What You’ll Learn
Build advanced upper quadrant skills to more effectively treat patients. The first three courses can be taken individually — no certification commitment required.
Advanced Manual Techniques
Develop hands-on skills specifically designed for upper quadrant treatment, from cervical spine to distal extremity.
Differential Diagnosis
Strengthen your ability to make musculoskeletal differential diagnoses and screen for serious pathology requiring medical referral.
Integrated Upper Quadrant
Learn to integrate the entire upper quadrant — cervical spine, shoulder girdle, elbow, wrist, and hand — for comprehensive patient care.
Flexible Course Path
The first 3 courses (C-416, C-426, C-436) can be taken in any order as standalone learning. No commitment to the full series required.
Complex Patient Management
Develop skills to manage complex conditions including double crush syndrome, cervical radiculopathy, cancer, and more.
Optional CMOT Certification
Want to go further? Complete all 5 courses, an oral exam, and a case study to earn your CMOT Certification.
2027-2028 CMOT Schedule
- March 6-7, 2027: Foundations of Musculoskeletal Occupational Therapy for the Upper Quadrant (OT 406)
- May 5-6, 2027: Screening for Cervical Spine Pathology for Occupational Therapist (OT 416)
- August 21-22, 2027: Functional Shoulder Girdle for Occupational Therapist (OT 426)
- October 23-24, 2027: The Distal Upper Extremity (OT 436)
- February 19-20, 2028: Integration of the Upper Quadrant for Occupational Therapist (OT 446)
- April 1-2, 2028: Upper Quadrant Skills and Techniques (OT 456)
- May 13, 2028: Case Study Due
- June 17, 2028: Oral Practical
Upcoming OT Courses
Click on a course below to see full details and register
C-456 Upper Quadrant Skills and Techniques for OT's
The Occupational Therapist entry level education does not emphasize manual/manipulative techniques of the upper quadrant. Therefore a course… View Full Description
C-416 Screening for the Cervical Spine Pathology for OT's
This course is case based addressing patho-anatomy, and clinical recognition patterns of the cervical spine. Clinical presentation of… View Full Description
C-426 The Functional Shoulder Girdle for OT's
This course is dedicated to the management and treatment of the Shoulder Girdle and its related anatomical structures… View Full Description
C-436 The Distal Upper Extremity for OT's
This course is dedicated to the comprehensive examination and treatment of the elbow/forearm/wrist and hand. The Occupational Therapist… View Full Description
C-446 Integration of the Upper Quadrant for OT's
This course will utilize case-based instruction to illustrate specific conditions of the integrated upper quadrant and the decision… View Full Description
C-406 Foundations of Musculoskeletal Occupational Therapy for the Upper Quadrant for OT's
is a required course for occupational therapists entering NAIOMT's certification program — setting you up for success in… View Full Description
Course Details
Start with C-406, then take additional courses for CE or pursue full CMOT Certification
Foundations of Musculoskeletal Occupational Therapy
Every great clinician starts with a strong foundation. C-406 is the required first course for occupational therapists entering NAIOMT’s musculoskeletal curriculum — setting you up for success in every course that follows.
This 14-hour hybrid intensive is designed specifically for licensed occupational therapists in outpatient musculoskeletal settings. You’ll complete 7 hours of live, in-person instruction alongside 7 hours of flexible online learning — including recorded lectures, readings, and quizzes — all built around your busy schedule.
The curriculum focuses on the foundational skills that matter most in MSK practice: palpation, surface anatomy, contractile testing, tissue end feels, and understanding the neuromuscular patterns behind pain and movement dysfunction.
Take it as a standalone course to sharpen your clinical skills, or use it as your launching pad toward NAIOMT’s CMOT certification for occupational therapists.
Screening for Cervical Spine Pathology
Case-based course addressing patho-anatomy and clinical recognition patterns of the cervical spine. Learn to arrive at sound clinical impressions and when to refer to a physical therapist.
The Functional Girdle
Dedicated to management and treatment of the Shoulder Girdle and related structures (SC/AC/Scapulothoracic/Glenohumeral). Learn step-by-step examination leading to pain generators.
The Distal Upper Extremity
Comprehensive examination and treatment of elbow/forearm/wrist and hand. Master musculoskeletal examination including stress testing and biomechanical assessment.
Integration of the Upper Quadrant
Case-based instruction for advanced clinical reasoning. Move beyond initial diagnoses to detailed exploration of etiology including neural tissue and cervical/thoracic biomechanics.
Upper Quadrant Skills & Techniques
Refinement of manual/manipulative techniques for implementation of NAIOMT Upper Quadrant theory. Includes preparation and discussion for the oral practical exam.
Want to Earn Your CMOT Certification?
Complete all six courses, submit a case study, and pass an oral practical exam (C-430) to earn the Certified Manual Occupational Therapist (CMOT) credential. Certification is entirely optional — starting with C-406, then you can take the next three courses on their own as standalone continuing education.
Meet Our Expert Faculty
Learn from experienced FAAOMPT clinicians and educators
Michael Lucido
PT, DPT, OCS, FAAOMPT
Faculty Instructor, Clinical Fellowship Instructor
[TX]
Jason Winburne
PT, MS, OCS, COMT, FAAOMPT
Faculty Instructor, Clinical Fellowship Instructor
[TX]
The NAIOMT OT courses have transformed how I approach upper quadrant patients. The foundational skills from C-406 and the progression through cervical spine, shoulder, and distal extremity gave me the confidence to treat complex conditions. I completed the series and earned my CMOT certification — it was worth every hour.
