About the ARK-J Program Course (1.1 ASHA-Approved CEUs)

The ARK-J (Amplification, Resistance, and Kinetics-of the Jaw) Program is the first and only ASHA CEU certification course for Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) treating adults who suffer from trismus as a result of cancer treatment, CVA, or trauma.

The ARK-J Program is an educational, workshop-style course that encourages clinicians to more closely examine the neuroanatomy and pathophysiology of the jaw, as well as the exercise science behind rehabilitating the muscles of mastication. The ARK-J Program is not a protocol for evaluating and treating trismus. Rather, the ARK-J Program is a collection of evidenced-based approachwa that rely heavily on the exercise science behind the therapeutic principles of active and passive range of motion exercises (i.e. application of amplification and resistance exercises to improve the kinetics of the jaw) and the latest trismus management research in order to more effectively tailor safe, effective, and progressive trismus treatment programs.

Carolina Speech Pathology is handling all CEU paperwork for participants. Only CCC-SLPs and CF-SLPs are eligible to receive 1.2 CEUs and certification.

The ARK-J Program Certification Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of the course and course exam, clinicians will be able to:

1. Identify patients who are at-risk for trismus.

2. Evaluate patients who are suspected of having trismus with standardized assessment tools.

3. Apply motivational interviewing techniques to increase active patient participation in therapy.

4. Differentiate between the treatment pathways of radiation-related trismus, UMN-related trismus, and trauma-related trismus.

5. Define normal (WFL), mild, moderate, and severe trismus in terms of maximal jaw opening measurement.

6. Measure maximal jaw opening correctly for purposes of assessment, treatment session baselines, and evaluating progress and effectiveness of treatment.

7. Educate patient on various trismus devices available on the market based on patient’s needs and financial abilities.

8. Design progressive, therapeutic passive jaw and active jaw stretching programs based on individual patient needs.

9. Implement specific therapy strategies to increase patient motivation, independence, and progress.

10. Design home maintenance programs for patients who have reached independence and treatment goals.

What accommodations are available near the course location?
Aloft RDU Brier Creek
10020 Sellona St, Raleigh, NC 27617

Fairfield Inn and Suites by Mariott RDU/Brier Creek
10040 Sellona St, Raleigh, NC 27617

Hyatt House Raleigh/RDU Brier Creek
10030 Sellona St, Raleigh, NC 27617

Course Refund Policy
Due to the nature of pre-ordering course supplies, catering, and venue space costs, our refund policy is as follows:

• 15 days or more before course date - Full refund minus $60 course material fee

• 14 days or less before the course date - 50% Refund

• A full refund will be given if ARK-J Program Certification Course is cancelled any reason. ARK-J Program coordinators reserve the right to cancel a conference in the event of an unforeseen circumstance, or if the minimum acceptable registration is not attained.

• In the event of a course cancellation, ARK-J Program coordinators are obligated to refund the registration fee only.

• Should our course be cancelled, The ARK-J Program coordinators cannot reimburse the airline change fees. Please consider purchasing tickets as close to the event as possible.
  

• Refunds will not be provided to those who do not cancel or for those who begin a course, but do not complete it.