Questions about PRISM courses
What clinicians ask before registering, from labs and lab partners to CE credit. Can’t find your answer? Email [email protected].
About the courses
Who can attend?
PTs, PTAs, OTs, and OTAs can attend every PRISM course. Gynecologists and midwives can also attend the pessary courses. Everyone practices within their own scope of practice, so check what your license allows before you use a new skill with patients.
Are there prerequisites?
Pessary Management: Level 1 requires a Level 1 pelvic course plus a urogynecology course (such as a Level 2B from Herman & Wallace or the APTA Academy of Pelvic Health). Pessary Management: Level 2 requires Level 1, or the Advanced POP/SUI course taught by Taryn Hallam with Women’s Health Training Associates (WHTA) in Australia. Pelvic Health Essentials for the PTA has no prerequisites. Colorectal Rehabilitation requires a Level 1 pelvic course, such as from Herman & Wallace or the APTA Academy of Pelvic Health. Vestibular Rehabilitation Intensive has no prerequisites.
How big are the classes?
Pessary Management Level 1 and Level 2 and Pelvic Health Essentials for the PTA are capped at 10 people. Vestibular courses are capped at 20.
Are the courses recorded or online?
No. Every course is 100% in person, lectures included, and nothing is recorded. Your questions are answered in real time, and Dr. Dobbins teaches every course and leads every lab herself.
Where are courses held?
Dr. Dobbins hosts courses at her clinic in Alabama from time to time, and she travels to teach at clinics that host a course. Each date lists its location here and on its Eventbrite page.
Registering
How do I register and pay?
Every PRISM course date is listed on Eventbrite, under Prism Advanced Clinical Education. Each date’s Register button opens its Eventbrite page, where you register and pay, and Eventbrite emails your ticket and receipt. This website never asks for payment details.
What happens after I register?
Dr. Dobbins personally emails you with where to go. On the day, you sign in with your name and license number, so you get credit for your contact hours, and class starts.
What’s included in the course price?
For the Pelvic Health courses, all supplies are included. Vestibular Rehab courses use the rehab equipment at the host facility. Everyone gets course outlines and handouts, and you receive your certificate after you complete the post-course test and evaluation. After the course, you can join the Pelvic Brainstormers, Dr. Dobbins’ private mentor group for past students.
What is the refund or transfer policy?
Each Eventbrite listing shows the refund policy for that date. For anything else about your registration, email us.
In the lab
How hands-on are the courses?
Every course alternates teaching with lab time. Across the current courses, 34% to 56% of class time is hands-on lab or practical work, and Dr. Dobbins gives you feedback in person, in real time, in every lab. Each course page shows its full schedule.
Who do we practice on in labs?
Your classmates. Every lab is done with a partner from the class, and in the Pelvic Health courses that includes internal techniques. Everyone is expected to take part unless there is a medical, anatomical, or trauma-related reason to sit out.
Do I need to bring a lab partner?
No. Each table seats two, so your lab partner is there when you sit down, with no awkward circling the room. Dr. Dobbins encourages switching partners between labs, because practicing on more people builds your confidence faster.
What if I need to sit out a lab?
Tell Dr. Dobbins privately. Before every class she sends out her cell number, so you can text her, or you can email her anytime. Nobody will mind: your table just becomes a group of three.
What should I wear?
Whatever you’re comfortable moving in: shorts or sweatpants, a T-shirt, and tennis shoes. Some people wear a dress for the pelvic labs because there’s less to take off, but you don’t have to.
How should I prepare?
Brush up on your anatomy so the concepts aren’t brand new. For the pessary courses, that’s the cervix and the ligaments that support it; for vestibular, where the vestibular system sits in the inner ear and temporal bone. Otherwise, treat it like a normal day. Your period, gas, a burrito for breakfast: all fine. It’s Pelvic Health.
CE credit and after the course
Is there support after the course?
Yes. Anyone who has taken one of Dr. Dobbins’ courses can join the Pelvic Brainstormers, her private mentor group on Facebook Messenger. Members range from clinicians 10 weeks into their careers to those with 30 years, and because the group is private, it’s an easier place to ask the questions you’d hesitate to post publicly. A Vestibular Brainstormers group is in the works.
Do the courses count toward my continuing education requirements?
Each course lists its contact hours, which is the number you report when you renew your license. PRISM courses don’t currently carry approval from a specific state board. For physical therapy, several states don’t require pre-approval, as long as a course meets their standards, such as stated learning objectives and evidence-based content: Alabama, Colorado, Connecticut, Iowa, Maine, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Washington. OTs and OTAs, and anyone unsure, should check with their licensing board before registering.
Hosting a course
Can I bring a course to my clinic?
Yes. If at least 6 clinicians at your facility will attend, Dr. Dobbins travels to you and covers her own travel. For smaller groups, the host covers her flight and hotel. Vestibular courses need to be held at a PT or OT facility, because they use the rehab equipment on site. Email to start planning a date.
Ready to register?
Every PRISM date is listed on Eventbrite. Questions first? Email about course content, who a course is right for, or CE approval for your state.