CALL FOR APPLICATIONS
Susan E Bennett MS Rehabilitation Therapy Specialty Training Program
The Foundation of the CMSC (FCMSC), the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC) and the International Organization of Multiple Sclerosis Rehabilitation Therapists (IOMSRT) are pleased to announce the continuation of the Susan E Bennett MS Rehabilitation Therapy Specialty Training Program. This program was established to support additional training and to stimulate excellence and growth in the delivery of rehabilitation in the field of MS. The program will promote the CMSC’s core value of the need for comprehensive care for people living with MS.
This program is for professionals and professionals-in-training who want to learn more about rehabilitation in multiple sclerosis. The program is not designed for experienced professionals who have completed MSCS certification or have extensive experience in MS. Rehabilitation experts will be paired with professionals who are contemplating a focus on multiple sclerosis rehabilitation care or are 1-3 years into their MS specialty career: rehabilitation professionals and graduate students in the areas of physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech/language pathology. Mentors will share their knowledge and experience with their scholars over the five-day training experience. Selected trainees will be provided with scholarship funds of $2,500 to cover travel, lodging, and meals. Trainees are responsible for any expenses incurred over scholarship amount.
The Training Experience:
The rehabilitation training experience will take place on-site at selected CMSC MS Centers in the United States and/or Canada. Each approved scholar will participate in a total of 35 hours of training covering aspects of rehabilitation and comprehensive care provided at a CMSC MS center. Areas of education may include, but not be limited to:
- Medical management in MS – neurological and nursing care
- Exposure to psychosocial services
- Wellness services or referral for health promotion
- MS-Specific rehabilitation programs
- 60 minute overview for each discipline-basics to advanced as identified by the fellows prior to the site visit [3 hr]
- Patient interaction
- Active clinical research programs [discussion and/or participation in ongoing program]
- Exposure to seating and mobility clinics
- Spasticity interventions
Eligibility Requirements:
- Eligibility is limited to therapists recent to MS work who have not previously been awarded and completed this training course.
- Applicants must hold appropriate licensure, certification and/or registration in the state/province of their current employment OR be currently enrolled in an accredited rehabilitation graduate program.
- Must have a minimum of a BA/BS degree from an accredited college or university.
- Be available to attend session training dates and stay through completion of the program on the last day (not including travel which may involve an additional two days). Training sites and dates will be announced as funds become available. Applicants may apply in advance to be considered for any future training.
- Selected candidates must be able to provide documentation of up-to-date vaccinations (some sites may require COVID vaccinations).
Evaluation/Selection Process
Candidates may apply independently or be nominated by their department heads. The selection process will be administered independently of grantors through a board review process of the Foundation of the CMSC and the CMSC Rehabilitation Special Interest Group.
Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and will be considered as funds become available.
If you have any questions about the program, please contact Nancy Chazen, at 201-487-1050 x107, nancy.chazen@mscare.org.