A Comprehensive Review of Spinal Cord Injury

About this Certificate Program

The effects of catastrophic spinal cord injuries affect millions of people every year. This certificate program provides a comprehensive review of the effects of a spinal cord injury on an individual. Participants will learn about the pathophysiology of a spinal cord injury and how this injury affects bodily systems, communication and psychosocial behavior, which should improve a clinician’s ability to customize interventions to address specific deficits. This certificate is provided through six courses. In the first course, learners are exposed to pathophysiology and mechanism of spinal cord injury. In course two, participants will learn how a spinal cord injury interfaces with every bodily system, especially the central nervous system. Course three focuses on strategies to address deficits in the cardiovascular system, respiratory function, skin, and nutrition. In course four, learners are exposed to interventions to bladder, bowel, and sexual dysfunction. Course five focuses on addressing functional abilities affected by a spinal cord injury. The certificate concludes course six, which addresses aging and the psychosocial changes seen in persons with a spinal cord injury.

Target audience

This series is designed for nurses working in inpatient rehab, long-term care, skilled nursing facilities, outpatient, and home care.

Goals & objectives

• Explain common mechanisms of spinal cord injury and differentiate the pathophysiology behind them.

• Articulate the deficits associated with the central nervous system based on level of injury.

• Summarize the effects of spinal cord injury on the respiratory system based on level of injury.

• Identify strategies used to promote bladder continence.

• Differentiate changes seen in the musculoskeletal system that result from different level specific spinal cord injuries.

• Examine the effects of aging on a person with a spinal cord injury.