It’s More than Just Swallowing – Examining Breathing, Digestion, and Deglutition
- Speaker:
- Angela Mansolillo, MA/CCC-SLP, BCS-S
- Duration:
- 6 Hours 34 Minutes
- Format:
- Audio and Video
- Copyright:
-
Aug 29, 2025
- Product Code:
- POS065591
- Media Type:
- Digital Seminar - Also available: Digital Seminar
Description
This program will examine the inter-relationships between respiration, gastrointestinal function, sensori-motor function, and swallowing to allow clinicians to better identify the underlying causes of their client’s swallowing difficulties.
We’ll look at specific respiratory and GI diagnoses and their impact on what, when, how much, and how safely our clients eat.
Using clinical case studies, we’ll examine the evidence to provide you with the tools you need to perform a thorough multi-disciplinary assessment and implement a comprehensive treatment plan that takes into account all of the potential contributing factors. Sometimes, it’s about more than just swallowing.
Credit
Planning Committee Disclosure - No relevant relationships
All members of the PESI, Inc. planning committee have provided disclosures of financial relationships with ineligible organizations and any relevant non-financial relationships prior to planning content for this activity. None of the committee members had relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies or other potentially biasing relationships to disclose to learners. For speaker disclosures, please see the faculty biography.
NOTE: Tuition includes one free CE Certificate (participant will be able to print the certificate of completion after passing the online post-test (80% passing score) and completing the evaluation). Instructional methods will include PowerPoint, didactic lecture, and others.
Continuing Education Information: Listed below are the continuing education credit(s) currently available for this non-interactive self-study package. Program content is reviewed periodically per accrediting board rules for currency and appropriateness for credit. Credit approvals are subject to change. Please note, your state licensing board dictates whether self-study is an acceptable form of continuing education, as well as which credit types are acceptable for continuing education hours. Please refer to your state rules and regulations. If your profession is not listed, please contact your licensing board to determine your continuing education requirements and check for reciprocal approval.
For other credit inquiries not specified below, please contact info@pesi.com or 800-844-8260 before purchase.
Materials that are included in this course may include interventions and modalities that are beyond the authorized practice of your profession. As a licensed professional, you are responsible for reviewing the scope of practice, including activities that are defined in law as beyond the boundaries of practice in accordance with and in compliance with your profession's standards.
For Planning Committee disclosures, please see the statement above. For speaker disclosures, please see the faculty biography.
Earn up to 6.25 CE hours. Please see below, for more details, as credit amounts vary by state and profession.
This self-study activity consists of 6.25 clock hours of continuing education instruction. Credit requirements and approvals vary per state board regulations. Please save the course outline, the certificate of completion you receive from this self-study activity and contact your state board or organization to determine specific filing requirements.
PESI, Inc. is a provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider #: 17118 for 6.0 self-study contact hours.
** You will need to provide your license number to PESI. PESI must have this number on file in order for your hours to be valid.
PESI, Inc. is an approved provider by the Florida Board of Nursing. Provider #: FBN2858. These materials qualify for 6.0 self-study contact hours.

CE credit is available. This self-study course consists of 6.0 continuing education clock hours for Arizona OTs and OTAs. The Arizona Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners (R4-43-203) confirms acceptance of continuing education programs relevant to occupational therapy that are approved by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).
PESI, Inc. is an approved provider with the Florida Board of Occupational Therapy. Provider Number #50-399. This course qualifies for 6.0 self-study continuing education credits.

This course contains 6.25 hours of Distance Learning - Independent continuing education. It was not offered for AOTA CEUs. Please retain your certificate of completion. For state licensure or other credential renewal, contact those agencies for information about your reporting responsibilities and requirements.
CE credit is available. This self-study course consists of 6.25 continuing education credit hours for Alaska Physical Therapists. The Board Rule 12 AAC 54.420 confirms acceptance of continuing education programs that are recognized by other state physical therapy licensing boards. PESI, Inc. is recognized by the Physical Therapy Board of California as an approval agency to approve providers.
CE credit is available. The Arizona State Board of Physical Therapy recognizes continuing competence activities that have been approved by any state PT association or national medical/health care association (e.g., AOTA, ASHA). This self-study activity consists of 6.25 clock hours of instruction applicable for physical therapists.

PESI, Inc. is recognized by the Physical Therapy Board of California as an approval agency to approve providers. This self-study lecture qualifies for 6.25 continuing competency hours.
This self-study course consists of 6.25 clock hours of instruction that is applicable for physical therapists. CE requirements for physical therapists vary by state/jurisdiction. Please retain the certificate of completion that you receive and use as proof of completion when required.
PESI, Inc. is a Registered Physical Therapy Continuing Education Sponsor through the State of Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Professional Regulation. License #: 216.000270. This self-study course qualifies for 6.0 CE credit hours.
CE credit is available. This self-study course consists of 6.25 continuing education credit hours for Kentucky Physical Therapists. The rule under 201 KAR 22:045, Section 2, (2)(a) states that category 1 continued competency credits can be earned from providers approved by another physical therapy licensing agency. PESI, Inc. is a Registered Physical Therapy Continuing Education Sponsor through the State of Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Professional Regulation. License #: 216.000270.
PESI, Inc. is recognized by the New York State Education Department, State Board for Physical Therapy as an approved provider for physical therapy and physical therapy assistant continuing education. This self-study course qualifies for 7.6 contact hours.
PESI, Inc. is an approved provider with the Illinois Division of Professional Regulation, Provider Number: 216.000270. This intermediate course is approved by the North Carolina Board of Physical Therapy Examiners by virtue of PESI Inc. approved provider status with the Illinois Division of Professional Regulation. This course qualifies for 6.0 continuing education hours.
CE credit is available. This asynchronous activity consists of 6.25 continuing education credit hours for Oklahoma Physical Therapists. Oklahoma Administrative Code 435:20-9-3.1 confirms acceptance of continuing education programs offered by providers approved by other state physical therapy licensing boards. PESI, Inc. is a Registered Physical Therapy Continuing Education Sponsor through the State of Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Professional Regulation. License #: 216.000270.
The Pennsylvania State Board of Physical Therapy recognizes approval by all other state boards. This self-study activity consists of 6.25 clock hours of instruction that is applicable for physical therapists.
This self-study activity is provided by the Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners Accredited Provider #2706032TX and meets continuing competence requirements for physical therapist and physical therapist assistant licensure renewal in Texas. Instructional Level: Intermediate. This activity will provide 6.25 CCUs. The assignment of Texas PT CCUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by TPTA or TBPTE. Full attendance is required; no partial credits will be offered for partial attendance.
This course is designed to meet the Utah DOPL Rule R156-24b-303b.2.c.iv - A commercial continuing education provider providing a course related to the practice of physical therapy. Please retain a copy of the advertising brochure and your certificate of completion to provide to your board should this be requested of you. This self-study activity consists of 6.25 clock hours of continuing education instruction.
CE credit is available. This course consists of 6.25 continuing education credit hours for Vermont Physical Therapists. The Board confirms acceptance of continuing education programs that are recognized by other state physical therapy licensing boards. PESI, Inc. is a Registered Physical Therapy Continuing Education Sponsor through the State of Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Professional Regulation. License #: 216.000270.
CE credit is available. This self-study course consists of 6.25 hours of type 2 continued competency credit for Virginia Physical Therapists and Physical Therapy Assistants. Regulation 18VAC112-20-131, Section B, (2) states that up to ten type 2 continued competency credits can be earned by completing independent study activities related to the clinical practice of physical therapy.

Advanced Level
.65 ASHA CEUs
** ASHA Self Study CEUs are available on this course from 12/01/2025 to 11/30/2026. PESI, Inc. will submit ASHA CEU Requests to the ASHA CE Registry on a monthly basis; ASHA CEU Requests received before 12/01/2025 or after 11/30/2026 cannot be reported.
** Please note: To have participation reported to the ASHA CE Registry, Speech-Language Pathologists & Audiologists must complete all requirements: pass the CE quiz with a score 80% or more, complete the evaluation, answer "YES" to the evaluation question about reporting to ASHA, and enter a valid ASHA ID number when prompted. Participation will be submitted within 45 days of completing all requirements and cannot be reported if any requirement is not met. ASHA CE Provider Approval and use of the Brand Block does not imply endorsement of course content, specific products, or clinical procedures.
PESI, Inc. is an approved provider with the California Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board, #PDP 319. This course meets the qualifications for 6.0 hours of self-study continuing professional development credit for Speech-Language Pathologists or Audiologists, as required by the California Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board.
PESI, Inc. is an approved provider with the Florida Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. Provider Number: 50-399. This self-study course qualifies for 6.0 continuing education credits.
Approved for 7.5 self-study continuing education clock hours for Kansas licensed Speech-Language Pathologists by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services.
This self-study activity qualifies for 6.25 continuing education clock hours as required by many national, state and local licensing boards and professional organizations. Save your activity advertisement and certificate of completion, and contact your own board or organization for specific requirements.
Handouts/Brochure
| File type | File name | Number of pages | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manual - It’s More than Just Swallowing – Examining Breathing, Digestion, and Deglutition (6.4 MB) | 201 Pages | Available after Purchase | |
| ASHA Instructions - Self Study (111.9 KB) | Available after Purchase |
Speaker
Angela Mansolillo, MA/CCC-SLP, BCS-S Related seminars and products
Angela Mansolillo, MA/CCC-SLP, BCS-S, is a speech-language pathologist and board-certified specialist in swallowing disorders with more than 30 years of experience. She is a senior speech-language pathologist at Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton, Massachusetts where she provides evaluation and treatment services for adults and children with dysphagia and is involved in program planning and development including quality improvement initiatives, patient education, and clinical policies and protocols. She is also adjunct faculty at Elms College Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders in Chicopee, Massachusetts and a guest lecturer in the Department of Communication Disorders at the University of Massachusetts. Over the course of her career, she has worked in a variety of clinical settings with children and adult populations with a career-long focus on feeding and swallowing disorders. Recently, she authored Let’s Eat!: A Clinical Guide to the Management of Complex Pediatric Feeding and Swallowing Disorders. Angela is a recent recipient of the Massachusetts Speech and Hearing Association’s Award for Clinical Excellence and is a sought-after speaker for both live and online continuing education courses as she seamlessly blends current research with clinical experience.
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Angela Mansolillo has an employment relationship with Elms College, the University of Massachusetts, and Cooley Dickinson Hospital. She is a consultant with Dysphagia Services and receives speaking honorarium from Medbridge, Colibri Group, HomeCEUconnection.com, speechpathology.com; occupationaltherapy.com, respiratorytherapy.com, earlychildhood.com and Continued. Angela Mansolillo receives a speaking honorarium, recording, and book royalties from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Angela Mansolillo is a member of ASHA.
Alternate Options
|
Breathing, Digestion and Swallowing: Best Practices in Dysphagia Management
Copyright: 09/21/2021 - Product Code POS020003 |
Additional Info
Access for Self-Study (Non-Interactive)Access never expires for this product.
Questions?
Visit our FAQ page at www.pesi.com/faq or contact us at www.pesi.com/info
Objectives
- Use your understanding of the interrelationships between the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems to identify and treat the causes and not just the symptoms of dysphagia in your pediatric and adult clients.
- Evaluate the impact of respiratory and gastrointestinal functions on swallowing systems in order to choose targeted interventions and increase your effectiveness in reducing aspiration risk.
- Design effective multi-disciplinary treatment plans for clients with respiratory and GI disease processes including COPD, respiratory failure, and GERD.
- Expand your diagnostic tool box to include cough testing, water screenings, pulse oximetry, respiratory muscle strength testing, sensorimotor assessment, and other evidence-based tools.
- Develop successful treatment plans by identifying reflux disease and its impact on swallowing function in your clients.
- Design assessment strategies that allow you to identify those clients who are more likely or less likely to get sick as a result of aspiration
Outline
Breathing/Swallowing Coordination
Respiratory System
- Anatomy and physiology
- Coordination and aspiration
- Airway protective mechanisms
- Impact of various respiratory diseases
Gastroesophageal System
- Esophageal and digestive functions
- GERD and feeding/swallowing difficulties
- Reflux mechanisms
- Esophageal/Pharyngeal inter-relationships
GI/RESPIRATORY RELATIONSHIPS
What’s the connection?
- Pressure, energy, and innervation
- Extra-esophageal reflux
- Aspiration and the Airway
- Risk factors for pneumonia
- Aspiration and Oral Hygiene – It Takes a team
Disease Processes and Impact on Breathing, Digestion, and Swallowing
- Airway Management, biopsychosocial factors, and implications for feeding and swallowing
- Intubation, tracheostomies, nasal cannula and more
- Implications for feeding
Reflux, biopsychosocial factors, and implications for feeding and swallowing
- Interpreting test results and implications for treatment
- Lifestyle factors
Swallow Assessment
Determine Aspiration Risk
Cognitive, Sensorimotor, and Respiratory Muscle Strength Assessment Tools
3 oz Water Test, Pulse Oximetry and More
Understanding lab values
Instrumental assessment:
- Modified barium swallow studies
- Fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing
Feeding Interventions
- Multisensory cues
- Utensil selection
- Environmental modifications
- Assisted feeding options
- Feeding schedules
- Behavioral interventions
Aspiration Management
Diet modifications – Not such a benign intervention
- Implications of dietary changes
- Compliance issues
- Thick liquids – pros and cons
- Water protocols
Strategies and Exercises – What does the evidence tell us?
- Compensation
- Sensory interventions
- Principles of exercise physiology
- Motor learning principles
- Exercise dose
- Skill training vs strengthening
- Biofeedback
- Lingual strengthening
- Pharyngeal strengthening
- Expiratory muscle strength training
- Modifications and adaptations: impairment specific strategies
REFLUX ASSESSMENT
What do these tests tell me?
- Upper GI studies
- Ph Monitoring
- Esophagoscopy
- Scintigraphy
REFLUX MANAGEMENT
What’s the dysphagia clinician to do?
- Lifestyle modifications
- Positioning
- Diet modifications
- Medications
- Effects of acid suppression
- Surgical interventions
- New directions in reflux management
Target Audience
- Speech-Language Pathologists
- Speech-Language Pathology Assistants
- Occupational Therapists
- Occupational Therapy Assistants
- Respiratory Therapists
- Nurses
- Nursing Assistants
- Restorative Nursing Staff
- Dietitians
- Dietary Managers
- Long-Term Care Professionals
Reviews
| 5 |
|
| 4 |
|
| 3 |
|
| 2 |
|
| 1 |
|
Overall: 4.9
Total Reviews: 35
Satisfaction Guarantee
Your satisfaction is our goal and our guarantee. Concerns should be addressed to: PO Box 1000, Eau Claire, WI 54702-1000 or call 1-800-844-8260.
ADA Needs
We would be happy to accommodate your ADA needs; please call our Customer Service Department for more information at 1-800-844-8260.
PESI Mobile App
Access CE trainings on your phone or tablet through our free mobile app. Choose video or audio-only versions of online courses from the world’s best instructors, and complete your CE requirements anywhere, anytime, at your own pace.
Please wait ...




