Work Hardening and Conditioning
Certification Course

Learn how to design, implement, and grow effective work conditioning and work hardening programs that deliver measurable outcomes.

14.5 PT/AT CEUs

1.4 OT CEUs

The CEUs listed above apply to our live courses.
To view approved CEUs for our on-demand courses, click here.

Live In Person

Real-time training between teacher and students using latest research.

Dates/Locations:

Live Webcast

Virtual option allowing you to attend a live course from your home/office.

Dates:

On Demand

Pre-recorded training with pause/play, and rewind functionality.

Benefits:

  • Three months to complete
  • Learn at your speed
  • Contact instructor with any questions
What differentiates the course formats?
Click here for a quick breakdown!

Take your program to the next level!

This course is taught by occupational therapists who have dedicated their careers to helping injured workers and bring years of experience in implementing successful work hardening and conditioning programs that drive profitability.

Jim Mecham headshot
Jim Mecham
MSIE, OTR/L, CPE
Paige Shafer headshot
Paige Shafer
MS, OTR/L, CFCE, CEAS
Carrie Bath-Scheel headshot
Carrie Bath-Scheel
EdD, OT/L, CPE

Frequently Asked Questions

Day 1: Industrial Rehabilitation Philosophy and Work Hardening/Conditioning Evaluation

By the end of Day 1, participants will be able to:

  • Explain the history, purpose, and clinical foundations of work hardening and work conditioning programs
  • Differentiate between work hardening, work conditioning, and advanced work rehabilitation services
  • Apply return-to-work documentation principles that distinguish industrial rehab from traditional outpatient rehab
  • Design and organize a work hardening and work conditioning space that supports efficient program delivery
  • Identify key outcome measures and operational strategies required to establish a successful industrial rehabilitation program
  • Utilize functional reassessments and objective outcome data to monitor progress and demonstrate program effectiveness
  • Apply the OccuPro industrial rehabilitation philosophy to improve return-to-work outcomes
  • Perform a job demands analysis and utilize job-specific information to guide evaluation and treatment planning
  • Conduct a comprehensive evaluation including intake, sitting and standing tolerance, and musculoskeletal screening
  • Perform upper extremity and repetitive activity testing to evaluate functional ability and work readiness

Day 2: Program Development, Treatment Planning, and Return-to-Work Programming

By the end of Day 2, participants will be able to:

  • Evaluate balance, climbing ability, repetitive functional activities, and work-related movements during a WH/WC evaluation
  • Determine occasional and frequent material handling capabilities using evidence-based testing methodologies
  • Differentiate kinesiophysical and psychophysical approaches when assessing work capacity and treatment progression
  • Incorporate job simulation testing into evaluations and rehabilitation programs to improve workplace relevance
  • Develop measurable return-to-work goals and functional treatment objectives from evaluation findings
  • Design individualized work hardening/conditioning treatment plans that address patient-specific and job-specific deficits
  • Select appropriate exercises, work simulation activities, and functional interventions that support return-to-work success
  • Determine appropriate treatment frequency, duration, progression, and length of stay within a work rehabilitation program
  • Manage return-to-work cases using objective data, functional progression, and evidence-based decision making
  • Implement a complete program that improves outcomes, strengthens referral relationships, and supports program growth
  • Physical Therapists
  • Physical Therapist Assistants
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Occupational Therapist Assistants
  • Athletic Trainers
  • Exercise Physiologists
  • Chiropractors
  • Medical Doctors
  • Kinesiologists
  • Physicians
  • Allied Health Professionals
  • Introductory
  • No prerequisites required
  • 15:1 student to instructor ratio
  • Category 1: Domain of OT – Work
  • To view the approved CEUs for this live course, click here
  • To view the approved CEUs for this on-demand course, click here
  • Participation in the full two days of training
  • Performing a work hardening/conditioning evaluation
  • Creating return-to-work goals
  • Preparing a treatment plan based on your evaluation and designing the rehab program
  • Classroom presentation/critique of your evaluation and treatment plan
  • Completion of course quiz with a score of 80% or better
Everything was well covered and comprehensive and the course exceeded expectations! I can easily begin enhancing my work hardening/conditioning program.

Experience OccuPro's Return-to-Work Software firsthand!

This one-of-a-kind system is used as a training tool in this course to showcase how research is used to support which of your patients need these programs.

View Software
RTW Software
Work Conditioning Evaluation screenshot
General Approved Physical Therapy logo
Physical Therapists
We have obtained physical therapy approval in many of the 50 states. Contact us for a current list of courses approved in your state.
Approved Provider of Continuing Education logo
Occupational Therapists
OccuPro is an AOTA Approved Provider of professional development. Our course approval ID# 7669.
Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer logo
Athletic Trainers
Every course offered is approved for CEUs as defined by the Board of Certification, Inc. Approval provider number: P3880.