Upper Quadrant Certification Specifically Tailored to OTs & the Patients You See
Whether you are looking to fine-tune your manual techniques of the upper quadrant, or deepen your clinical sciences and ability to make a musculoskeletal differential diagnosis, this program is for you. The first 2 courses in the series can be taken in any order and as stand alone courses. If you decide to pursue your certification the courses will count towards certification.
The Certification in Manual Therapy of the Upper Quadrant For Occupational Therapist (CMOT) also means that you will be able to screen for serious pathology and medical referral while evaluating and treating basic cervical spine conditions.
Other benefits include:
- Integrating the upper quadrant, making it easier to treat the upper quadrant patient
- Developing more skills with complex patient load. (Cancer, double crush, cervical radiculopathy, etc.)
See what one of our newly certified OT’s has to say about the CMOT Certification
Upcoming CMOT Courses [Click the Courses Below to Register]
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 Course Description
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 Course Description
The first 3 courses, C-416, C-426 and C-436 can be taken in any order that fits your schedule and can be taken as stand alone courses. If you are pursuing certification they will count towards your certification. C-416, C-426 and C-436 are however, prerequisites for C-446 and all four courses are prerequisites for C-456 which should be the last course you take prior to the Oral Practical Exam. C-446 and C-456 cannot be taken as stand alone courses but are required if pursuing certification.
C-416 Screening for Cervical Spine Pathology for Occupational Therapists (can be take as a stand alone course or as a part of the certification)
This course is 21 hrs. (14 hrs. Live and 7 hrs. Online) case based addressing patho-anatomy, and clinical recognition patterns of the cervical spine. Clinical presentation of each condition is highlighted and organization of knowledge is taught so that an OT may arrive at a sound clinical impression of the cervical spine as a potential pain generator of the upper quadrant. The OT based on the information from the examination may choose to treat the patient or refer to a physical therapist.
C-426 The Functional Girdle for Occupational Therapists (can be take as a stand alone course or as a part of the certification)
This course is dedicated to the management and treatment of the Shoulder Girdle and its related anatomical structures (SC/AC/Scapulothoracic/Glenohumeral joint. The Occupational Therapist will learn a step by step examination process leading to the pain generator and area of dysfunction of the shoulder girdle using Selective Tissue Testing, Palpation and Passive Movement Assessment. This differential examination and clinical recognition pattern will lead to a rational treatment plan designed for efficient and effective outcomes for the patient with shoulder girdle pain or dysfunction.
C-436 The Distal Upper Extremity for Occupational Therapists (can be take as a stand alone course or as a part of the certification)
This course is dedicated to the comprehensive examination and treatment of the elbow/forearm/wrist and hand. The Occupational Therapist will learn a musculoskeletal examination process including stress testing and biomechanical assessment of the distal upper extremity. Detailed surface anatomy and clinical recognition pattern will lead to a rational treatment plan designed for efficient and effective outcomes for the patient with distal upper extremity pain or dysfunction.
C-446 Integration of the Upper Quadrant for Occupational Therapists (C-416, C-426, C-436 are prerequisites for this course)
This course will utilize case-based instruction to illustrate specific conditions of the integrated upper quadrant and the decision making process inherent to their total management. Designed to develop intermediate to advanced clinical reasoning skills in the field of orthopedic manual therapy, participants will develop the skills necessary to move beyond an initial patho-anatomical diagnostic hypothesis towards a detailed exploration of the etiology behind the diagnosis including mechanically sensitive neural tissue and pathos biomechanics of the cervical/thoracic spine Complex, multi-region patient/client problems of the neuromusculoskeletal system will be analyzed in an instructor specific methodology, based on the various biomechanical and neuromusculoskeletal models available, including original, and novel, thoughts and theory. Management will focus on a multi-faceted approach encompassing manual therapy, neurophysiological techniques, and various other treatment approaches within the practice act and educational background of the occupational therapist practicing in an outpatient setting.
C-456 Upper Quadrant Skills & Techniques for Occupational Therapists (C-416, C-426, C-436, C-446 are prerequisites for this course)
The Occupational Therapist entry level education does not emphasize manual/manipulative techniques of the upper quadrant. Therefore a course dedicated to the review and refinement of techniques is necessary for the implementation of the NAIOMT Upper Quadrant theory and practice. In addition this course will be used as a review and discussion of areas needed to prepare for the OT oral practical (C-430).
2025-2026 Schedule
Location: Dallas, Texas – Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation
Live Registration Links Below!
- CLICK HERE to Register:Â Â C-416: Â February 22-23, 2025
- CLICK HERE to Register:Â C-426: Â May 31-June 1, 2025
- CLICK HERE to Register:Â Â C-436: Â September 6-7, 2025
- CLICK HERE to Register:Â C-446: Â March 25-26, 2026
- CLICK HERE to Register:Â C-456: Â May 30-31, 2026
- CLICK HERE to Register: Â C-430 Oral Practical Exam: Â August 29, 2026 [Registration Deadline: July 18, 2026
- CLICK HERE to Register: Case Study  Due: November 13, 2026 [Registration Deadline: September 25, 2026]
Course Details
Course Registration
Please contact Susan Windsor at [email protected] to join the cohort.
Questions
Michael Lucido, PT, DPT
NAIOMT Faculty
BSW Outpatient Education Director
[email protected]
214.500.4744
Susan Windsor
NAIOMT Courses & Events Coordinator
[email protected]
