Physical Therapy Category

Beyond the Vent: Mechanical Ventilation, Oxygen Strategies, and Functional Recovery

2 CE Hours
3 members have taken this course
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About the Course

This course expands beyond foundational concepts of mechanical ventilation and oxygen delivery to emphasize functional recovery, clinical decision-making, and interdisciplinary management of patients requiring advanced respiratory support. Rehabilitation professionals play a critical role in optimizing outcomes for patients across the continuum of respiratory support—from supplemental oxygen to invasive mechanical ventilation. This session will integrate respiratory physiology, ventilator strategies, and oxygen delivery systems with movement-based interventions and progression of function in medically complex patients.

Participants will develop a deeper understanding of how to interpret ventilator settings, titrate oxygen during activity, and adapt interventions in real time based on patient response, sedation status, and underlying pathology. Emphasis will be placed on safe mobilization, prevention of complications, and progression beyond early mobility toward meaningful functional recovery. Through case-based discussions and real-world clinical insights, learners will gain practical tools to: navigate complex ICU environments, collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams, advocate for mobility in high-acuity patients, bridge the gap between respiratory support and functional independence. This course is designed for physical and occupational therapists seeking to enhance their confidence and clinical reasoning when working with patients on advanced respiratory support across acute and post-acute settings.

This course is based on the recorded webinar, Beyond the Vent: Mechanical Ventilation, Oxygen Strategies, and Functional Recovery created by Katelyn Whitlock in 2026.

Publication Details

Publication Date: Originally presented as a live event Jun 9th, 2026

Presenter and Course Creator

Katelyn Whitlock, PT, DPT, MSEd, CCS

Katelyn Whitlock is a faculty member in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Brenau University. She is a Board-Certified Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Clinical Specialist and currently practices as an physical therapist primarily in the CVICU. She currently serves as the co-chair of the PT in Critical Care Clinical Practice Guidelines committee. She earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from Emory University in May 2018, followed by the completion of Emory’s Acute Care Residency in 2019. Prior to her DPT, she obtained both her bachelors and masters degrees in Exercise Physiology from the University of Virginia. She is passionate about ICU rehabilitation and outcomes especially for complex patient populations including mechanical circulatory support and ECMO. Dr. Whitlock is actively involved in research and has presented at local and national conferences on topics including ICU physical therapy, ECMO, advanced mechanical support, and COVID-19.

Target Audience

This webinar is intended for Physical Therapists, Physical Therapy Assistants, Occupational Therapists, and Occupational Therapy Assistants. (PT, PTA, OT, COTA)

Learning Objectives

After taking this activity, you should be able to:

  1. 1 Interpret mechanical ventilation modes, settings, and advanced oxygen delivery strategies in the context of patient physiology and pathology.
  2. 2 Apply clinical decision-making frameworks to safely initiate, progress, and modify mobility interventions for patients receiving respiratory support.
  3. 3 Differentiate appropriate oxygen delivery strategies during rest and activity and implement safe titration principles within the therapist’s scope.
  4. 4 Identify and manage common barriers to functional recovery, including sedation, delirium, respiratory distress, and hemodynamic instability.

Disclosure to Learners

CE Learning Systems adheres to the ACCME's Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Medical Education. Any individuals in a position to control the content of a CE activity – including faculty, planners, reviewers, or others ― are required to disclose all relevant financial relationships with ineligible entities (formerly known as commercial interests).

The following relevant financial relationships have been disclosed by this activity's planners, faculty, and the reviewer:

Planners and Reviewers

The planners of this activity have reported that they have no relevant financial relationships.

Material Authors

There are no known relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Commercial support

There is no commercial support for this distance-learning course.

Montana Board of Physical Therapy Examiners

2 CE credit hours
Eligible until Dec 31st, 2028
CE Learning Systems (d/b/a impactce.com) is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Physical Therapy as an approved provider of continuing education for Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants.
More Info

New York State Education Department's State Board for Physical Therapy

2 CE credit hours
Eligible until Jul 16th, 2028
CE Learning Systems (d/b/a impactce.com) is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Physical Therapy as an approved provider of continuing education for Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants.
More Info
Course Materials

Video
Paid material

  • Beyond the Vent: Mechanical Ventilation, Oxygen Strategies, and Functional Recovery

    Enroll and start the course to view these materials.

  • Presentation Slides

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