Presenters: Kendrea Garand, PhD, CScD, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, CBIS, CCRE & Emma Wallace, PhD
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep-related condition in which there is intermittent temporary cessation of airflow during sleep resulting from partial or complete collapse of the pharynx. It is estimated to affect up to 1 billion individuals worldwide. Dysphagia prevalence in OSA ranges from 16 to 78%. This course by Drs. Wallace and Garand reviews the evidence to provide up-to-date information for clinicians about OSA, its impact on swallowing function, and how best to manage dysphagia in adult patients with OSA.
Course is offered for 0.1 ASHA CEUs – 1 Contact Hour.
Course Overview – Run Time: 1:05:20
"An interesting, novel, quick CEU course. I liked the evaluation of patient w/ neurogenic disease and OSA w/ possibly dysphagia."
– L.S., prior course participant
"This course will expand my questions to my patients and include further research on my own related to OSA. It was very interesting to make more connections with anatomy, neurological changes, and possible areas of concern for patients."
– J.D., prior course participant
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.
"I enjoyed learning about the literature associated with OSA and that there is a lack of research surrounding dysphagia evaluation and treatment with OSA. I liked that the content of the course was easy to view." H.B. (Oct. 2024)
"Beneficial discussion on the presence of OSA concurrent with other neurological disorders and impact on swallow function. Easy to navigate course. I liked the review of key points." L.G. (Oct. 2024)
"Increased incidence of OSA with reflux and with neurogenic disorders, I'm glad there's someone researching this topic. Over the years I've had a number of patients with dysphagia following uvuloplasty and other surgical interventions for OSA and it would have been nice to know specific characteristics to check for such as impaired sensation. I began to notice also that OSA and reflux tended to be more common after neurogenic event such as CVA. I always notified MD's about new reflux symptoms but didn't realize I should make referrals for OSA too." S.N. (Sep. 2024)
"The knowledge about OSA and the role of SLP was beneficial. I liked the treatment options and research data." Y.W. (Sep. 2024)
"All of this information was beneficial." M.S. (Aug. 2024)
"This course was beneficial as many of my patients have OSA." L.B. (Jul. 2024)
"The relationship between OSA and dysphagia was helpful to discuss. I liked the assessment tools for assessing, screening for sleep apnea." S.G. (Jun. 2024)
"Discussing OSA and dysphagia was beneficial, I try to note if a patient has OSA, but don't necessarily screen for dysphagia." L.W. (Jun. 2024)
"Beneficial reinforcement of respiratory training for swallowing. I liked the course format." T.S. (Jun. 2024)
"Beneficial therapeutic interventions that an SLP can provide on an adjunctive basis. Also, the understanding that if the patient has a history of OSA in the absence of a dysphagia diagnosis, that OSA in and of itself would be an indication for a swallowing screening. I enjoyed the detailed information regarding the prevalence of OSA with respect to dysphagia, information about symptoms of OSA and treatment strategies regarding dysphagia in this population." S.L. (May. 2024)
"Discussing the research linking the two was beneficial. I liked the possibility for future research direction." C.J. (May. 2024)
"The research presented was Interesting." M.S. (Apr. 2024)
"Wow, how much you covered in 1 hour is amazing. Truly beneficial and well done!!! Best class I’ve had in a long while." K.K. (Apr. 2024)
"The correlation of OSA and dysphagia and which impacts the other was a helpful topic. I liked that there were some well thought out hypotheses that should be pursued." O.B. (Mar. 2024)
"Discussing the causes of OSA, not just anatomical, was beneficial. I liked the content." T.S. (Mar. 2024)
"It was helpful learning that OSA can be associated with dysphagia. The course was easy to understand." K.P. (Feb. 2024)
"Discussing OSA prevalence was beneficial, especially w/ GERD and management options. I liked the course accessibility." C.M. (Jan. 2024)
"This course will expand my questions to my patients and include further research on my own related to OSA. I didn't have any prior knowledge about this, so it was very interesting to make more connections with anatomy, neurological changes, and possible areas of concern for patients." J.D. (Dec. 2023)
"The background knowledge of OSA and review of treatment options were helpful. The presenters were organized and presented well together." M.S. (Dec. 2023)
"The SLP considerations were beneficial. I enjoyed the information." A.S. (Dec. 2023)
"Excellent topic maintenance and slides. Sleep apnea and its overall health issues are becoming increasingly prevalent in my line of work." S.C. (Dec. 2023)
"The impairments specific to OSA and treatments were beneficial. I enjoyed becoming informed about OSA and dysphagia." N.R. (Dec. 2023)
"Discussing reflux rates in OSA was helpful. Easy to understand content - nice explanations with clear findings from studies." G.A. (Dec. 2023)
"The discussion of delayed swallow onset being affected was beneficial. Good stats." A.B. (Dec. 2023)
"This course made me think about OSA and the need to address it in my assessments. The correlation with cardiovascular and neurologic diseases was a beneficial topic." M.M. (Nov. 2023)
"After this course, I understand how OSA impacts swallowing. The explanation of the causes and consequences of OSA was beneficial." S.H. (Nov. 2023)
"This course has opened my eyes to something I had never thought about. I enjoyed the openness of what needs to be researched and why." C.O. (Nov. 2023)
"The presenters were both engaging. The course was very organized. I liked the discussion on how OSA may contribute to dysphagia and how to target dysphagia with those who suffer from OSA." L.W. (Nov. 2023)
"The most common swallowing issues associated with OSA was a helpful discussion." L.O. (Nov. 2023)
"The relationship between OSA and dysphagia, the need to screen for OSA as part of the evaluation, especially with neurologically impaired clients, and therapy that an SLP could try to decrease OSA were beneficial topics. I liked the inclusion of therapeutic ideas to address OSA." J.R. (Nov. 2023)
"Organized presentation. OSA sensory and motor abnormalities were helpful topics." K.C. (Nov. 2023)
"Increased information about OSA as a medical diagnosis and how it impacts ventilation dispelled some of my erroneous pre-conceptions about who might have OSA. This was new information to me." N.A. (Nov. 2023)
"Everything in this course was beneficial. I liked the sleep studies." B.G. (Nov. 2023)
"Very nice overview of OSA, how it is diagnosed, and the role SLPs may play in this area. The handouts were great, easy to follow, great presenters." S.H. (Oct. 2023)
"I liked the list of targeted research regarding OSA as it relates to SLP and the list of different options for managing OSA." A.M. (Oct. 2023)
"After taking this course, I will be more alert to investigate if OSA may be a contributing factor for my dysphagia patients. The presentation was very concise. Both presenters had easy-to-understand styles of presentation." G.S. (Sep. 2023)
"New information. The presenters were good. Learning dysphagia symptoms in OSA was beneficial." J.M. (Sep. 2023)
"Apnea-Hypopnea index & research info were beneficial. Stressed the urgent need for the SLP's knowledge & education in this area for their patients! Also, the effect that OSA can have on dysphagia and vice versa." M.D. (Sep. 2023)
"It was helpful to learn about the overall lack of knowledge regarding OSA in speech pathology and to bring awareness of the impact on our patients." L.L. (Sep. 2023)
"I liked the questionnaires. The course had good pace and clarity." J.G. (Sep. 2023)
"I enjoyed the entire contents of this course. I enjoy learning how many aspects of someone's life where we can intervene and help." E.N. (Aug. 2023)
"This course was clearly presented. I liked all of the information more for personal knowledge at this time than professional since I am in the schools presently." P.M. (Jul. 2023)
"Updated research. Learning the OSA and Dysphagia correlation." J.A. (Jul. 2023)
"Definition of OSA and its relationship to dysphagia was beneficial to discuss. I liked learning about something which is little known in our field." L.H. (Jul. 2023)
"I had very limited knowledge prior to taking this course & the information presented will be useful to patients on my caseload, especially treatment considerations that I was unaware of. I liked the topic and knowledge of the presenters." A.H. (Jul. 2023)
"I liked the discussion on the other ways to treat OSA other than CPAP." A.B. (Jul. 2023)
"SLPs definitely need more training in OSA! I think the prevalence between OSA and dysphagia including higher risk factors such as higher Mallampati scores, airway invasion, and delayed swallow initiation affecting upper airway collapse, was beneficial. I want to learn more about RMST/EMST for treatment purposes. I liked learning that OMT exercises are improving sleep apnea, which is what I am currently doing." A.M. (Jun. 2023)
"Learning prevalence of OSA and dysphagia and neurological disorders. And how it may impact the population of patients we see in acute care." S.D. (Jun. 2023)
"The relationship of OSA-Dysphagia-Reflux was beneficial. I am now aware of OSA and that it has a relationship to dysphagia, and I will ask about it as I do swallow evaluations." J.D. (Jun. 2023)
"Coexisting conditions were a beneficial topic. I liked the explanation of OSA, and education of uses of information regarding OSA in case history." D.P. (Jun. 2023)
"Succinct. Clear. The possible benefits of oral motor strengthening and expiratory and/or inspiratory muscle training on OSA and OSA-related dysphagia." S.K. (Jun. 2023)
"An interesting, novel, quick CEU course. I liked the evaluation of patient w/ neurogenic disease and OSA w/ possibly dysphagia." L.S. (Jun. 2023)
"This entire presentation was relevant to my daily practice as I see both inpatients and outpatients for swallowing assessments and have recently been receiving referrals from our sleep docs for MBS studies on patients with OSA - and I honestly did not have knowledge around this topic!" J.L. (Jun. 2023)
"The presenters were engaging and informative. The information provided was timely, and the length of the course was perfect." J.L. (Jun. 2023)
"Very clear and concise. I liked the screening tools." E.C. (Jun. 2023)
"Survey results and dysphagia prevalence were beneficial topics. I liked the course duration and complexity." D.S. (Jun. 2023)
"The discussion of the prevalence of OSA in patients with Dysphagia and information about neurological changes in patients with OSA was beneficial. I liked the format of the course and appreciated the amount of literature review." J.S. (May 2023)
"This course definitely stimulated thoughts linked to dysphagia. The correlation between airway changes and most common deficits was beneficial." A.M. (May 2023)
"Discussing the additional health issues associated with OSA was beneficial." J.T. (May 2023)
"I liked that there were 2 instructors. This course was organized, backed up by research, and very informative. Discussing that patients with OSA should be screened for possible swallowing problems was beneficial." K.S. (May 2023)
"I found it interesting that so many SLPs were aware of the correlation between OSA and Dysphagia. I had never heard of the correlation of OSA and neurological disease." P.R. (Mar. 2023)
"I liked the straightforward presentation style. The general info was beneficial." S.F. (Mar. 2023)
"All very good info. Learning the relative high co-occurrence of dysphagia and OSA and ways to treat." S.K. (Mar. 2023)
"Lots of information presented in a quick course! Understanding of the mechanism of OSA, and co-occurrence of OSA and dysphagia in neurogenic patient populations." B.H. (Feb. 2023)
"Good level of detail. Understanding OSA and how it relates to the SLP profession via dysphagia and other co-occurring disorders." S.V. (Feb. 2023)
"I liked the explanation of OSA and the treatment for OSA." R.K. (Feb. 2023)
"I found the entire discussion beneficial. I enjoyed the convenience of course." A.W. (Jan. 2023)
"Detailed explanation of what OSA is. Short yet cohesive course." J.H. (Jan. 2023)
"Awareness of dysphagia and reflux in OSA was beneficial. I liked the specifics in dysphagia symptoms and treatment." M.S. (Jan. 2023)
"Reflux and OSA. New information." M.H. (Dec. 2022)
"Co-occurrence of OSA with other dysphagia causing neurological disease. I liked the visual and audio formats together." R.H. (Dec. 2022)
"The effects of OSA on swallowing specifically. I liked the handouts." M.R. (Dec. 2022)
"Awareness of the link between dysphagia and apnea. Short and excellent messaging." G.S. (Dec. 2022)
"Course was organized well, speakers were generally clear in their presentation and honest in the availability of research that was targeted and conclusive. I also found the charts, graphs and studies were helpful and interesting, contributing to a full presentation." A.H. (Dec. 2022)
"Learning the incidence of OSA c/ neurogenic disorders. Liked that I could take course at my own pace." A.M. (Dec. 2022)
"Exercises to reduce OSA. I liked the international collaboration." C.W. (Dec. 2022)
"Description of OSA, tests that are used. Liked explanation of respiratory swallow incoordination. Very well organized, presented." B.B. (Dec. 2022)
"Lots of information. Good format." R.S. (Dec. 2022)
"Learning how OSA can lead to dysphagia, and its treatment." S.V. (Dec. 2022)
"Good visual slides accompanied the presentation. I liked the suggestions for oral motor and breathing exercises." P.D. (Nov. 2022)
"I liked both presenters who were knowledgeable and engaging. And learning treatment options for OSA." K.I. (Nov. 2022)
"Learning how and possibly why OSA might affect swallowing was beneficial. The knowledge of the presenters and the layout of the presentation made it easy to follow and understand the information." K.C. (Nov. 2022)
"Liked learning OSA's relationship to other neuromuscular disorders." S.F. (Nov. 2022)
"The whole presentation was excellent. Liked the oral motor and respiratory exercises." S.P. (Nov. 2022)
"The course is easy to follow." J.S. (Nov. 2022)
"Presenters were knowledgeable and explained concepts with clarity. Liked learning the connection between OSA and dysphagia." L.R. (Nov. 2022)
"Course was filled with information that I was not aware of - relationship of OSA to dysphagia." C.J. (Nov. 2022)
"I am most interested in this topic and look forward to the research that follows." C.B. (Oct. 2022)
"Instructors were knowledgeable. I liked all the reviews of research." K.G. (Oct. 2022)
"The topic could be very helpful. I'm really interested in the relationship between OSA and dysphagia." E.W. (Oct. 2022)
"I liked all of the content. It gave information on a under-studied topic." D.P. (Oct. 2022)
"The therapeutic interventions and identification were beneficial for my practice." D.C. (Oct. 2022)
"I like the treatment ideas from an slp perspective." S.B. (Sept. 2022)
"Good information on the topic in a concise manner. Liked learning the connection between dysphagia and OSA." A.V. (Sept. 2022)
"The presenters were knowledgeable and currently practicing in this area. The information about the unintended strengthening and thickening of upper airway muscles which can occur with OSA was beneficial." J.W. (Sept. 2022)
"New material that I didn't know about - OSA related swallowing disorders." K.N. (Sept. 2022)
"Very easy to follow - well presented - great instructors - research based - interesting and new." L.H. (Sept. 2022)
"Awareness that dysphagia may be present in patients with OSA and the discussion regarding treatment was interesting." L.S. (Sept. 2022)
"The general overall awareness of the impact of OSA on swallowing, and more details toward evaluation and treatment were beneficial for my practice." A.D. (Aug. 2022)
"Easy to follow course. I liked the screening tool for OSA patients related to dysphagia." A.S. (Aug. 2022)
"Good research based evidence for treatment of OSA in dysphagia." C.W. (Aug. 2022)
"Good slides. I liked the discussion of related problems, such as stroke and outcomes." C.M. (Aug. 2022)
"The content of this course is not something I encounter on a daily basis, however, it is something to consider and to be aware of. I do work with children who have various structural issues due to diagnoses (DS, etc) and some with very enlarged tonsils etc. It may serve to be useful in helping these children and their families." K.S. (Aug. 2022)
"I liked the flexibility, brevity, and ease of access." K.S. (Aug. 2022)
"The course content was current and applicable." A.L. (July 2022)
Kendrea Garand, PhD, CScD, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, CBIS, CCRE, is currently an assistant professor in the Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology in the College of Allied Health Professions at the University of South Alabama. Further, she is the Principal Investigator of the Swallowing Disorders Initiative Research Laboratory. She holds Board Certification in Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders (BCS-S) and serves on the board of the American Board of Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders. Her primary clinical and research interests include assessment and management of dysphagia in patients with sleep disorders and neurodegenerative disease. She has presented her work at international forums, and she is a sought after continuing education speaker.
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial — Kendrea Garand is a presenter of online CEU courses sponsored by Northern Speech Services; receives royalty payments.
Nonfinancial —Kendrea Garand has no relevant nonfinancial disclosures.
Emma Wallace, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Speech Pathology at the University of Sydney, Australia. Her research focuses on assessment and rehabilitation of swallowing physiology and pathophysiology throughout the lifespan. Dr. Wallace completed a 2-year post-doctorate at Centre of Research Excellence in Sleep Medicine at Flinders University, where her interest in sleep related breathing disorders began. She is passionate about clinical-research translation and evidence-based practice in the speech pathology profession.
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial — Emma Wallace is a presenter of online CEU courses sponsored by Northern Speech Services; receives royalty payments.
Nonfinancial —Emma Wallace has no relevant nonfinancial disclosures.
This program is offered for 0.1 ASHA CEUs (Introductory Level; Professional Area).
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:
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:
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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