$69.00 USD

99% rating - reviews

0.3  ASHA CEUs

Esophageal Dysphagia: Evaluation And Treatment Options #e181


Presenter: Tom Franceschini, MS, CCC-SLP

Learn treatment options to improve swallowing function in patients with esophageal dysphagia.


"Mr. Franceschini is a fantastic presenter. He provides direct, evidence-based, and practical approaches to medical SLP practice. To the point, very useful information."

– J.H., prior course participant

Read more comments about this course!

This course will discuss the role of the speech-language pathologist in the evaluation and treatment of Esophageal Dysphagia. Participants will learn anatomy and physiology of the esophagus, etiology of common esophageal disorders and diseases, and how swallowing and voice disorders occur from disorders of the esophagus.

Learn to identify common disorders and diseases of the esophagus during assessment, and treatment options to improve swallowing function in patients with esophageal dysphagia. Learn to interpret the findings of an esophagram and upper GI as it relates to patients with dysphagia, and discuss the role of the SLP in medical management and treatment of esophageal dysphagia. Current research is reviewed and how these findings apply to speech pathology practice is discussed.

Course is offered for 0.3 ASHA CEUs – 3 contact hours.

Course Overview – Run Time: 3:03:27

PART I: Esophageal Dysphagia

  • Esophageal Assessment: History and Reasoning for Speech-Language Pathologists

PART II: Esophageal Considerations

  • Anatomy and Physiology of the Esophagus
  • Role of the SLP in Esophageal Screening and Referral Guidelines
  • Esophageal Disorders and Management Considerations

"The presenter was very engaging & gave numerous examples of disorders of the esophagus. His examples were clear, and he often reinforced common disorders of the esophagus that can adversely affect swallow function. He also emphasized examples where a physician was warranted immediately due to the seriousness of the patient's problem."

– A.P., prior course participant

Read more comments about this course!

Content Disclosure: The content of this online CE course does not focus exclusively on any specific proprietary product or service. Presenter financial and non-financial disclosures may be found in the Presenter & Disclosures area.

Video PowerPoint presentation with author narration & downloadable handout. Stop and re-start the course at any point. Learners retain access to course content after completion for ongoing reference and review.

Reviews

"Beneficial discussion on the relationship between oropharyngeal dysphagia and esophageal dysphagia." S.K. (Jan. 2024)

"Esophageal disorders detailed along with fluoro images and EDG images were beneficial. I liked the flow and multimedia presentation." L.P. (Dec. 2023)

"Having specific therapy approaches to help with UES opening that I can immediately assess on VFSS was helpful. It also helps to know what is specifically only addressable by physicians vs SLP involvement. There was a lot of thorough discussion of research and GI input." D.K. (Nov. 2023)

"I liked the first-hand examples, reported experience & EBP of the importance of considering the entire GI tract when evaluating swallow function. Accessible and easy-to-follow course. Love that the material is available long term to return to reference." S.E. (Nov. 2023)

"I feel more comfortable now with addressing esophageal dysphagia. I liked the presentation's clarity." P.T. (Nov. 2023)

"The communication and education for collaboration with professionals was helpful. I liked the ease of taking the course - it fit well into my schedule." M.F. (Nov. 2023)

"Discussed common esophageal disorders. I liked the visuals." A.C. (Nov. 2023)

"The diagnosis info was beneficial. I enjoyed the verbal presentation and slides." T.S. (Nov. 2023)

"The entire course was eye-opening to me in regards to the SLP role in esophageal dysphagia. The lecture slides were concise and not overwhelming. I liked the graphs/models/videos." J.M. (Nov. 2023)

"Discussing the rarer esophageal disorders was helpful. I liked the course organization." Y.P. (Nov. 2023)

"The speaker was very thorough and obviously extremely knowledgeable on this subject. The data presented from the Radiology literature (i.e. Dr. Jones and Dr. Donner) gave me insight as a clinician to push for an esophageal sweep during the VFSS. The esophageal sweep and all the disorders that it can reveal during the VFSS was beneficial." P.T. (Oct. 2023)

"Excellent slides and videos. Learning the esophageal disorders that are most common and the treatment options." B.G. (Oct. 2023)

"I liked the manner in which the presenter spoke and the simple ways he was able to describe complex concepts." C.C. (Oct. 2023)

"Diagnosis of different types of esophageal dysphagia." J.K. (Oct. 2023)

"Anatomical images and the definitions of different esophageal disorders were beneficial." V.T. (Oct. 2023)

"Review of the cranial nerves was helpful. I just learned that those with Parkinson's may develop tighter UES opening, and head rotation increases intrabolus pressure. I liked the examples, imaging and case studies." L.T. (Oct. 2023)

"Every part of this course was beneficial. I especially appreciated the information re: UES and the oropharyngeal symptoms that may result from esophageal dysphagia. Information re: referred sensation was also very interesting. The presenter's pacing & concentration of useful information was in perfect balance." B.H. (Aug. 2023)

"I liked the organization of material presented and actual photos of esophageal conditions." J.H. (Aug. 2023)

"Specific interventions and referrals. I liked the discussion on the correlation between images seen under fluoro and endoscopy." E.G. (Aug. 2023)

"Lots of videos and visuals! I liked the tube feed considerations." M.L. (Aug. 2023)

"The presenter was excellent. He was engaging, his slides were well organized. Charts, pictures, and videos helped me to conceptualize the information that he presented." E.M. (Jul. 2023)

"Thorough review of esophageal anatomy and physiology." A.M. (Jul. 2023)

"Learning to screen for esophageal disorders was beneficial. I liked all the images and videos." V.H. (Jun. 2023)

"Extremely educational and valuable course for SLPs. The presenter was very knowledgeable about the topic and I personally enjoyed listening to the stories about real patients and simultaneously watching videos that corresponded with their issue or disorder. I liked the fact that you can stop and go as you please. Rewind and re-listen to important information." F.M. (Jun. 2023)

"Discussing esophageal disorders and the review of anatomy and physiology were beneficial." C.C. (May 2023)

"I liked the anatomy and physiology review. Good images and videos and clear delivery." S.R. (Apr. 2023)

"Facts that can positively affect dysphagia assessment and management. Easy to learn from this course. Good references." R.C. (Apr. 2023)

"I liked the examples provided. The general esophagus knowledge was beneficial." M.S. (Mar. 2023)

"Love Tom's courses. He is so easy to follow and a very good speaker overall. I have seen him in person and would love to attend another one of his courses live. The vast majority of my residents have GERD, which our facility has been assessing at MBS with a modified esophagram for many years." K.H. (Feb. 2023)

"I work in a hospital setting and get referrals for oropharyngeal dysphagia - that turns out to be esophageal - all of the time." S.K. (Feb. 2023)

"Information about xerostomia impacting the esophagus, reflux information, visuals on what CP bar, Zenkers look like on MBSS. I liked the visuals - fluoroscopy images and scope images, and images of different esophageal conditions." J.K. (Feb. 2023)

"The presenter was very clear and concise in explaining the causes of the various types of esophageal dysphagia as well as what to look for during the VFSS." A.R. (Jan. 2023)

"The presenter was easy to understand - he was clearly extremely knowledgeable about the topic and provided lots of real-life patient examples." A.R. (Jan. 2023)

"Terminology, treatments, issues with the aorta, causes related to different types of reported dysphagia (i.e. solids vs solids and liquids), reflux, NSAID effects. Good visuals and examples." C.A. (Jan. 2023)

"Excellent information for patients I see every day. Esophageal dysphagia is an area that often gets glossed over in our practice. I'm glad to be an advocate for these patients." L.T. (Dec. 2022)

"I have been to several of Tom F's courses and he is by far the most knowledgeable in this area. Learning all of the disorders of the esophagus explained in detail...not only what they are but what causes them and s/s. Great details." M.W. (Dec. 2022)

"I liked how the presenter acknowledged how important the esophageal stage of the swallow is during assessment and treatment of dysphagia. Also the refresher on anatomy was helpful." J.M. (Dec. 2022)

"Tom's style of case presentation is engaging and educational. He gives excellent courses. I liked learning the symptoms of esophageal dysphagia and resources for evaluating dysphagia." S.M. (Nov. 2022)

"I liked the esophagitis discussion and seeing images of disorders during endoscopy and videofluoroscopy." M.C. (Nov. 2022)

"Learning common esophageal disorders with descriptions and videos was helpful. I liked the examples." J.L. (Nov. 2022)

"Very informative, I learned a lot from this course - identification of esophageal dysfunction during my swallow studies." L.N. (Nov. 2022)

"It was beneficial seeing different disorders of the esophagus I may encounter based on liquid or solids dysphagia." L.B. (Nov. 2022)

"Interesting to listen and stay attentive to the presentation." B.C. (Nov. 2022)

"The whole course was very useful. The EGD images were really helpful to better understand pts complaints and the nature of esophageal disorders." L.G. (Oct. 2022)

"The images/videos of esophageal disorders on both fluoro and when being scoped were helpful." C.B. (Oct. 2022)

"I liked the efficiency/thoroughness of this course." H.P. (Oct. 2022)

"Many patients come up with symptoms of esophageal disorders along with oropharyngeal problems. This presentation has greatly helped me in understanding the various disorders." P.M. (Sept. 2022)

"I liked the mix of pictures and videos demonstrating different disorders." A.B. (Sept. 2022)

"I liked the case studies, videos, and tips about how to approach radiologists who are resistant to esophageal sweep." E.G. (Aug. 2022)

"Very knowledgeable speaker." L.S. (Aug. 2022)

"This course exceeded my expectations! Learning the different esophageal disorders, and the references to justify the need for further esophageal assessment in the management of dysphagia will be beneficial. And I liked the imaging studies that were used to demonstrate the various esophageal disorders." C.S. (Jul. 2022)

"Speaker explained a difficult function in an easy-to-follow manner. I see esophageal dysphagia every day in long term care settings." J.M. (Jul. 2022)

"Excellent presenter with great slides. It's hard to say exactly what specific topic would be most beneficial to my practice...probably motility disorders of the esophagus, esophagitis and candidiasis. Great presentation style and very nice breadth of discussion; lots of area covered." G.F. (Jun. 2022)

"I appreciated the videos and images associated with each esophageal disorder. This course was very thorough. Thank you." B.B. (May 2022)

"I liked the scope of SLP practice with esophageal dysphagia disorders and learning how the disorders presented – good course information." J.C. (May 2022)

"I liked all of it. The images and video examples along with clear explanations were great." L.H. (May 2022)

"Liked the esophageal disorders and review of treatment. And that I could watch course over time / asynchronous instead of 3 straight hours." E.T. (May 2022)

"The discussion of when to consider cancelling an MBS and requesting either an EGD or UGI instead (ideally with SLP to observe) was very beneficial. Excellent stories to drive home main points. Great images and videos to solidify understanding." K.C. (Apr. 2022)

"The instructor's knowledge and enthusiasm about the topic was great! I love that he has a favorite cranial nerve!" T.L. (Apr. 2022)

"The videos and images used to accompany the educational material were great!" K.K. (Apr. 2022)

"Esophageal disorders and review of cranial nerves were beneficial. I liked the video examples." W.W. (Apr. 2022)

"Interesting topic; good, clear presentation; great course!" H.K. (Apr. 2022)

"Very good speaker. I liked the discussion r/t the nerve innervations and the different causes of esophageal dysfunction." K.S. (Apr. 2022)

"I liked the review of anatomical function of swallowing in its entirety as well as more detailed education on the esophagus. Great presenter!" J.G. (Apr. 2022)

"I liked the strategies for poor UES opening, and the Push, Pull, Close, Clear." J.M. (Feb. 2022)

"Excellent class. Very helpful information. Great videos and slides." L.D. (Feb. 2022)

"Mr. Franceschini is a fantastic presenter. He provides direct, evidence-based, and practical approaches to medical SLP practice. To the point, very useful information." J.H. (Jan. 2022)

"Really great information about diagnosing these problems and how treating these esophageal issues ties into SLP practices we may already be using and now can see them through the lens of how to help with esophageal dysphagia patients." J.H. (Jan. 2022)

"Excellent class. Very helpful information." L.D. (Jan. 2022)

“All of the information was great and well organized/presented. We have so many referrals for esophageal dysphagia, and this course will help to view the whole picture.” S.L. (Dec. 2021)

"I liked how to advocate for esophageal sweeps with radiologists." J.B. (Dec. 2021)

"I liked the review of the basic neuroanatomy, the views of the disorders endoscopically and under fluoro, and the case studies." T.W. (Dec. 2021)

"Understanding different esophageal difficulties and how they contribute to the pharyngeal stage was beneficial for my daily practice. The course is an easy to pace and follow, useful images, diagrams and videos." R.C. (Nov. 2021)

"Excellent illustrations and explanations of the esophageal disorders; also review of cranial nerve innervation to the swallow was very helpful when considering treatment.  Presenter emphasized the interrelationships between oropharyngeal and esophageal dysphagia and the importance of SLP involvement in assessing esophageal phase of the swallow."  G.O. (Nov. 2021)

"Excellent visual examples and visual studies of disorders."  A.M. (Oct. 2021)

“The inclusion of endoscopy and VFSS to demonstrate disorders of the esophagus was very helpful. Great anatomy diagrams as well.” S.L. (Oct. 2021)

"Great speaker. Clear and concise." R.W. (Sept. 2021)

“I think it was beneficial to learn about the different esophageal issues and why these occur as well as how they can impact the swallow as a whole. I also enjoyed the content, the video examples, the self-paced format.” K.H. (Jul. 2021)

“ I liked the description of various esophageal dx, along with the endoscopy to see that diagnosis.” S.W. (Jun. 2021)

"I appreciated going over how esophageal dysphagia can impact other functions as well as discussing each type of esophageal disorder and their symptoms. The pictures and videos were helpful to visualize each disorder." N.R. (May 2021)

"The topic of disorders of the UES was most helpful. It was covered in adequate depth that allowed better understanding of the different types of disorders. I liked the organization of the material and the illustrations (images and videos)." A.V. (Apr. 2021)

"The topic of esophageal dysphagia in relation to oral and pharyngeal phase dysphagia was most beneficial. The videos were excellent." P.S. (Mar. 2021)

“I loved all aspects of this course. The visuals were great!” A.P. (Mar. 2021)

"I thought the entire course was beneficial. Excellent presentation use of visual material. Excellent course."  D.C. (Feb. 2021)

"Very thorough, very informative, very literature based and excellent slides/videos/illustrations."  C.W. (Feb. 2021)

"I really enjoyed the instructor and the personalized stories he provided. The discussion re: the cranial nerves and the treatment ideas for poor UES opening were most beneficial." M.M. (Feb. 2021)

The detailed information regarding the esophagus, its function, pathology, and videos and pictures was amazing.” S.L. (Feb. 2021)

"Reviewing the anatomy of swallow, going over the inclusive types of the LES, reviewing the types of diverticuli, and the discussion on candidiasis were most helpful. The pace and manner of the presentation was very good. Very comprehensible with lots of illustrations." J.S. (Jan. 2021)

“The presenter was very engaging & gave numerous examples of disorders of the esophagus, along with examples & pointing out various structures & potential disorders. His examples were clear, and he often reinforced common disorders of the esophagus that can adversely affect swallow function. He also emphasized examples where a physician was warranted immediately due to the seriousness of the patient's problem.” A.P. (Jan. 2021)

Course Objectives

  1. Describe the anatomy and physiology of the esophagus and how swallowing and voice disorders occur from disorders of the esophagus.
  2. Describe the etiology of esophageal disorders and diseases and how they affect all stages of the swallowing.
  3. Show how to incorporate the evaluation of the esophagus or to interpret the findings of an esophagram and upper GI as it relates to managing patients with dysphagia.
  4. List various disorders of the esophagus.
  5. Describe the various treatment options for these esophageal stage disorders.

Presenter & Disclosures

Tom Franceschini, MS, CCC-SLP, has recently retired after a 40-year career as a medical speech-language pathologist. Throughout his career, Tom was a highly sought-after speaker on the topics of Dysphagia Management, Free Water Protocols, and Oral Hygiene Programs. As an invited speaker, he educated thousands of Speech-Language Pathologists, Nurses and other healthcare professionals throughout North America and Europe. With over 40 years in the field, Tom accumulated a high level of experience in all areas of medical speech pathology, especially in the area of esophageal dysphagia and its impacts on swallowing and voice. Tom is also nationally known for the role he has played in the development of the Free Water Protocol. During his career he routinely provided consultation to hospitals and other institutions on establishing heartburn and swallowing disorders centers, on developing free water protocols, and on implementing oral hygiene programs. Tom continues to share his expertise through online training courses.

Speaker Disclosures:

Financial — Tom Franceschini is the presenter of online CEU courses by Northern Speech Services; receives royalties.

Nonfinancial — Tom Franceschini has no relevant nonfinancial relationships to disclose.

Intended Audience / Accreditation

asha ce approved provider

This program is offered for 0.3 ASHA CEUs (Intermediate Level; Professional Area).

Intended Audience

  • Speech-Language Pathologists

ASHA CEUs: NSS online courses are registered with ASHA and are offered for ASHA CEUs. The number of ASHA CEUs is noted above. Note that 0.1 ASHA CEU = 1 contact hour = equals 1 CEE.

ASHA CE Registry: During the enrollment process, if you select to receive ASHA credit for this course and if you provide your ASHA number, NSS will automatically submit your CEU information to the ASHA CE Registry after successful course completion (80% on post test). This submission happens once per month, during the first week of the month. For example, if you complete your course on November 7th, NSS will submit all November online course CEUs to ASHA during the first week of December. When ASHA inputs the information into their database, they will mark the course as completed on the last day of the month in which it was completed, so November 30th using this example. The certificate of completion available for you to print immediately, however, will reflect the actual completion date, November 7th in this example. Due to ASHA processing procedures please allow 2-3 weeks, from the submission date, for the course to appear on your ASHA transcript.

ASHA CEUs: Attendees must meet at least one of the following conditions in order to be eligible to earn ASHA CEUs:

  • Current ASHA Member
  • ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) Holder
  • Licensed by a state or provincial regulatory agency to practice speech-language pathology (SLP) or audiology
  • Credentialed by a state regulatory agency to practice SLP or audiology
  • Credentialed by a national regulatory agency to practice SLP or audiology
  • Engaged in a Clinical Fellowship under the supervision of an individual with their ASHA CCC
  • Currently enrolled in a master's or doctoral program in SLP or audiology

If an attendee is not an ASHA member or CCC holder but meets any of the above criteria, they may inform the ASHA CE Registry of their eligibility by visiting this site.

Licensing Boards: Most state licensing boards DO accept CEUs earned online (usually classified as home-study credits). Some state boards do, however, place a limit to the number of credits that can be earned via home study/online courses. For the most current information, we suggest that you contact your licensing board or agency to verify acceptance policies and/or any credit limits related to home-study courses prior to registering for this course.

Additional accrediting agencies by which Northern Speech is an approved CE provider:

  • California: NSS is approved as a provider of continuing education by the California Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology Board. Provider #PDP4. Online CEU limits may apply; please contact SLPAHADB for current online CEU acceptance policies.
  • Iowa: NSS is approved as a provider of continuing education by the Iowa Board of Speech Pathology and Audiology Examiners. Provider #169.
  • Kansas: NSS is approved as a provider of continuing education by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Provider #LTS-S0005.

Frequently Asked Questions



Customer Support: Please phone 888.337.3866 or email info@northernspeech.com.

Course Completion Timeframe:

You have unlimited time to complete our online courses. You may log off and log on as often as you’d like to in order to complete all sections of a course.

However, completion dates are based on Eastern Standard Time. Therefore, if you need your CEUs by a certain date, be sure to complete the course test before 11:59pm EST on that date. For example, if you need CEUs before January 1st, you will need to complete the course test before 11:59pm EST on December 31st.

Content Access:

Access to course materials and content does not expire, even after completing the post test. You may continue to review course material by logging into your NSS account, clicking the My Online Courses tab, and then viewing your desired course.

Certificate of Completion:

On successful completion of the post test (80%), a certificate will be immediately available for download and/or printing. This certificate will include your name, date of completion (based on Eastern Time Zone, USA/Canada), and number of contact hours (CEUs / CEEs). Please note that CEUs are awarded on the date of successful test completion, not the date of course enrollment. Please ensure that you successfully complete the post test prior to any licensure renewal dates.

ASHA CE Registry Submission:

During the enrollment process, if you select to receive ASHA credit for this course and if you provide your ASHA number, NSS will automatically submit your CEU information to the ASHA CE Registry after successful course completion (80% on post test). This submission happens once per month, during the first week of the month. For example, if you complete your course on November 7th, NSS will submit all November online course CEUs to ASHA during the first week of December. When ASHA inputs the information into their database, they will mark the course as completed on the last day of the month in which it was completed, so November 30th using this example. The certificate of completion available for you to print immediately, however, will reflect the actual completion date, November 7th in this example. Due to ASHA processing procedures please allow 2-3 weeks, from the submission date, for the course to appear on your ASHA transcript.

Purchase Orders:

Purchase orders are currently not accepted for online orders, if you wish to submit a purchase order please do so at info@northernspeech.com or fax to 888-696-9655.

What is an Online Course?

Our Online Courses consist of video, audio, and/or text content and are offered for ASHA CEUs. Unlike a webinar, which requires participants to be logged on and at a computer at specific times, our Online Courses are available to you at any time, from any device, via your NorthernSpeech.com online account. You may work at your own pace and start and stop your course as you wish. Your course will conclude with a short post test. On successful completion of the post test (>80%), a printable certificate of completion is presented to you.

Receiving CEUs:

Northern Speech is an ASHA CE Provider and our online courses are registered with ASHA and offered for ASHA CEUs. Please note that successful completion of the online post test is required prior to the awarding of CEUs. Please contact your state licensing board for acceptance policies related to CEUs earned online. Please note that courses offered for university students are not applicable for CEUs.

Registering for an online course:

You may browse all online courses by clicking the Continuing Education tab above, then Online Courses. Once you find a course, click Enroll Now, and you will be asked to either log into your existing Northern Speech account or create a new online account. Once you’ve entered your account information and provided your credit card payment, your course will be immediately available to you.

Accessing your purchased course or returning to a purchased course:

You will be able to access your online course by logging into your Northern Speech account and then clicking the My Online Courses tab on your profile screen. Click the course you would like to start or to resume. From there, proceed through the course sections until you are ready to complete the post test. You do not have to complete your course all at once. You may log on and off as you wish.

Testing requirements:

Each online course concludes with a post test consisting of multiple choice or true & false questions. Scores of 80% or greater are required for successful course completion and awarding of CEUs. You may revisit course materials and retest as needed to achieve a passing score.

Number of CEUs offered:

We offer courses from 1 to 21 contact hours. Each course will note the number of CEUs offered. Please note that 0.1 CEU = 1 contact hour = 1 CEE.

State licensing boards and online CEUs:

NSS is an ASHA CE Provider and most state licensing boards DO accept ASHA CEUs earned online (usually classified as home-study credits). Some boards do, however, place a limit to the number of CEUs that can be earned via home study/online courses. For the most current information, we suggest that you contact your licensing board or agency to verify acceptance policies and/or any CEU limits related to home-study courses prior to enrolling in an online course.

Course formats:

Our course formats include: text, audio, video, and PowerPoint with author narration. Each course will note the format on the course description page. Most courses include closed captioning.

Course handouts:

Most of our online courses provide a link to download the accompanying handout as a PDF file. 

Group discounts:

Groups of 3 or more are eligible for a 20% discount on each registration on most of our online courses. To receive this discount, registrations need to be processed together via the "Group Rates" tab on the Online Course of your choice.

Computer requirements:

For our online courses to function best, we recommend that you update your computer to include the newest version of your Internet browser (Safari, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Internet Explorer, etc.) and newest version of your computer's operating system. Also a high-speed Internet connection is recommended (cable or DSL). Speakers or headphones will be required for many of our courses as many contain audio components.

Course Cancellation Policy:

A purchased online course can be exchanged, refunded, or transferred to another individual if contact is made with NSS (via phone or email) within 30 days of purchase and the course materials have not been viewed or downloaded. 

Special Needs:

Please click here for any special needs requests, and we will do our best to accommodate them. 

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