Introduction to Aquatic Therapy: Geriatrics

Available on demand | 3.0 contact hrs | On-demand recorded webinar + distance learning module.

Description: This course introduces aquatic therapy applications for older adults with mobility limitations, balance deficits, chronic pain, cognitive decline, and neurological conditions. Content focuses on patient selection, safety considerations, and clinically appropriate intervention strategies for individuals with age-related disorders. Participants will examine functional task design, cognitive engagement, and dual-task considerations within the aquatic environment to support safe movement, participation, and carryover to daily life. Emphasis is placed on clinical reasoning, progression of demand, and integration of aquatic therapy within comprehensive geriatric rehabilitation programs—without duplicating foundational aquatic science content.

To enroll 2+ learners, use "Buy Licenses' option below.

Format & Delivery

Format: Available on demand.

Recorded Webinar (2.5 hours) with Distance Learning Module (0.5 hours)

Total contact hours: 3.0 hours

Learning Objectives

At the end of the training, participants will be able to:

Describe clinical indications and precautions for aquatic therapy in older adults with musculoskeletal, neurologic, and cognitive impairments.
Analyze patient presentations to select aquatic tasks addressing mobility, balance, and cognitive engagement.
Compare aquatic and land-based approaches for supporting function and participation in older adults.

Additional Information about Course Content

Patient Selection and Safety in Older Adults:

Participants review key considerations for screening, supervision, fatigue management, and fall-risk mitigation when working with geriatric populations in aquatic settings.

Functional Task Design for Daily Life:

The course emphasizes task-oriented aquatic activities that mirror real-world demands such as transfers, gait, reaching, and balance during everyday activities.

Cognitive Engagement and Dual-Task Considerations:

Content explores how attention, memory, and divided-attention demands can be incorporated appropriately to support functional participation and safety.

Progression of Demand Without Overload:

Participants learn how to adjust support, resistance, and task complexity to progress interventions while respecting frailty, pain, and endurance limitations.

Integration Within Geriatric Care Pathways:

Emphasis is placed on coordinating aquatic therapy with land-based interventions and interdisciplinary care to support continuity, efficiency, and meaningful outcomes.

Target Audience Statement

This course is designed primarily for professionals with a basic understanding of physical medicine and rehabilitation. Those likely to benefit most are: Physical therapist & assistants, Occupational therapists & assistants, Recreational therapist & assistants, Speech & language pathologist & assistants.

Students who are at the basic level of skill acquisition and those who are at a higher level of skill, but who are looking for a course that provides "best practice" ideas for techniques currently practiced are also welcome.

This course can be applied toward 3 elective hours for individuals who are seeking their ATU Aquaticist credential.

This course does not focus on evaluation or examination of the patient and the content is within the scope of practice for the Assistant working under the supervision of the PT or OT or RT or SLP. While the primary audience for the course is the PT/OT/RT/SLP provider, other rehabilitation providers will find it beneficial.

CEU/CCU Information

CEU/CCU Information:

This course/training is offered under the name ATU Aquatic Therapy Seminars.
Note that state regulations are subject to change and each state has differing standards for approval of CE.
It is the responsibility of the attendee to verify approval and compliance with their state’s licensing board.

PT/PTA:

General Information: ATU reports CE credit through CEbroker.com when applicable. Licensees are responsible for confirming acceptance of this course with their individual licensing boards. Sponsor approval has been granted for continuing competence unit(s) (CCUs) by the Texas chapter of the APTA. This activity has been approved by the Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners for PTs and PTAs. State PT boards which accept CE approved by a state component of the APTA or state PT licensing boards may likewise accept these credits. Always check with your licensing agency for continuing education credit eligibility.
See below for known exceptions:

New York: CEUs/CCUs NOT available.
California, DC, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Tennessee, West Virginia - Pre-approval was not obtained in these states, but individuals are permitted to submit a self-application through their state licensing board. Comply with any deadline and fees for self-applications.

OT/OTA:

General Information: ATU reports CE credit through CEbroker.com when applicable. The Indiana Occupational Therapy Committee hereby certifies that the following continuing education provider has been approved to offer continuing education credits for license renewal for Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy Assistants (Certificate # 98001187A). Other state licensing boards which accept CE approved by a state component of the AOTA or state OT licensing boards may likewise accept these credits. Always check with your licensing agency for continuing education credit eligibility.
See below for known exceptions:

Montana & New York: CEUs/CCUs NOT available.
DC, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, New Mexico, Ohio, Vermont - Pre-approval was not obtained in these states, but individuals are permitted to submit a self-application through their state licensing board. Comply with any deadline and fees for self-applications.

Andrea Salzman

Andrea Salzman, MS, PT graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a Masters degree in physical therapy. Salzman is the Founder and Owner of the Aquatic Resources Network, the largest multidisciplinary clearinghouse of information on aquatic therapy. She currently serves as Director of Aquatic Therapy University and has assisted hundreds of facilities during the start-up and training phases of their aquatic practice. Salzman has received the highest honor given to an aquatic physical therapist from the American Physical Therapy Association, the Judy Cirullo Leadership Award. She has been listed in Who's Who for Aquatics multiple times over the years. Over her career, she has served as:

• Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Aquatic Physical Therapy

• Manager, Regions Hospital Therapy Pool

• Adjunct Faculty, College of St. Catherine’s PT program

• Functional Design Consultant; Aquatic Therapy Facilities

• ARN Database Creator, 19,000 aquatic professionals

• Aquatic Health Research Database (AHRD) Creator, 8000 abstracts and growing

• Author, 5 aquatic therapy-related texts

• Monthly columnist, Aquatics International, Advance for PTs, Onsite Fitness, AusMed and other trade magazines

Patrick Jones - Course author

What's included in this online course?

A step-by-step guide

Your ATU instructor's expertise will help you master the fundamentals of aquatic therapy.

Study at your own pace

You can enroll in this course whenever you want, and study at your own time, location and pace.

Unique learning experience

We will learn with ATU's interactive courses with different media and quizzes, to improve your knowledge.

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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.