on component (12 hours, 1.2 ASHA CEUs). The total amount of ASHA CEUs offered for both courses (online prerequisite and in-person/hands-on component is 2.7 ASHA CEUs (27 hours), which is less than $25 per continuing education unit. These are technically two separate courses bundled into one price.

Course Location:

Fisher Hall (Department of Speech-Language Pathology on the 4th floor), on the corner of Chatham Square and Forbes Avenue. Building #24 on the map

Nearby Parking Garage: Forbes Garage on campus ($6/day)

The majority of the hotels listed above are within walking distance to campus and may even have shuttle service. Guests may choose to leave their car at the hotel in order to not pay for parking at the hotel and on campus.

Nearby Hotels:

• Cambria Hotel Downtown at PPG Paints Arena
• Marriott City Center
• Doubletree Hotel and Suites
• Holiday Inn Express & Suites Pittsburgh-Southside
• Spring Hill Suites by Marriott Pittsburgh Southside Works

In-Person, Hands-On Course Agenda:

DAY 1

8:00 Arrive, sign in

8:15 Introductions

8:30 Updates in FEES Research

9:00 Review FEES Protocols and Possible Complications and What to Do

9:30 Discuss FEES Equipment and Scoping Mechanics

10:00 Break

10:15 Donning and Doffing PPE

10:30 Hands on Practice: Getting Through the Nose

12:00 Lunch (provided)

1:00 Introduction to FEES Interpretation

2:00 Hands-on Practice: Achieving Optimal Pre-Swallow Position

3:30 Hands-on Practice: Complete Protocol with Post-Swallow Position

5:00 Adjourn

(7.5 hours)

DAY 2

8:00 Q and A regarding Day 1

8:30 More FEES Interpretation Practice

10:00 Hands-On Practice: Complete Protocol with PO Trials and Compensatory Techniques

12:00 Final Q and A; Complete Scope Sign Offs

12:30 Adjourn

*Agenda may vary slightly

Course Instructors:

Selena Reece, M.S., CCC-SLP, BCS-S

Selena Reece received a Master’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2003. Her experience includes acute care, outpatient, and inpatient rehabilitation settings. Currently serving as the Director of Education for Patheous Health, Selena is Board-Certified Specialist in Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders. She has been involved with FEES-related publications, featured on Swallow Your Pride Podcast, and presented at state and national conferences on topics related to dysphagia. Selena also serves a FEES mentor and volunteers within ASHA, the American Board of Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders, and Speech Therapy Cambodia.

Disclosures: Selena Reece has the following financial relationship to disclose. She is a full-time salaried employee of Patheous Health. Selena Reece has no non-financial relationships to disclose.

Cancellations/Tranfers:

If the course is cancelled on behalf of CSP, you will receive the cost of the course less the cost of the prerequisite self study course. Refunds are offered 30 days prior to the day one less the cost of the prerequisite course ($295), plus a $50 cancellation fee. If cancellations are less than 30 days from the course date, no refunds will be issued; however participants are welcome to transfer to another course (within twelve months of the original course date) with available seats for a $100 transfer fee.

Course Completion:

Successful participation in this course includes 100% attendance. All participants who successfully completed this course will receive a certificate via email within one week of completion. If you would like your participation reported to ASHA, you must include that information upon registering for this course. The ASHA CE Registry processing time usually takes one week. During periods of heavy volume, processing time may be longer. If you have any questions, please email ZWR1Y2F0aW9uIHwgcGF0aGVvdXNoZWFsdGggISBjb20= or call 877-390-1887.

NOTICES:

If you fail to complete the prerequisite online training prior to the in-person course, time will not be spent getting you up to date on course material..

Should you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Director of Educational Resources, Selena Reece (c3JlZWNlIHwgcGF0aGVvdXNoZWFsdGggISBjb20=, 919-749-9159).

Product Disclosure:

Most of the FEES systems utilized in this course were provided by Altaravision, INC, maker of the NDOhd Portable FEES System. Other products may be utilized when available.

This course is offered for 1.2 ASHA CEUs (Professional Area, Intermediate Level). The prerequisite course takes place online and is offered for 1.5 ASHA CEUs (Professional Area, Intermediate Level). Following completion of both courses, you will receive two separate course completion certificates for a total of 2.7 ASHA CEUs.

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