8-Week Regional Certification

8-Week Regional Certification

The 8-Week Regional Certification is a structured deep-dive program that builds mastery in a single orthopedic body region over 8 weeks. Regional specialist certifications include an 8-week course and a 2-day weekend intensive lab. The Certified Therapeutic Pain Management Specialist course is virtual/didactic only and does not include a weekend lab. Our regional certifications give clinicians both the cognitive framework and the physical skill refinement to reach an advanced level in their chosen area.

Available certifications: Current and upcoming specialist certifications vary by schedule. Additional certifications are offered on a rotating basis. Each certification is developed and taught by Highbar’s Board-Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialists.

8-week specialist certifications may serve as standalone continuing education and may also support progression toward Highbar’s COMT or COPTA pathways when aligned with the participant’s goals and program requirements.

Program Details

What You’ll Build Over 8 Weeks

• Deep regional anatomy and biomechanics knowledge base
• Structured examination and reassessment framework
• Manual therapy technique library with video modeling
• Exercise prescription progression system
• Complex case reasoning practice with expert feedback
• Certified Therapeutic Pain Management Specialist: 24 contact hours
• Regional Specialist Certifications: 40 contact hours
• Regional Certification credential upon completion

Available Certification Tracks

🦴 Lumbar Spine Certification

Comprehensive lumbar assessment, classification-based treatment, manual therapy, and exercise for the most common patient you’ll ever see.

💪 Shoulder Certification

Rotator cuff, labrum, AC joint, and shoulder girdle — from evaluation to return-to-sport. Includes surgical and non-surgical management pathways.

🦿 Hip Certification

Hip arthritis, FAI, labral pathology, and hip-spine syndrome. Advanced load management and manual therapy for the complex hip patient.

🦵 Knee Certification

ACL, meniscus, patellofemoral, and OA management. Evidence-based protocols, criteria-based progression, and return-to-sport clearance frameworks.

🦷 Cervical Spine Certification

Cervicogenic headache, radiculopathy, myelopathy screening, and complex neck pain management with manual and exercise integration.

🧠 Therapeutic Pain Certification

Pain science education, central sensitization recognition, and biopsychosocial treatment planning for the persistent pain patient.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the hybrid format work?

You complete self-paced video modules over 8 weeks — roughly 3–4 hours per week. A live Q&A session with the instructor is included mid-program. The certification concludes with a mandatory in-person weekend lab at our Cranston, RI location.

Can I take multiple tracks?

Absolutely. Many clinicians complete 2–3 tracks over time to build a broad specialty skill set. Each track stands alone and earns its own credential.

Does this lead to the COMT or COPTA program?

The 8-Week Regional Certification can serve as strong preparation for the COMT or COPTA programs, though it is not a formal prerequisite.

Also Consider

• COMT Program — Advanced orthopedic certification pathway for licensed PTs, $4,800
• COPTA Program — Advanced orthopedic certification pathway for licensed PTAs, $1,200
• Weekend Lab Intensive — 2-day advanced skills lab, $449