| Unit | Cost | Duration | Requirements | Format | Enroll |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 - Fundamentals of Primary Spine Care | $950 | 3 days | Application | Online | |
| 2 - The Lumbar Spine | $950 | 3 days | Must complete Unit 1 | Online | |
| 3 - The Cervical Spine | $950 | 3 days | Must complete Unit 2 | Online | |
| 4 - Clinical Management and Final Proficiency Exam | $950 | 3 days | Must complete unit 4 | In-Person | |
| Series | $3,800 | 12 days | Must complete Units 1-4 | Hybrid | Enrollment is currently closed.* |
*Enrollment is currently closed.
Program Overview
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The PSP Program is a rigorous and competitive post-professional program designed to train and certify physical therapists and chiropractors to be responsible for the front line diagnosis, management and care coordination of patients with spine-related disorders.
- Intended Audience
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This program is for physical therapists and chiropractors.
- Start Date and Duration
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This certification course begins in April of each year. There are a total of 120 instruction hours in this program.
The program is divided into 4 "units" of instruction, with each unit consisting of two parts:
- A set of online educational modules (8-12 hours)
- A weekend skill-building workshop (16 hours), along with 2 supportive textbooks. Weekend dates vary.
- Cost
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- Tuition: $3,800
- Participants have the option to pay $950 at the start of each unit in lieu of paying the entire $3,800 upfront.
- Type of Certificate
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Primary Spine Practitioner Certification will be issued by the University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences upon completion of the program.
- Program Goals
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Upon completing this program, physical therapists and chiropractors will be trained to be the first-contact provider for patients with spinal problems.
- Participant Expectations and Program Components
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- Following each live weekend course, students will also need to pass a unit test which covers both the online learning and live coursework.
- There is also a final practical competency exam that will be given after the last weekend course (Unit 4) of the PSP series.
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- Featured Instructors
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Instructor Name and Bio 
James Irrgang
PT, PhD, ATC, FAPTA
Donald R. Murphy
DC, FRCC
Michael Timko
PT, MS, FAAOMPT
Carol M. Greco
PhD
Unit Overviews
- Unit 1
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Unit Overview: Fundamentals of Primary Spine Care
Unit Dates: April 12-14, 2024
- Unit 2
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Unit Overview: Applied PSP Management Principles: The Lumbar Spine
Unit Dates: June 28-30, 2024
- Unit 3
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Unit Overview: Applied PSP Management Principles: The Cervical Spine
Unit Dates: September 20-22, 2024
- Unit 4
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Unit Overview: PSP Clinical Management Principles: Case Analysis, Review, and Certification
Unit Dates: November 15-17, 2024
Contact Us
Contact Michael Timko PT, MS, FAAOMPT at mtimko@pitt.edu with any questions related to the program.
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