Certificate Program
Orthopedic Mentorship Series
Sharpen your orthopedic clinical reasoning through expert-guided patient cases.
Browse PlansAlready a subscriber? Sign in to start
About this Certificate Program
This certificate program simulates one-on-one mentorship from a clinical instructor, residency mentor, or fellowship mentor, guiding you through the evaluation and treatment of orthopedic conditions across the neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist and fingers, low back, hip, knee, and foot and ankle. Through interactive patient cases, you will connect subjective and objective findings to effective interventions while applying clinical practice guidelines and a competency-based framework. The coursework emphasizes real-world cases and the practical application of clinical reasoning principles.
Target audience
This certificate program is for physical therapists, occupational therapists, and athletic trainers.
Goals & objectives
-
Gather a detailed patient history and select appropriate tests and measures to identify physical impairments and functional limitations across body regions
-
Synthesize subjective, objective, and intervention data to strengthen clinical reasoning and decision-making in orthopedic patient cases
-
Plan evidence-based interventions that increase patient participation in daily activities
-
Integrate clinical practice guideline recommendations into orthopedic examination and treatment
What’s included in the Certificate Program
Accredited Online Courses*
15 hours of online video lectures and patient demonstrations.
Interactive Learning Assessments
Case-based quizzes to evaluate and improve clinical reasoning.
Case Study Interviews
Recorded Q&A sessions between instructors and practice managers.
Certificate Program overview
Section 1
Before You Begin 1 ItemOrthopedic Mentorship Guide Text And Links
Section 2
Lower Half 3 ItemsOrthopedic Mentorship Series: Hip Course
Chapter 1: Introduction
This chapter introduces the mentorship format, learning outcomes, and clinical framework used to approach hip pain conditions. Learners are oriented to the step-by-step structure of the case-based analysis and the integration of clinical practice guidelines in orthopedic care.
Chapter 2: Case #1: John
This chapter introduces the first patient, a 67-year-old male with chronic anterior/lateral hip pain. You will engage in the case with the instructor (your mentor) and will actively problem-solve the case using a series of polling questions. You will then use clinical reasoning to link subjective and objective information to provide optimal interventions for the patient.
Chapter 3: Case #2: Sue
This chapter introduces the second patient, a 35-year-old female with anterior hip pain. You will engage in the case with the instructor (your mentor) and will actively problem-solve the case using a series of polling questions. You will then use clinical reasoning to link subjective and objective information to provide optimal interventions for the patient.
Orthopedic Mentorship Series: Knee Course
Chapter 1: Introduction
This chapter lays the groundwork for the case presentation process, introducing you to the framework and preparing you for the upcoming patient cases.
Chapter 2: Case #1: Leonard
Participants will examine the case of an older adult experiencing knee pain during gait loading, focusing on the relationship between sagittal plane mobility and shock absorption. The lesson demonstrates how to use dynamometry to overcome the ceiling effects of manual muscle testing in a clinical setting.
Chapter 3: Case #2: Marla
This chapter explores patellofemoral pain in a recreational runner, highlighting frontal- and transverse-plane impairments during the running cycle. Clinicians will learn symptom modification procedures and targeted interventions for the hip and ankle to optimize running mechanics.
Orthopedic Mentorship Series: Foot and Ankle Course
Chapter 1: Introduction
Clinicians will establish a robust framework for orthopedic mentorship by identifying strategies to streamline the subjective and objective examination process. This chapter highlights the importance of linking evidence-based research to clinical findings to support more accurate hypothesis development.
Chapter 2: Case #1: Katie
This chapter examines the case of a 34-year-old with anterolateral ankle pain to demonstrate the clinical synthesis of joint hypomobility and hypermobility. Participants will learn how to address lateral column deficits and implement peroneal and gluteal strengthening to restore dynamic stability.
Chapter 3: Case #2: Carlos
Through the assessment of midportion Achilles pain, learners will explore differential diagnosis techniques, including neurodynamic tension testing and the Royal London Hospital Test. This section details the application of mechanical loading principles and activity modification to manage tendon pathology effectively.
Section 3
Upper Half 3 ItemsOrthopedic Mentorship Series: Shoulder Course
Chapter 1: Introduction
This chapter lays the groundwork for the case presentation process, introducing you to the framework and preparing you for the upcoming patient cases.
Chapter 2: Case #1: Justin Time
This chapter introduces the first patient presenting with shoulder pain. You will engage in the case with the instructor (your mentor) and will actively problem-solve the case using a series of polling questions. You will then use clinical reasoning to link subjective and objective information to provide optimal interventions for the patient.
Chapter 3: Case #2: April Furst
This chapter introduces the second patient presenting with shoulder pain. You will engage in the case with the instructor (your mentor) and will actively problem-solve the case using a series of polling questions. You will then use clinical reasoning to link subjective and objective information to provide optimal interventions for the patient.
Orthopedic Mentorship Series: Elbow Course
Chapter 1: Introduction
This chapter lays the groundwork for the case presentation process by introducing the framework and preparing you for the upcoming patient cases.
Chapter 2: Case #1: Evan
This case study focuses on a patient with chronic lateral elbow pain and emphasizes the differential diagnosis between local muscle performance deficits and peripheral nerve mechanosensitivity. Learners will explore the role of the thoracic spine and radial nerve excursion in managing lateral elbow tendinopathy.
Chapter 3: Case #2: Kacey
This study addresses post-traumatic elbow stiffness and distinguishes joint from soft tissue limitations in extension. The discussion highlights the importance of regional interdependence, specifically how shoulder and scapular stability influence elbow function during weight-bearing activities.
Orthopedic Mentorship Series: Wrist and Fingers Course
Chapter 1: Introduction
This chapter lays the groundwork for the case presentation process by introducing the framework and preparing you for the upcoming patient cases.
Chapter 2: Case #1: Lena
This chapter examines the case of a 80-year-old female with chronic interphalangeal joint stiffness to differentiate between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Learners will observe objective testing techniques, including the Bunnell-Littler test, to distinguish between capsular and intrinsic muscle restrictions.
Chapter 3: Case #2: Stephen
This chapter focuses on a 27-year-old patient with ulnar-sided wrist pain following a traumatic fall to investigate potential triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) or lunotriquetral sprains. Participants will analyze provocative maneuvers and weight-bearing tests to develop a tiered rehabilitation program centered on joint unloading and progressive stability.
Section 4
Spine 2 ItemsOrthopedic Mentorship Series: Neck Course
Chapter 1: Introduction
This chapter introduces the mentorship format, learning objectives, and clinical framework used to approach cervical spine conditions. Learners are oriented to the step-by-step structure of the case-based analysis and the integration of clinical practice guidelines in orthopedic care.
Chapter 2: Case #1: Anita
This chapter introduces the first patient, a 27-year-old yoga instructor who presents with chronic left-sided neck pain. You will engage in the case with the instructor (your mentor) and will actively problem-solve the case using a series of polling questions. You will then use clinical reasoning to link subjective and objective information to provide optimal interventions for the patient.
Chapter 3: Case #2: Frank
This chapter introduces the second patient, a 37-year-old male with chronic neck pain. You will engage in the case with the instructor (your mentor) and will actively problem-solve the case using a series of polling questions. You will then use clinical reasoning to link subjective and objective information to provide optimal interventions for the patient.
Orthopedic Mentorship Series: Low Back Course
Chapter 1: Introduction
This chapter lays the groundwork for the case presentation process, introducing you to the framework and preparing you for the upcoming patient cases.
Chapter 2: Case #1: Tad Pohl
This chapter introduces the first patient presenting with low back pain. You will engage in the case with the instructor (your mentor) and will actively problem-solve the case using a series of polling questions. You will then use clinical reasoning to link subjective and objective information to provide optimal interventions for the patient.
Chapter 3: Case #2: Claire Voyant
This chapter introduces the second patient presenting with low back pain. You will engage in the case with the instructor (your mentor) and will actively problem-solve the case using a series of polling questions. You will then use clinical reasoning to link subjective and objective information to provide optimal interventions for the patient.
Section 5
Optional Resources 3 ItemsOrthopedic Mentorship Series: Clinical Practice Guidelines Course
Chapter 1: Foundations of Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs)
This chapter defines what CPGs are and explains their role in reducing variation in care and promoting evidence-based decision-making. Learners are introduced to how to access all available clinical practice guidelines, the hierarchy of evidence, the grading of recommendations, and the structure of a typical CPG, which lays the foundation for deeper clinical application.
Chapter 2: Diagnosis/Classification and Examination in CPGs
This chapter explores how CPGs inform both subjective and objective assessments. Clinicians will learn how to align examination findings with impairment-based classifications and select appropriate patient-reported outcome measures. The emphasis is on synthesizing data into actionable diagnostic categories that improve clarity and consistency in care.
Chapter 3: Interventions in CPGs
This chapter highlights how to choose interventions based on the strength of CPG recommendations. It covers the use of exercise, manual therapy, education, adjunct modalities, and a range of other evidence-supported options and explains when and how to incorporate these into a plan of care.
Chapter 4: Integrating CPGs Into Practice
Chapter four covers decision trees, author and reviewer affiliations, references, appendices, and implementation resources as they apply to CPGs.
Orthopedic Mentorship Series: Framework for Mentorship Course
Chapter 1: Foundations of Competency-Based Mentorship
This chapter introduces the fundamental shift toward milestone-based development, where clinical progress is determined by demonstrated ability rather than mere hours of exposure. Learners will examine the core domains of competence for both residents and mentors to establish a common language for professional growth and assessment.
Chapter 2: Mentorship Structure
This section provides a practical implementation plan for clinical mentoring, detailing a three-part session structure designed to maximize educational efficiency and patient safety. Clinicians will learn to utilize structured logs and specific interaction models, such as shared management and direct observation, to support the mentee’s evolving independence.
Chapter 3: Pitfalls, Clinical Pearls, and Additional Resources
The final chapter identifies common obstacles in the mentoring relationship, such as answering too quickly or failing to use silence during debriefing. Participants receive a suite of self-assessment tools and clinical pearls to refine their facilitative skills and support long-term mentorship success.
Additional Certificate Programs from Dr. Jared Vagy Text And Links
Instructors
Jared Vagy
PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS
CEU approved
15
total hours*
of accredited coursework.
Medbridge accredits each course individually so you can earn CEUs as you progress.
Start “Orthopedic Mentorship Series”
Get this Certificate Program and so much more! All included in the Medbridge subscription.
Browse PlansFrequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about Certificate Programs.
Accreditation Hours
Each course is individually accredited and exact hours will vary by state and discipline. Check each course for specific accreditation for your license.
When do I get my certificate?
You will receive accredited certificates of completion for each course as you complete them. Once you have completed the entire Certificate Program you will receive your certificate for the program.
Do I get CEU credit?
Each course is individually accredited. Please check each course for your state and discipline. You can receive CEU credit after each course is completed.
Do I have to complete the courses in order?
It is not required that you complete the courses in order. Each Certificate Program's content is built to be completed sequentially but it is not forced to be completed this way.
How long do I have access to the Certificate Program?
You will have access to this Certificate Program for as long as you are a subscriber. Your initial subscription will last for one year from the date you purchase.
Take the first step with Medbridge
Browse our plans and pricing, or request a demo and let us help you find the right fit for your organization.
Large Organizations
50+ seats
Book a Demo
Planning to purchase 50 or more licenses for your organization?
Book a demo to speak with our team about solution options,
pricing, and implementation.
Looking for fewer than 50 licenses?
Explore our self-guided demos
.
Thanks for contacting sales!
We'll get back to you soon.