About Us

ATU is an international provider of live and distant learning continuing education for healthcare providers who are already licensed or otherwise recognized to practice in their states and countries. We are here to help you keep your licenses current and to expand your clinical skills by offering state-of-the-art continuing education. One-hundred percent of our courses about Aquatic Therapy University are related to your favorite treatment technique, aquatic therapy.

ATU has provided continuing education training, both through live seminars and distance learning, since it was founded in 2009. We have trained 1000s of therapists, in 30+ states and 9 countries, and trained 14 ATU instructors over the last decade. In 2012, we became one of the first CE entities to seek preapproval for all of our education through the rigorous Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy.

ATU is a continuing education provider with a singular focus: aquatic therapy. ATU is not a trade or professional school. However, therapists and therapist’s assistants who graduate with an associate’s, bachelor’s and even doctoral degree often do not have the training necessary to be skillful in their use of aquatic therapy.

ATU offers a tiered, evidence-based, continuing education progression for the aquatic therapy provider. At ATU, expect your CE horizons to be broadened and your abilities challenged. Every single one of our 2-day continuing education classes is packed full of demanding cutting-edge content.

Do you dream in water? We do.

If you find yourself thinking in buoyancy, balance, and hydrostatic pressure — you’re in the right place. Aquatic Therapy University (ATU) is an international provider of live and online continuing education for healthcare professionals who use or want to use aquatic therapy in their clinical practice.

We help physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, recreational therapists, and other allied health providers keep their licenses current while expanding their skills through state-of-the-art aquatic therapy training. Every one of our 30+ courses is designed for clinicians who believe that water is more than a setting — it’s a treatment tool.

Who We Are

Since 2009, Aquatic Therapy University has trained thousands of therapists across 30+ states and 9 countries. We’ve built a global network of 14 expert ATU instructors — each an experienced clinician who teaches the science and art of evidence-based aquatic rehabilitation. In 2012, ATU became one of the first CE providers to seek pre-approval through the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT), meeting rigorous national standards for continuing competence.

What We Offer

ATU provides a tiered, evidence-based progression for clinicians who want to master aquatic therapy. From beginner to advanced levels, our programs include:

Live, hands-on aquatic therapy seminars
Online aquatic therapy CEU courses
Onsite facility training and staff development
Aquaticist credentialing

Whether you treat pain, neurologic disorders, pediatrics, or geriatrics, you’ll leave with practical, research-backed techniques you can apply immediately in the pool.

Our Mission

Aquatic Therapy University exists for one purpose: to elevate the practice of aquatic therapy worldwide. We’re not a trade school — we’re a professional development hub for licensed clinicians ready to turn good aquatic sessions into great ones.

At ATU, expect your horizons to expand and your abilities to be challenged.

Every one of our aquatic therapy CE courses is packed with cutting-edge content, clinical creativity, and evidence-based application.

Kiki Dickinson

MPT

Taylor Kozell

OTD, OTR/L

Andrea Salzman

MS, PT, ATU Director

Jennifer Tvrdy

OTDR/L

Julianne Alford

PT

Fezia Tyebally

MT, Halliwick Faculty

Cathy Maloney-Hills

DPT, PT

Emily Dunlap

PT, PhD

Brittany Gardner

DPT, OT

Debbie Torrellas

MT

Training students and professionals alike

Live Seminars

LOVE THE WATER? Want to take a live class?

Are you seeking a greater challenge in your continuing education? Was your aquatic therapy certificate too easy? Are you paying too much to keep it active? Our Aquaticist℠ Certificate of Advanced Recognition is challenging, clinical and wallet-friendly.

ATU trainings contain 16-hour lab-heavy seminars that will leave your head swollen and your legs wobbly. But when you have finished a minimum of 84-hours of evidence-based studies you’ll know that you accomplished something. And so will your boss and co-workers.

THE ATU CREDENTIAL

ATU enables physical medicine & rehab professionals to map out their continuing education pursuits on a 2-5 year plan. Physical and occupational therapists and assistants can seek an ATU Certificate of Advanced Recognition in any one of 4 specialty tracks, including a General Studies option.

Each class contains a minimum of 8 hours of lecture and 8 hours of pool lab (worth 1.6 CEUs or more). These credits can all be applied to a final 84-hour ATU Certificate of Advanced Recognition in any of the Tracks listed below. And, with over 25 classes to choose from, it is possible for you to custom design your own series of CE.

Aquaticist Prerequisites

ATU courses are taught with the assumption that attendees have at least an entry-level degree or its equivalent in experience. No time is spent on the underlying principles of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. ATU offers therapy professionals a tiered, evidence-based progression of continuing education. Classes are open to PTs/PTAs, OTs/OTAs, and (some classes) speech therapists. Other professionals who are legally permitted to perform aquatic therapy may also attend seminars with the assumption that each professional is required to only apply knowledge within his or her scope of practice.

Only PTs, PTAs, OTs and OTAs can seek recognition through the Aquaticist Credential training. Sample ATU Coursework: Students must log a minimum of 5 classes in a single track, plus take a 4-hour Boot Camp module. For more information on what classes must be taken, see below.

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Disclaimer The content provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is intended for use by licensed and student rehabilitation professionals. It does not constitute legal, medical, or billing advice, nor does it create a provider–patient or attorney–client relationship. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy and current compliance, laws, payer policies, and professional regulations vary by state and may change over time. Users are responsible for verifying all information with applicable federal, state, and payer rules before applying it in clinical or administrative practice. Participation in any ATU course, program, or resource does not guarantee licensure, certification, or reimbursement and should not be interpreted as a substitute for professional judgment, legal consultation, or individualized clinical decision-making. By using this site, you agree that Aquatic Therapy University and its affiliates are not liable for any errors, omissions, or outcomes resulting from use of this information.