Courses & Seminars.
The WCRA specializes in bringing you world class in person and virtual continuing medical education and patient education events!
On-Site Courses
Bring the WCRA to you!
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On-Site Courses for Rehab Therapists: (details below)
The Game Changing Role and Benefits of Cancer Rehab (1 day)
Using Rehabilitation to Maximize Life, Health and Outcomes in People with Cancer (2 days)
Advanced Cancer Rehabilitation: Improving and Saving Lives (2 days)
The Game-Changing Role and Benefits of Cancer Rehab - 1 Day
Intended Audience: PT, PTA, OT, COTA
CEU hours: 6 – 8
Course Description:
This comprehensive one-day continuing education course equips physical and occupational therapists with evidence-based strategies to optimize rehabilitation for cancer patients throughout their treatment—from diagnosis to survivorship. Participants will learn the multifaceted impact of cancer treatments, including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, on the musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary, and integumentary systems. Therapists will learn to look for and create basic plans of care for functional loss and cancer-related impairments such as pain, fatigue, and weakness. By the end of the course, attendees will be prepared to create individualized rehabilitation plans that maximize patient outcomes and quality of life, while minimizing long-term complications.
Course Objectives:
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
Describe the critical role of rehabilitation in improving health outcomes for individuals living with or recovering from cancer.
Describe the common musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary, and functional impairments caused by cancer treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.
Describe 3 main components of a therapeutic exercise program to address cancer-related fatigue, weakness, and loss of function during and after treatment.
Describe strategies to prepare patients to minimize long-term and late effects of cancer treatments, including lymphedema, fibrosis, and cardiotoxicity.
Describe the unique rehabilitation needs of cancer survivors, including exercise prescription to maintain or improve bone density, BMI, and cardiovascular health.
Describe evidence based lymphedema risk reduction education and precautions.
Using Rehabilitation to Maximize Life, Health and Outcomes in People with Cancer - 2 Days
Intended Audience: PT, PTA, OT, COTA
CEU hours: 14 - 16
Course Description:
It is expected that up to 90% of people receiving cancer treatment may develop significant musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary, integumentary, and functional loss. This dynamic two-day continuing education course empowers physical and occupational therapists with the specialized skills needed to deliver comprehensive, longitudinal rehabilitation treatment and care to people during and after treatment for cancer. Participants will learn the full spectrum of cancer rehabilitation, from pre-operative care to survivorship and end-of-life support. Through lecture, discussion, case studies, hands-on lab, and evidence-based practice, therapists will learn how to create plans of care to address the unique physical, musculoskeletal, and functional impairments caused by cancer treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. The course emphasizes the role of rehabilitation in improving quality of life, reducing treatment-related complications, and optimizing patient outcomes. By the end of the program, therapists will be equipped to provide, patient-centered care that addresses the wide-ranging needs of individuals living with and recovering from cancer.
Course Objectives:
By the end of this course, the rehab therapist will be able to:
Describe the critical role of rehabilitation in improving health outcomes for individuals living with or recovering from cancer.
Describe the common musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary, and functional impairments caused by cancer treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.
Describe 3 main components of a therapeutic exercise program to address cancer-related fatigue, weakness, and loss of function during and after treatment.
Describe strategies to prepare patients to minimize long-term and late effects of cancer treatments, including lymphedema, fibrosis, and cardiotoxicity.
Describe the unique rehabilitation needs of cancer survivors, including exercise prescriptions to maintain or improve bone density, BMI, and cardiovascular health.
Describe evidence-based lymphedema risk reduction education and precautions.
Advocate for the role of rehabilitation in comprehensive cancer care, from diagnosis through survivorship and end-of-life care, highlighting its benefits in reducing complications, improving survival rates, and enhancing patient health and well-being.
Advocate for the role of rehabilitation in comprehensive cancer care, from diagnosis through survivorship and end-of-life care, highlighting its benefits in reducing complications, improving survival rates, and enhancing patient health and well-being.
Evaluate cancer-related fatigue, pain, weakness, and limited mobility and develop effective treatment strategies to address these impairments.
Implement manual therapy techniques and interventions to improve soft tissue flexibility, manage scarring, and restore range of motion following cancer surgeries.
Recognize and manage late effects of cancer treatment, such as lymphedema, fibrosis, and neuropathy, through targeted rehabilitation interventions.
Describe the unique rehabilitative needs of persons with metastatic cancer.
Describe the components of an exercise prescription to address chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.
Demonstrate basic manual therapy techniques to treat scar tissue, fibrosis and cording.
Describe a decision making for using modalities in a person with cancer or a history of cancer.
Advanced Cancer Rehabilitation: Improving and Saving Lives - 2 Days
Intended Audience: PT, PTA, OT, COTA
CEU hours: 14 - 16
Course Description:
This comprehensive 2-day course is designed for physical and occupational therapists looking to deepen their knowledge and skills in oncology rehabilitation. Cancer treatment can significantly affect patients' physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being, and as a rehabilitation professional, you have the opportunity to play a critical role in improving outcomes, quality of life, length of life and overall survival. From the management of common side effects like fatigue, neuropathy, and cognitive impairment to specialized manual therapy techniques for cording, scarring and fibrosis, this course will empower you with the tools to assess, treat, and support patients across the cancer continuum. You'll also gain essential knowledge in cancer terminology, treatment protocols, and the creation of long-term care plans from diagnosis to survivorship.
Course Objectives:
By the end of this course, the rehab therapist will be able to:
Define key cancer terminology and describe the primary treatments used in cancer care, including radiation and chemotherapy.
Design effective exercise prescriptions to combat cancer-related fatigue, tailored to individual patient needs and treatment stages.
Implement therapeutic approaches to manage chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy and improve patients' functional outcomes.
Develop safe, evidence-based exercise programs for patients with bone metastasis, focusing on fracture risk mitigation and functional mobility.
Create comprehensive, longitudinal rehabilitation plans that support cancer patients from diagnosis through survivorship.
Apply hands-on manual therapy techniques learned in lab sessions to effectively manage cording and other cancer-related conditions.
Stay current with emerging trends and research in cancer rehabilitation, integrating the latest evidence-based practices into clinical care.
Live Virtual Events
Virtual events are live at a day and time convenient for you and your team.
Scroll down to see FAQs and contact us with questions!
Live Virtual Lectures/Seminars for PT, OT, MD, RN, APP, CNNs etc: (details below)
Using Exercise to Decrease Cancer-Related Fatigue
Physical Therapy for People with Metastatic Cancer: Enhancing Safety, Function and Length and Quality of Life
Minimizing Lymphedema Risk After Cancer Treatment
Improving Patient and Program Outcomes: The Game-Changing Benefits of Cancer Rehabilitation
How to Help Patients Exercise When They Don’t Feel Well
Creating Thriving, Sustainable Cancer Survivorship Exercise Programs
Using Physical Therapy to Minimize Unnecessary Physical, Physiological and Functional Loss During Chemotherapy and Radiation
Educating Your Medical Champions: How to Talk with Oncology MDs/RNs
The Ideal Cancer Rehab Model in Team Medicine: Vision to Reality
Using Exercise to Decrease Cancer-Related Fatigue - 1 Hour
Intended Audience: oncology MDs, RNs, rehab therapists
Duration: 1 Hour
Course Description:
Cancer-related fatigue is typically reported by patients as the most common as well as the most distressing of their symptoms. One of the most effective tools in minimizing treatment-related fatigue is exercise. This course will teach the evidence behind exercise and how to help your patients sustain an exercise program during treatment.
Course Objectives:
By the end of this course, the rehab therapist will be able to:
Describe the benefits of exercise during and after treatment for cancer
Describe an evidence-based exercise prescription for during cancer treatment
Describe an evidence-based exercise prescription for cancer survivorship
Describe patient-friendly tools to progress and regress and exercise plan
Physical Therapy for People with Metastatic Cancer: Enhancing Safety, Function and Length and Quality of Life - 1 Hour
Intended Audience: oncology MDs, RNs, rehab therapists
Duration: 1 Hour
Course Description:
This one-hour course offers a comprehensive overview of how physical therapy can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals living with metastatic cancer. Participants will learn practical, evidence-based approaches to address the unique physical, emotional, and functional challenges faced by this population. Whether you’re a seasoned rehabilitation professional or new to oncology care, this course will deepen your understanding of how to assess, treat, and support individuals with metastatic cancer, helping them maintain mobility, manage symptoms, and enhance overall well-being.
Course Objectives:
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
Define the role of physical therapy in managing symptoms and improving quality of life for people with metastatic cancer.
Develop individualized exercise prescriptions that are safe and effective for managing symptoms like fatigue and pain in metastatic cancer patients.
Apply interventions for managing cancer-related pain and peripheral neuropathy.
Communicate effectively with patients and their families about functional goals, realistic expectations, and quality-of-life-focused care.
Minimizing Lymphedema Risk After Cancer Treatment - 1 Hour
Intended Audience: oncology MDs, RNs, rehab therapists
Duration: 1 Hour
Course Description:
Persons who have undergone lymph node removal and/or radiation as a result of cancer treatment are at risk for developing cancer related lymphedema. Many of the long standing “traditional” lymphedema precautions are not based on evidence and provide no protection against lymphedema, while potentially negatively impacting health and quality of life. This course will teach the knowledge and clinical skills needed to provide the best trajectory to full return of function post cancer treatment with minimized lymphedema risk.
Course Objectives:
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
1. State the definition of cancer related lymphedema
2. Describe 2 common cancer treatments that create lymphedema risk
3. List 2 lymphedema precautions not supported by evidence
4. List 3 evidence based lymphedema risk reduction practices
5. Describe 3 components of a lymphedema risk reduction patient education plan
6. Describe 2 components of a physical therapy treatment plan to minimize lymphedema risk.
Improving Patient and Program Outcomes: The Game-Changing Benefits of Cancer Rehabilitation - 1 Hour
Intended Audience: oncology MDs, RNs, rehab therapists
Duration: 1 Hour
Course Description:
Cancer rehabilitation is an evidence based tool to improve quality of life, increase length of life and improve overall survival in people with cancer. This course will provide an overview of the longitudinal and comprehensive role of cancer rehab, its multifaceted treatment plans and goals and its positive impacts on cancer patient and cancer program outcomes.
Course Objectives:
Explore the comprehensive role of rehabilitation in cancer care.
Consider the changes in oncology driving the increasing need for cancer rehabilitation.
Understand the common dysfunctions and impairments resulting from cancer surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy amenable to physical therapy.
Describe the benefits of therapeutic exercise during chemotherapy and radiation.
Describe the benefits of rehabilitation for patients in cancer survivorship.
How to Help Patients Exercise When They Don’t Feel Well - 1 Hour
Intended Audience: rehab therapists, oncology MDs, APPs, RNs
Duration: 1 Hour
Course Description:
Research clearly supports both inpatients and outpatients undergoing treatment for cancer have improved outcomes when they exercise. However, exercise may be difficult for patients to comprehend or tolerate when they don't feel well. Yet the larger the cancer burden, the harsher the treatment regimen, the lower the performance status, the more critically important exercise and rehab become. This course we'll teach the tips and tools to give medical professionals the scripting and exercise plan for effective exercise prescriptions to help and support patients even the weakest.
Course Objectives:
At the end of this course, participants will be able to:
Understand the critical role of exercise in improving outcomes for cancer patients undergoing treatment, regardless of their performance status.
Learn effective communication strategies to motivate and support patients in understanding the importance of exercise, even when they don’t feel well.
Develop exercise prescriptions tailored to individual patient needs, considering factors such as treatment regimen, cancer burden, and current health status.
Apply strategies for adjusting exercise plans to ensure both safety and effectiveness throughout treatment.
Creating Thriving, Sustainable Cancer Survivorship Exercise Programs - 1 Hour
Intended Audience: oncology professionals, program directors, cancer rehab therapists, community leaders
Duration: 1 Hour
Course Description:
Historically, exercise compliance in people with a history of cancer, is dismally low. With strong evidence supporting the life extending and recurrence and mortality reduction with exercise, it is imperative survivors meet the American Cancer Society exercise guidelines. This course will teach the components of an evidence based exercise prescription and how to create a thriving exercise program for your Cancer Center and community.
Course Objectives:
By the end of this course participants will be able to:
Describe 2 components of the American Cancer Society Cancer Survivor Exercise Guidelines
Describe the 2 reasons exercise is important for cancer survivors
Describe 3 common exercise/fitness barriers cancer survivors may face
Describe 2 suggestions to help ensure a patient’s long term exercise compliance
Using Physical Therapy to Minimize Unnecessary Physical, Physiological and Functional Loss During Chemotherapy and Radiation - 1 Hour
Intended Audience: medical oncology/radiation oncology MDs, APPs, RNs, rehab therapists
Duration: 1 Hour
Course Description:
Chemotherapy and radiation treatments used in cancer care are known to be associated with physical, physiological and functional loss. Much of this loss can be mitigated or prevented with physical therapy. Research indicates receiving physical therapy during treatment for cancer decreases not only symptom burden, but also decreases fall risk, re-admissions, ED visits while maintaining or improving performance status and ejection fraction. This course will teach which symptoms are amenable to physical therapy, how they are treated and when to refer your patients for maximum benefit and outcomes.
Course Objectives:
By the end of this course participants will be able to:
List 3 treatment related side effects amenable to physical therapy.
List 3 patient and cancer program outcomes improved with physical therapy.
Describe the optimal timeline to refer a patient to physical therapy.
List 3 tips to help encourage your patients to exercise.
Educating Your Medical Champions: How to Talk with Oncology MDs/RNs - 1 Hour
Intended Audience: rehab therapists, rehab leadership
Duration: 1 Hour
Course Description:
This 1-hour talk equips physical therapists with strategies to effectively engage cancer physicians and nurses, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration in cancer care. By understanding the unique contributions of cancer rehabilitation therapists, healthcare providers can ensure improved patient outcomes through timely and appropriate referrals. This course will dive into the importance of cancer rehab for patients across all stages of treatment, demystify the scope of practice, and offer practical tips on how to educate and build trust with oncology teams. Participants will leave empowered to advocate for their role in the care continuum, ensuring that rehabilitation becomes a critical component of cancer care plans.
Course Objectives:
By the end of this course participants will be able to:
Identify key moments across the cancer care continuum when rehabilitation should be integrated and when to refer patients.
Explore common misconceptions about cancer rehabilitation therapy among oncology providers.
Learn effective communication strategies to educate cancer physicians and nurses on the benefits of rehabilitation.
Identify barriers to rehabilitation referrals in oncology settings and how to overcome them.
Outline the process of delivering clear, concise, and evidence-based presentations to oncology providers.
Create an actionable plan for establishing and growing interdisciplinary relationships within cancer care teams.
The Ideal Cancer Rehab Model in Team Medicine: Vision to Reality - 1 Hour
Intended Audience: medical oncology/radiation oncology MDs, APPs, RNs, rehab therapists
Duration: 1 Hour
Course Description:
This lecture is designed to educate oncology providers on the comprehensive and collaborative role of physical rehabilitation across the cancer care continuum. By integrating physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology into a coordinated team-based model, this session aims to demonstrate how these services enhance patient outcomes from diagnosis through survivorship. We will explore current gaps in coordinated care, strategies to promote interdisciplinary collaboration, and how to embed rehabilitation into routine oncology practice. The course emphasizes screening, risk stratification, referral processes, and quality improvement measures to ensure that every patient in need of rehabilitation is connected with services and supported throughout their journey. Participants will leave with actionable steps to build a collaborative, measurable, and successful cancer rehab model within their cancer programs.
Course Objectives:
By the end of this lecture, participants will be able to:
Describe the full longitudinal scope of physical rehabilitation in oncology, from diagnosis through survivorship and beyond.
Identify current barriers to integrating rehabilitation services into cancer care and ways to address these gaps.
Promote coordinated care by fostering collaboration between physical therapists, oncologists, and nurses to ensure improved patient outcomes through early and ongoing referrals.
Apply strategies for risk stratification to ensure timely referrals for rehabilitation.
Implement quality improvement initiatives that assess the effectiveness of rehabilitation integration into oncology care.
For Cancer Survivors
Lectures & Seminars for cancer patients, survivors and community partners.
Live Virtual Seminars for cancer patients, survivors, supporters, community partners, etc: (details below)
Lymphedema Risk Reduction: Protecting Your Health After Cancer Treatment
A Path to Renewed Energy: Using Exercise to Decrease Cancer-Related Fatigue
Move with Confidence: Exercise to Help Ease Chemotherapy Neuropathy
Moving Forward: How to Build a Lifelong Exercise Plan After Cancer
Optimizing Your Life and Health: Strategies to Live Well with Metastatic Cancer
Build your Own Lecture or Seminar
Lymphedema Risk Reduction: Protecting Your Health After Cancer Treatment
Seminar Description:
Join us for an empowering and informative talk on how to reduce your risk of lymphedema, a side effect that can occur after cancer treatments like surgery or radiation. Many of the long-standing “traditional” lymphedema precautions are not based on evidence and provide no protection against lymphedema, potentially negatively impacting health and quality of life. In this session, you’ll learn what lymphedema is and practical strategies you can use to decrease your risk. This talk will equip you with the knowledge and tools to take control of your well-being and live confidently.
A Path to Renewed Energy: Using Exercise to Decrease Cancer-Related Fatigue
Seminar Description:
Cancer-related fatigue can feel overwhelming, leaving you exhausted even after a full night’s rest. If you’re struggling to regain energy during or after cancer treatment, this talk is for you! Join in for an empowering and informative session where we will explore how exercise—when done thoughtfully and safely—can help reduce the fatigue that cancer survivors often face.
This seminar will break down the science behind cancer-related fatigue and explain why exercise is one of the most effective ways to combat it. You’ll learn practical, easy-to-follow strategies to incorporate movement into your daily routine, whether you’re feeling strong or dealing with low energy.
Move with Confidence: Exercise to Help Ease Chemotherapy Neuropathy
Seminar Description:
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) can leave you feeling tingling, numbness and pain in your hands and feet, affecting your balance and mobility. In this seminar, we’ll explore how specific exercises can help improve strength, sensation, and coordination, making it easier to manage these symptoms. You'll learn practical tips for safe movement, exercises that can be done at home, and ways to stay active without worsening symptoms. Whether you’re in treatment or post-treatment, this talk will empower you with tools to move with confidence and live more comfortably.
Moving Forward: How to Build a Lifelong Exercise Plan After Cancer
Seminar Description:
Cancer survivorship doesn’t end when treatment ends. It's a new beginning. This talk will help you discover the power of exercise in reclaiming strength, boosting energy, and improving overall well-being after cancer. Whether you're new to exercise or looking to enhance your routine, you’ll learn manageable exercise to safely incorporate movement into your routine, reduce fatigue, and gain confidence as you move forward in your life post cancer.
Optimizing your Life and Health: Strategies to Live Well with Metastatic Cancer
Seminar Description:
This empowering and informative session is designed specifically is designed to help you live your best life with metastatic cancer. We’ll focus on real-world strategies to improve your day-to-day well-being, helping you to manage symptoms, stay active and strong, and find balance through all stages of treatment. You'll learn ways to optimize your physical, emotional, and mental well-being, empowering you to take control of your health and live as fully as possible.
FAQs
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Of course! We offer the option to create a customized virtual or on-site course, seminar, or lecture tailored to your team’s needs. Contact Dr. Leslie Waltke to discuss content, length, and goals to meet your organization’s specific objectives!
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Absolutely! We are happy to join you in person or virtually for any course, seminar or lecture. Based on the audience’s needs, we may recommend courses longer than 6 hours be in on-site.
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Yes, our courses, lectures and seminars are eligible for CEUs where available. The WCRA will provide all information needed for your facility to apply for CE approval by your desired professional association. Applying and any fees associated with CEU applications are the responsibility of the hosting facility.
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No, there is no limit on the number of participants, as long as they are employed by the hiring facility’s organization.
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The course fee includes all instructor travel, meals and lodging. A digital copy of the course handouts/materials will be provided to you prior to the course. If your facility wants hard copies, the facility will be responsible for copying and copying expenses. Your facility will be asked to provide a meeting room (classroom style) and AV equipment.
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Yes.
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No, participants will just need an internet connection. Virtual events may be held on Zoom, Teams, Google Meets or a meeting software preferred by the hosting facility.