Physical Agent Modalities – Credentialing Course

Course Outline

Part 1: Self-Paced

Key Topics Covered:

Evidence-Based Practice:
o Application of modalities within an occupational therapy framework, emphasizing their role as adjunctive and preparatory methods to optimize clinical outcomes.

Professional Practice and Regulations:
o Overview of international, national, state, and professional guidelines for the use of Physical Agent Modalities (PAMs).

Foundational Sciences:
o Anatomy, kinesiology, principles of wound healing, and pain theory.

Thermal and Electrotherapeutic Modalities:
o Superficial Thermal Agents: Heat and cryotherapy.
o Deep Thermal Agents: Ultrasound.
o Electrotherapy Modalities: NMES, FES, TENS, and iontophoresis.

Part 2: Three-Day Onsite Workshop

Workshop Overview
This workshop provides a comprehensive, interactive learning experience designed to enhance clinical skills in physical agent modalities. The key components include:

Hands-On Lab Activities: Practical application of NMES, FES, TENS, and other modalities using
clinical equipment.

Interactive Case Studies: In-depth review and discussion of clinical scenarios, with a focus on
conditions such as hemiplegic shoulder and upper quadrant dysfunction.

Evidence-Based Review: Exploration of current research, therapeutic parameters,
contraindications, and indications, ensuring alignment with best practices.

Examination: A cumulative assessment covering online and workshop content. Participants may
complete the examination onsite or online for added flexibility.

This workshop fosters active learning through open dialogue, collaborative practice, and expert
guidance, providing participants with the tools to apply advanced therapeutic techniques confidently in
their practice.

Part 3: Supervised Clinical Application

Clinical Applications and Supervised Practice

Participants will complete 10 thermal and 10 electrical modality applications within their clinical
settings under supervision. Approved supervisors may include licensed occupational therapists
(authorized in their jurisdiction to administer PAMs), physical therapists, chiropractors, or physicians. In
special cases, alternative supervision or case-study-based oversight can be arranged to meet specific
needs. This comprehensive course equips clinicians with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to apply
physical agent modalities safely and effectively, setting a new benchmark for rehabilitation care in
Singapore.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to learn to:

• Understand Regulatory and Ethical Considerations
  o Demonstrate knowledge of international, national and state regulatory frameworks, ethical guidelines, and professional standards governing PAM use.
• Integrate Foundational Sciences
  o Apply principles of anatomy, physiology, wound healing, and pain theory to inform clinical decision-making for therapeutic interventions.
• Safely Apply Physical Agent Modalities
  o Develop clinical competence in the application of:
  ▪ Thermal Modalities: Superficial heat and cryotherapy for tissue healing and pain management.
  ▪ Deep Thermal Modalities: Ultrasound, diathermy, and low-level laser therapy.
  ▪ Electrotherapeutic Modalities: NMES, TENS, FES, and iontophoresis for strengthening, pain modulation, and functional restoration.
• Demonstrate Evidence-Based Practice
  o Incorporate the latest research findings to optimize modality selection and integrate PAMs as adjunctive, preparatory techniques to enhance occupational performance outcomes.
• Enhance Patient Education and Documentation
  o Provide appropriate education on PAM use, ensuring patient safety and understanding.
  o Accurately document clinical applications, patient responses, and treatment outcomes in alignment with professional standards.
• Develop Clinical Reasoning Skills
  o Utilize evidence-based clinical reasoning to select appropriate PAMs, tailor interventions to individual needs, and address contraindications and precautions effectively.

Course Instructor

Dr. Alfred Bracciano is a distinguished occupational therapy educator and clinician with expertise in clinical practice, academic leadership, and global health initiatives. A Professor and Academic
Coordinator for the Alaska Pathway at Creighton University, he has led innovative developments in
occupational therapy education, including distance learning pathways. Dr. Bracciano holds a Doctorate in Education (EdD) in Leadership from Western Michigan University and has served as a visiting professor internationally, at Yonsei University in South Korea, and Jinan University in China.
Renowned for his expertise in physical agent modalities (PAMs), he co-founded PAMPCA, LLC, authored a definitive textbook, and contributed to key AOTA position papers. Dr. Bracciano’ s research spans PAMs, industrial rehabilitation, mental health, and outcome measurement, complementing his extensive practice experience across pediatric, outpatient, and school-based settings. He is also actively engaged in global rehabilitation workforce certification and health policy. Outside of work, Dr. Bracciano enjoys cycling, camping, and hiking.

Terms and Conditions
– Participants from SSAs will be eligible for the PCG subsidy based on certain criteria and on first-come-first serve basis, as only limited seats are given by NCSS.
– Registration will be confirmed only upon receiving invoice or full payment.
-If the participant is absent without valid reason or without supporting document, full course fees will be charged with no refund

Withdrawal from the Registered Class
– Notification of withdrawal must be given via email to CPAS at least 8 weeks before the course commencement date. There will be an admin fee chargeable for late withdrawal:

• Notification received from 6 weeks before commencement of course – 50% of full course fee
• Notification received from 4 weeks before commencement of course – 75% of full course fee
• Notification received less than 4 weeks before commencement of course – 100% of full course fee
• No refunds will be given for non-attendance of workshop