Shepherd Center’s Online Training Program for Clinicians Launches 2021 Curriculum

Best practices for treating patients with complex neurological diagnoses, such as brain injury, spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis, are continually evolving, and it can be difficult for clinicians to stay up to date on these specialized topics. That’s why in January 2018, Shepherd Center, one of the leading neurorehabilitation hospitals in the nation, launched an online hub for high-quality, evidence-based education programs called the NeuroRehabilitation Learning Institute (NRLI). The web-based learning management system (LMS) hosts interdisciplinary professional education programs providing continuing education credits to healthcare professionals.

“The NRLI allows us to influence the quality of care and provide guidance to other medical professionals that treat similar patient populations,” says Diane Johnston, MSPT, director of professional education at Shepherd Center. “It can be especially difficult for patients of Shepherd Center when they return to their hometown after discharge from rehabilitation in Atlanta. The NRLI is a way for us to provide guidance and build relationships with medical professionals throughout the country, so when they do have questions, they know they can come to us.”

To date, more than 5,200 healthcare professionals have enrolled in the specialized courses from 19 countries around the globe. The LMS features recorded webinars, live virtual events and online education courses covering many topics related to acquired brain injury, disorders of consciousness, spinal cord injury, stroke and multiple sclerosis. Providers who access the courses learn from physicians, occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech therapists, recreational therapists, dietitians, nurses and nurse practitioners. The 2021 curriculum begins in February. Some of the upcoming courses include:

• Understanding the Tetraplegic Shoulder
• Webinar: Foundations of Spiritual Nursing Care
• Webinar: Managing Edema After Neurological Injury with Treatments for Lymphedema

Online Course Releases in February: 

• Foundations of Seating and Mobility
• Functional Expectations After Spinal Cord Injury 
• Optimizing Seated Positioning and Communication with Custom Orthosis
• Preparing for Functional Mobility Following Spinal Cord Injury

To learn more and enroll in continuing education classes, visit education.shepherd.org. Check back monthly for new course releases and content.