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

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.

Audiologists involved in vestibular rehabilitation or interprofessional practice may find value in this evidence that specialised vestibular PT certification improves frontline provider competency, supporting the case for advanced credentialing in multidisciplinary dizziness clinics.

Improving the vestibular therapy workforce directly affects patient outcomes in dizziness and vertigo management — conditions frequently co-managed by audiologists — making training programme effectiveness evidence relevant to the broader team.

1. 01Survey study evaluated the impact of an advanced vestibular physical therapy certificate program on clinical competency.
2. 02Respondents were frontline providers (physical therapists) managing dizziness and vertigo.
3. 03Program completion was associated with self-reported improvements in clinical practice skills.
4. 04Survey methodology introduces self-report bias; objective outcome measures are lacking.
5. 05Published in BMC Medical Education; relevant to interprofessional vestibular care teams including audiologists.

PMID

42069592

DOI

10.1186/s12909-026-09369-3.

Journal

BMC Medical Education

Publication type

research_article

Evidence level

4

Population

Physical therapists who completed an advanced vestibular physical therapy certificate program

Intervention

Advanced vestibular physical therapist certificate program