MicroTransponder is an AOTA Approved Provider of professional development. Course approval ID# 11243. The Live activity format is offered at .6 CEUs, Introductory Level, Occupational Therapy Service Delivery. The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA or indicate AOTA approval of a certification or other professional recognition.


Course Overview

This course will introduce you to the science and implementation of vagus nerve stimulation for individuals suffering from chronic UE deficits following stroke. We will review the evidence-based interventions that will drive neuroplastic change resulting in improved upper limb recovery and occupational performance following stroke. We will use lecture, small group discussion, hands-on practice, and case-based learning techniques.

The live class is intended for medical professionals (e.g. OT/OTA, PT/PTA, Physicians, etc.) directly related to the neuro recovery of a patient or client. To participate in this course and receive a certificate, the participant must be a licensed, treating clinician. Following successful completion of the course and a ≥ 80% score on the quiz, learners will receive a certificate.

Resources will be provided for you to take back to your practice to help you deliver salient, task-based therapy to all of your neuro patients. 

We look forward to seeing you at this live event! 


Course curriculum

    1. Overview

    2. Learning Outcomes

    3. Course Resources

    4. Lecture and Small Group

    5. Course Review

    6. Quiz

    7. Course Feedback

About this course

  • 6 Contact Hours / .6 CEUs
  • Live Lecture Format
  • Small Group Discussion

Learning Outcomes

  • Recall the key principles of neuroplasticity.

  • List 4 clinical impairments that are commonly seen following stroke.

  • Describe the neuroscientific principles and research findings of electrical nerve stimulation, including paired VNS, in people with chronic stroke.

  • Describe how electrical nerve stimulation can improve functional recovery for better engagement in ADLs/IADLs.

  • Identify appropriate activities for task-specific training interventions while using paired VNS based on patient’s specific presentations.

Instructor(s)

Mason Hearn

PT, DPT, MS, NCS

Mason graduated from UC Davis with a Bachelor's degree in Exercise Biology in 2015, followed by a Master's Degree in Kinesiology: Applied Movement Science at San Diego State University where he worked as a Graduate Research Assistant in Biomechanics, Neuroplasticity and Neuromechanics laboratories, published multiple peer reviewed articles in related fields, and presented original research at national symposiums. He was accepted into the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at SDSU, where he continued to contribute to research in the Sports Rehabilitation and Optimization laboratory while completing a clinical doctorate. Since graduating, he has worked as a full-time physical therapist at Sharp Grossmont Hospital and developed specialty skills in the area of neurologic and vestibular rehabilitation. He had the opportunity to return to the SDSU DPT program as part time adjunct faculty and assist with teaching laboratory sections for the Neurophysiologic Therapeutics course series. Mason currently works as a Therapy Development Specialist with Vivistim.

Cancellations/Accommodations/Disclosures

  • Extra Accommodations

    Please provide extra accommodation requests via email to [email protected] explaining what you require to participate in the course(s) of your choosing. We will do our best to accommodate you.

  • Disclosures

    Sponsor Disclosure: This Course is provided by MicroTransponder. Financial Disclosure: Speakers received an honorarium for this course. Non-Financial Disclosure: No relevant non-financial relationship to disclose.