In the dynamic realm of allied health education, universities are continually seeking innovative, interprofessional educational opportunities that bridge the gap between theory and practice. Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) LOUD and LSVT BIG Training and Certification have emerged as game-changers in this landscape, providing a unique avenue for Physical Therapy (PT), Occupational Therapy (OT) and Speech Language Pathology (SLP) programs to equip their students with practical skills to treat patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD), other movement disorders and neurological diagnoses, as well as children with conditions like cerebral palsy and Down syndrome. Additionally, providing the opportunity to earn a certification in a well-known treatment gives students a competitive edge in the job market.
LSVT Global has been providing the Online LSVT LOUD and LSVT BIG Training and Certification Courses to universities for over ten years.
In just the last five years:
- 64 physical and occupational therapy programs have offered LSVT BIG Training and Certification.
- 56 Communication Sciences and Disorders graduate programs have offered LSVT LOUD Training and Certification to students working toward becoming a speech language pathologist.
- Over 6,000 students were trained collectively through their university training opportunities.
- An average of 19 students per university group participated.
- 55% of these universities have offered the training more than once, with some having offered it yearly for the last 10 years.
According to our analysis, here are the top 7 reasons WHY.
Walking the Walk of Evidence-Based Practice
LSVT Training aligns with the importance of evidence-based practice emphasized in therapy education. Professors offering LSVT LOUD and LSVT BIG are not just talking the talk; they are walking the walk, demonstrating a commitment to practical, evidence-based treatments.
The LSVT Training and Certification Courses also help university students by taking motor learning and neuroplasticity theories learned in the classroom and transforming them into practical applications with patients that they can apply immediately. This immediacy bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and hands-on application, fostering a deeper understanding of therapeutic principles. This hands-on approach not only enhances speech, physical and occupational therapy students understanding but also prepares them to seamlessly apply their knowledge in clinical settings, even beyond LSVT LOUD and LSVT BIG.
“As a program, we’re really working toward being able to teach and support evidence-based practice for clinicians. And so, with this level of evidence, we’re really walking the walk by helping them become certified and get experience.”
– Jen Walentas Lewon, MS, CCC-SLP, Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Colorado- Boulder
“As a Neurologic Clinical Specialist in physical therapy, I was most impressed with how this program is a uniquely constructed protocol of existing scientifically sound principles of neuroplasticity. Thanks for basing your course on existing science, sharing new evidence-based concepts, and sharing this novel protocol of how it all works together.”
– Jason Shaw, PT, DPT, Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy, Professor at Missouri State University
Alleviating Fears and Encouraging Confidence in Students
Treating patients with Parkinson’s disease and other complex adult and pediatric neurological disorders can be daunting for students. LSVT Training not only imparts the necessary skills but also instills confidence, removing the fear associated with working with this patient population.
“It’s a little bit scary to think about going out into the real world and treating patients. There is a real structure that creates a feeling of, ‘Oh, okay, well at least I know what to do with this population.’”
– Sonia Reiter, OTR/L, SUNY Downstate Alumna
Treatment Applicability Across Diverse Patient Populations
The fundamentals taught in LSVT programs extend beyond Parkinson’s disease. Students can apply these principles to a wide range of adult and pediatric clients, enriching their toolkit with universally applicable skills.
LSVT BIG and LSVT LOUD are recognized for their scientifically sound foundations, integrating existing neuroplasticity principles. This cutting-edge approach provides students with a unique perspective on evidence-based therapeutic interventions.
“You can apply some of the concepts and fundamentals of in your clinical practice with all kinds of different populations and disorders. Having this training that they can not only apply to doing LSVT LOUD with, appropriate clients, but also just thinking about some of the fundamental fundamentals with their other clients, I think that those concepts are so important for clinicians to think about with all kinds of clients that they’re working with.”
– Jen Walentas Lewon, MS, CCC-SLP, Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Colorado- Boulder
Inspiring Students’ Passion through Tangible Results
LSVT’s ability to generate excitement among students stems from the tangible results they witness during clinicals. Seeing the positive patient impact firsthand fuels passion and dedication to the therapeutic process.
“Being the DCE of our program has allowed me to hear about some of those students’ experiences when working with a clinical instructor who is LSVT BIG certified. I love to hear the excitement in their voices when they tell me stories of how they have been able to make a difference in their patients’ lives!”
– Kimberly Willis, PT, DPT, EdD, Associate Professor, University of Mississippi Medical Center
Enhancing Marketability and Providing a Competitive Advantage
By offering LSVT LOUD and LSVT BIG Training, university faculty empower students to enhance their marketability. Graduates equipped with these certifications stand out, not just securing any job but positioning themselves for roles they desire.
The competitive advantage conferred by LSVT certifications is a significant draw for students. In an increasingly competitive job market, possessing specialized skills like those offered by LSVT LOUD and LSVT BIG can set therapists apart from their peers.
“Upon graduation, their certification gave them a highly desirable marketing edge with employers.”
– Lou Jensen, OTD, OTR/L, Interim Associate Vice Provost, Center for Faculty Excellence, Associate Professor, Creighton University
Creating Impact Beyond Patients Outcomes
Students trained in LSVT not only impact their patients’ lives, but also leave a lasting impression on clinical instructors. The ripple effect of their expertise extends to educating other clinicians, creating a broader impact within the professional community.
“Students have gone out and told their clinical instructors, ‘Oh, I’m actually certified in LSVT BIG.’ And as a result of that, those therapists in the clinic are actually wanting more information about it. And then they’re able to educate other clinicians about this treatment protocol.”
– Kimberly Willis, PT, DPT, EdD, Associate Professor, University of Mississippi Medical Center
Convenient Online Training You Can Offer on YOUR Schedule
The availability of online training adds a layer of convenience for both students and faculty. This flexibility allows learners to complete the training anytime of the year, at their own pace, augmenting campus-based courses with practical, online learning packed with videos, audio clips and interactive modules to inspire critical thinking.
“Having the online training think really augmented the campus-based courses, gave them the flexibility to complete at their convenience. And then having the lab or the practical training session at the end, I think really helps them apply the information that they had gotten from the online training.”
– Jen Walentas Lewon, MS, CCC-SLP, Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Colorado- Boulder
The Bottom Line
Universities embracing LSVT LOUD and LSVT BIG Training are not only revolutionizing therapy education but also empowering the therapists of tomorrow. By seamlessly integrating theory with practice, enhancing marketability, and instilling confidence in handling diverse patient populations, these programs are shaping a new generation of physical therapists and occupational therapists ready to make a meaningful impact in the ever-evolving field of rehabilitation.
If your university faculty members are interested in offering LSVT BIG or LSVT LOUD Training and Certification to students and faculty at a discounted rate, contact us today to learn about customizable learning models that are easy to offer any time of the year.
Email LSVT Global at info@lsvtglobal.com or click here.