Frequently Asked Questions

 Health Practice Requirements for attending IPA sponsored continuing education

.  ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST BRING A MASK to all classes per the guidelines below:

1. You must bring a surgical, KN95 or N95 mask to any in-person class, regardless of the state, local, and facility requirements. 
2. Guidelines for each specific course will be explained by the faculty at the beginning of the course.
3. Some classes will require a mask to be worn during the whole class based on state, local, facility, and faculty requirements.   Other classes will only require a mask be worn during labs or when seated next to someone who requires personal protective equipment
4. While all participants may not be required to wear a mask at a specific course, all participants have the right to request to be seated or partnered during lab with someone who is wearing a mask for personal protection. Please be aware that individual health issues can necessitate the mask protection for a table/lab partner.
   1. We recommend that you select your table/lab partner based on mask preferences. 
   2. Be aware that IPA requires everyone to respect the needs of your table/lab partner, and you may be required to wear a mask even if it is not your preference.
5. Surface sanitizing solutions are available as needed.
6. IPA Faculty have the responsibility to modify these regulations during the course based on most current information and circumstances.

Because of the close proximity of IPA manual therapy classes, our policy on COVID exposure and recovery is slightly more stringent than CDC guidelines.

• If you have tested positive within the 14 days prior to the start of a course, you can attend the course as long as you 1) have been symptom free for 5 days before the start of the class and 2) wear a mask -OR- provide the results of a negative rapid antigen test to IPA 24 hours prior to the start of the course.  
• If you have been exposed to someone with COVID within the last 10 days and do not have any symptoms, you may attend if you wear a mask during the course.  

If you have concerns regarding the use of masks at a particular course, please write info@ipafmt.com.

To ensure you receive all communications regarding a purchase, including but not limited to order confirmations, specific course information, and password resets, please whitelist the following domains:

functionalmanualtherapy.com
instituteofphysicalart.com
ipafmt.com

Each email system has its own unique process for whitelisting.  Below are directions from a few widely used email clients.

Outlook Online (web version):

1. Login to your email using the web version of Outlook (go to outlook.com and login)
2. Select Settings by clicking on the gear icon:
3. Select “Mail” then “Junk email”
4. Scroll down to the Safe Senders and Domains section
5. Select “+ Add” to add a new domain and type in the domain name:
   • functionalmanualtherapy.com
   • instituteofphysicalart.com
   • ipafmt.com
6. The whitelisted domain or email address will appear in your Safe Senders list
7. Save before exiting

Outlook (software application)

1. Launch Outlook and open your email
2. From the Home ribbon select the Junk icon then Junk email options
3. Select the Safe Senders tab
4. Select Add and enter the domains one at a time, then select OK
   • @functionalmanualtherapy.com
   • @instituteofphysicalart.com
   • @ipafmt.com
5. Select OK to Save and close the dialog box

GMAIL

1. Login to Gmail
2. Select Settings by clicking on the gear icon, and select Settings from the drop down
3. Select “Filters
4. Scroll past all your existing filters to the bottom of the page and select “Create a new filter”:
5. In the from field add the domain you want to whitelist
   • @functionalmanualtherapy.com
   • @instituteofphysicalart.com
   • @ipafmt.com
6. Select “Create Filter with this Search” link at the bottom of the dialog box
7. Check the box next to “Never Send it to Spam” and any other options you would like
8. Select the blue “Create Filter” button
9. Add the email address that you want to whitelist to the “From” field.

IPA Courses; On-line Pre-Course Work/Evaluations; IPA Products & CFMT Profiles

The IPA recently moved to a new IPA digital platform.   Due to this transition, ALL customers, existing and new, must either activate an existing account or create a new account.  NOTE:  If you have previously taken IPA courses, you must activate your existing IPA account per the directions below.  The important information is that there are now THREE accounts.  We strongly suggest that you use the same email address and password for all three accounts.

IPA Courses:  

• Activating Your IPA Courses Account.  Returning IPA customers accessing your course account (course history or to register for a new course) for the first time on the upgraded platform.   NOTE:  If you have taken an IPA course DO NOT SET UP A NEW ACCOUNT as this will create a duplicate record which will impact your transcript.  If you are an existing customer, please follow the instructions below:  
  • Go to My Accounts on the IPA website. 
  • Under IPA Courses, click on the link which says:  Create / Activate your IPA courses account.
  • A page will come up that says:  Create Portal Account.  THIS IS THE CORRECT PAGE even though you have an account.  
  • On this page, complete the fields under create new account and choose a password (you are creating a password for your IPA courses account and this is what you will use for all future access).
  • Click on CREATE ACCOUNT.  This is required to activate an existing account. DO NOT click on Log In until you have activated your account by clicking “Create Account”..
  • You are now directed to a page that says:  “Your account is not activated, please verify your email address:”.  An email is automatically sent.  If you do not see this email in your inbox, check your other/spam boxes.  If not there, click resend email.
  • If you still do not receive the confirmation email, you may be using an email that is different from your existing IPA account.  If this is the case, you must repeat the entire process from the My Accounts Page using the correct email address.
  • Once you have completed all the above steps, if you are still not receiving an email, write infor@ipafmt.com and request assistance.
  • Once you receive the email:  Click on Verify Your Email button.  
  • If email is verified, you will be directed to a page that states:  Account is one activated.  
  • Select View My Account to go to your IPA courses account.
  • This will activate your account.
  • For future access to your IPA courses information, follow the directions below to “Log in to an active IPA Courses Account. 
• Log in to an Active IPA Courses Account. (If you have not activated your account follow the steps above.)
  • Go to My Accounts on the IPA Web Page, under the column IPA Courses, click on LOGIN to your IPA Courses account.
  • Type in your email address in the username field and password associated with your activated IPA Courses account and select Sign In.
  • If you have forgotten your Username OR Password, you must actually click on what you forgot at the bottom of the page.  There are two links in this prompt.

Online Pre-Course Work/Course Evaluations Account

This is a specific account to complete your Online Pre-course Work, Course Evaluations, and on-demand courses.  This is a separate authentication from your IPA courses account.

• Activating your Online Pre-Course Work / Course Evaluations account.  If you are logging in to your Online Precourse account for the FIRST time, you must use the link from an email sent to you from courses@ipafmt.come with the subject line:  Online Requirement for your IPA Course – Enrollment Confirmation. Select the “Start Now” button in the email to activate your Online Pre-Course Work / Evaluation account.  Without the email that contains this link, you cannot activate your Online Pre-Course/Evaluation account.
  • This link will connect you to a page to complete your profile information for your online/precourse/evaluation/on-demand account.
  • Once your account is activated, you no longer will need this special link.  You will be able to sign in as below.
  • You can not create a new account for your online pre-course work/evaluation, because the new account will not be linked to the course in which you are enrolled.  You must follow the link provided in the email as noted above the first time you access this online pre-course/evaluation account.
• Log into your Online pre-course work account that has been activated. If you have previously activated or accessed your online/precourse account, Go to My Accounts on the IPA Website and under the middle column, Online Pre-Course Work/Evaluations, select “Log into your online precourse work account” and use your account information to sign in.
  • This link will take you to a sign in page where you can enter your email address and password.
  • There is an option on this page to sign in using Google or Microsoft.  To use this option, the email address MUST be the same between your Google/Microsoft account and the email address used when you first activated your online/pre-course work account.  This option is not available if the IPA Online Pre-Course Work email and your Google or Microsoft account email is not the same.

You must be logged in to the account of the intended course attendee to purchase a course online.  Courses purchased online will be recorded on the student transcript of the account used to make the purchase.  You can not register multiple students within your own account!  Doing so will cause all purchases to appear on your Student Transcript.  You are welcome to contact the IPA at (970-870-9521) to register yourself and/or other attendees.

Registering online is a quick and efficient way to register for courses. Payment in full by credit card is required to complete the registration.  Once you have completed your registration, you will receive:

• An email confirmation from courses@ipafmt.com that includes “Registration Confirmed (name of course)” in the subject line.  This email contains information and special instructions specific to the course in which you are registered.
• If there are any online requirements to your course, such as pre-course work or a post course evaluation, you will also receive an email from courses@ipafmt.com  with the subject line: Online Requirement for your IPA Course – Enrollment Confirmation for each component required.  This email includes a “start now” link to activate/access these elements of the course.   
• If you do not receive an order confirmation, please check your spam/other boxes and be sure you have white listed courses@ipafmt.com or any email from ipafmt.com to receive all information related to your course.  
• After following all the above instructions, if you do not have the notifications mentioned above, please email the IPA office at info@ipafmt.com.

To reserve a spot in a course you may register and pay in full, or register with a credit card guarantee.  You must contact the IPA office to register with a credit card guarantee, online credit card guarantees are not available.  For credit card guarantees a deposit of $100 is required at the time of initial registration.  A credit card is required to guarantee the balance of the tuition.  The balance of the tuition is due 4 weeks after initial registration, or two weeks before the course, whichever is earlier.  If payment in full has not been received by the due date your credit card will be charged for the balance due.  If the full tuition is paid by a third party prior to the balance due date, the $100 deposit may be refunded or issued as a credit on your IPA account.  Registering with a credit card guarantee is considered full registration in the course and the cancellation policy applies, regardless of when payments are made.

Cancellations or Transfers:

Cancellations and Transfers are allowed up to 21 days before a live course. Up to 21 days before the course, Cancellation Fees or Transfer Fees apply. Less than 21 days prior to the start of a live course, there are no refunds, transfers or credits issued to the registrant.

• Cancellation Fee when canceling more than 21 days before a live course: 25% cancellation fee of your tuition price. This fee is capped at $150.
• Transfer Fee when transferring more than 21 days before a live course:  $50 transfer fee if you transfer to another course or put your tuition on a credit voucher.  Cancellation fee is waived.
• Less than 21 days prior to the start of a live course, there are no refunds, transfers or credits issued to the registrant.
  
• On Demand Courses:  Once purchased, no cancellations are allowed and no refunds, transfers, credits or extensions are given if course is not completed.

Cancellations or Transfers for a course rescheduled due to a national disaster or Federal, State, or local ordinances:

• NO REFUNDS ARE GIVEN.
• The registrant’s enrollment will be immediately transferred to the new date.
• If the registrant cannot attend the new date and notifies the IPA within 14 days of the reschedule notice, a full credit shall be issued to the registrant’s IPA account.
• If the participant cancels after the 14 day grace period and prior to 21 days before the new start date of the class, the cancellation/transfer fee shall apply and the balance shall be issued as a credit to the registrant’s IPA account.
• If the participant withdraws less than 21 days prior to the class, the registrant forfeits the full tuition.

 

COVID Guidelines:

• For a course that is canceled due to Federal, State. or Local ordinances and not rescheduled by the IPA, a full refund will be given.
• If a registrant tests positive for COVID, or can document exposure to a person who has tested positive or is exhibiting symptoms, a full credit will be issued to the registrant’s account if this situation falls outside the normal credit and refund policies above.

 

NOTE ABOUT CREDIT VOUCHERS: Any credit issued to the registrant’s IPA account:

• Credits Vouchers must be used by the end of the following calendar year unless written authorization is received by the IPA.
• Only one transfer per Credit Voucher is allowed.
• After utilizing the credit there is a positive balance on the registrant’s account this balance can be used toward an additional class registration.

 

IPA is not responsible for the cost of non-refundable airline tickets or other travel expenses.  The institute is not responsible for guaranteeing a specific instructor or securing approval from any state licensing agency for continuing education credits.

Our office hours are Monday through Thursday 8am to 4pm and Fridays from 8am to 12 Noon Mountain Time. 970-870-9521.

** Currently, due to COVID 19, the IPA administrative team does not have regular office hours.  To assist all customers, we check the info@ipafmt.com email every day.  Please send any inquiries or requests to this email address, as that ensures we have a record of your communication.  Thank you very much. **

The Institute offers a 20% student discount for PT students enrolled in an entry-level graduate Physical Therapy program and may attend IPA courses starting in year two. New graduates from an entry level PT Program receive the discount up to one year after their graduation.

Not eligible are graduate students returning to school to obtain higher level degrees after their initial PT license has been issued.

To obtain the discount, you must call the IPA office to register 970-870-9521. Your school and graduation date will be recorded in your IPA record.  Each time you wish to take advantage of the student discount you must call to register, the online shopping option will charge full price and the discount cannot be applied after your transaction is complete.  This discount cannot be applied retroactively.

PT students may enroll in IPA courses and receive the 20% discount if completed all of the basic anatomy courses.

The Institute makes two spots in each course available at 1/2 price for those repeating a course within 5 years.  Registration for the 1/2 price spots is on a first come basis and opens the first business day of November for the following year.  Those registered for CFMT may register the last business day of October.  You must register by phone to receive a 1/2 price repeat spot.  Registering online will result in you being charged full price. Credits cannot be issued once your transaction is complete.  Half priced tuition does not include a course manual or any supplies distributed at the course.  You may order these from IPA and have them shipped to the course, or bring the materials you received the first time you took the course.

After taking a course at least two times, and attending the course within 3 years, you may apply to lab assist that course at no charge. These requirements will help maintain the quality of instruction at IPA courses. We try to accommodate all lab assisting requests from those that qualify. The number of openings to lab assist will be dependent on total enrollment in the course. Please complete this form and send to info@ipafmt.com to apply to lab assist. If you have any questions call us at 970-870-9521.

The only way to hold a spot is with a credit card guarantee or full payment for the course. As soon as you have registered for a spot in the course, the cancellation policy is in effect. Please note that ALL Credit Card Guarantees must be done by phone by calling the IPA at 970-870-9521.

IPA courses are open to PTs, PTAs, and OTs.  Our advanced courses present material that is out of the scope of practice for PTAs and OTAs.  PTAs may attend advanced courses with a supervising PT.  OTAs are not allowed to attend advanced courses due to the majority of the material being out of the scope of practice for OTAs.

Because we are primarily a Physical Therapist Education provider we approve CE only for PTs.  OTs and PTAs may attend most of our courses, but we are unable to allow other attendees.  This is required by our governing association and those that award CE status to our courses.  The rationale for this guideline is that courses taught must educate for direct access and be specific to our practice set.  We understand (and agree) that much of our material would be very beneficial to other practice sets.  Unfortunately, we must abide by the restrictions our governing bodies place upon us to ensure continued support and CE approvals for our target audiences.

Several years ago, the APTA did attempt to do a national approval process.  They determined that state chapters would create their own guidelines for course approval. Many states require that PTs complete a certain number of continuing education hours in order to retain their licenses; but not all of those states require that the courses themselves be approved.  IPA obtains approvals for courses that are held in states that require both CE units for PT licensure renewal and approval of CE courses.  Courses are approved for PTs in the state in which the course is held.  If you attend a course in a state that is different from the state in which you are licensed you may submit approval requests to your state.  Please check with your state chapter to determine what needs to be done for approval submission. IPA will provide you with any information we have that is required by your approval board.  Since 1978, IPA has never been denied for continuing education credit.

NOTE:  All required on-line pre-course preparation AND the course evaluation must be completed prior to receiving a CEU certificate.

** Due to COVID-19 we are not able to get every course approved in the state in which it is being taught. All IPA classes are approved for PT CEUs in the states of NY, CA, and IL. You can request information to apply for individual approval in your home state if your state does not accept reciprocity from one of the above-listed states. Once the COVID-19 uncertainty is abated, it is IPA’s desire to return to the previous policy as listed below. **

Pre-COVID-19 policy:

We obtain CE approval for PTs for the state in which a course is held.

If the state in which the course is held does not require CE we do NOT submit the course for CE approval because there would be no approving body for that state.

If a PT needs approval for a state other than the state in which the course is held, the PT can submit for CE approval on their own. Many states will accept approval from another state.  In some cases IPA may have a course type that you are attending out of state approved within your state for a different date and location, and that might cover your out of state attendance.  IPA may be able to provide some guidance, although when attending a course in a state where you are not licensed it is your responsibility to determine what is needed for you to receive CE credit.  If your state requires documentation for the course we can help.  IPA will provide you any information that we have available, but it is your responsibility to provide any information IPA does not have on file.  Since we submit for CE in many states it is likely we would have the documents your state requests.  Typical items required would include a course description, course objectives, course time line, instructor CV, sample evaluation, etc.

IPA does not apply for continuing education (CE) for OTs or PTAs.  Many states approve PT, PTA, and OT continuing education through the same governing body.  PTAs & OTs should check with their state governing body to confirm if they will accept the PT CE approval.  In cases that a PT CE approval does not cover PTAs or OTs the individual would need to submit the application for approval on their own.  If a PTA or OT would like to submit for approval on their own they need to research what their governing body requires.  IPA will provide information that we have available, but it is your responsibility to provide any information IPA does not have on file.  Since we submit for CE in many states it is likely we would have the information your state requests. (Similar to out of state PT attendees.)

To maintain CE approvals we are required to withhold completion certificates if you miss more than one hour of instruction at a course.  IPA courses are lab intensive so your absence means that your lab partner will not have anyone with whom to work. IPA course material builds together to form a comprehensive approach, and material learned earlier in the course is needed later in the course.  Missing the material early in the course may prevent you from being able to complete the course.  Please carefully consider any obligations you may have prior to registering for a course. In some cases exceptions may be made, however, you may not receive a completion certificate until the hours missed are made up at a future course. If you do need to miss any time in a course, please contact the IPA at info@ipaconed.com or 970-870-9521 and the IPA Directors will review your request.

If you are unable to complete a course the hours missed may be made up at a future course at no charge. Please let us know where you would like to make up those hours and we will inform the instructor that you will be there. We try to maintain even numbers in all of our classes so if you would like to participate in labs you will need to bring a lab partner. This individual does not need to be a physical therapist. You will also need to bring your course manual with you.

The best way to start is by volunteering as a lab assistant. In general, you need to have taken a course twice before you can be considered for lab assisting as this helps to ensure that you know the material well enough to assist others during labs. In addition, we ask that you take a minimum of 3 IPA courses before starting to lab assist. If you are interested in volunteering as a lab assistant please send a letter of intent with your CV to the Institute. All lab assistants need to submit proof of liability insurance prior to the course for which they are lab assisting. Lab assistants have the potential to move into paid teaching positions at the discretion of the IPA Directors. Therapists who have completed the Functional Manual Therapy™ Certification (CFMT) are given preference for teaching positions, therefore becoming certified is one of the best ways to join our faculty.  If you are a CFMT and would like to join the IPA Faculty, please complete this Faculty Affirmation of Interest form and send it to info@ipafmt.com

Course Completion Certificates are delivered online. Ten business days after the completion of a course, if you have completed ALL required pre-course preparation modules and your evaluation, you have the ability to download the Course Completion Certificate (as a .pdf document) for all of your completed courses via your online Transcript. Just follow the instructions below to obtain your certificates:

Login to your account at our Website.
Click on “Transcript” in the “My Account” menu block on the left.
Click on the Certificate icon next to the course for which you’d like a Completion Certificate
The Completion Certificate document will be downloaded to your computer. From there, you may view or print the certificate, or save it to your computer’s hard drive.

Your name will appear on your certificate exactly as it is recorded in your IPA account. If you would like to change the way your name appears on your completion certificate please update your name in your account.

NOTE:  If you do not complete your pre-course preparation or evaluation within 10 days after a course ends, there is an additional charge to receive your CEU certificate.  For more information, please write info@ipafmt.com.

In many circumstances you can attend courses if you are pregnant.  Call the IPA before registering to determine if the course you would like to take is appropriate for your specific circumstance.

If you have any restrictions that do not allow you to fully participate, or be practiced on during labs, please contact the IPA to discuss your specific situation.  In some instances, provisions for attendance can be made when ample notice is received.

Product Orders and Returns:If you are not satisfied with your product(s) you can return them in new condition within 30 calendar days. We will give you a refund minus the shipping.  If you have questions or concerns regarding an order for any of our products please contact us.   Orders for products will not be replaced or refunded after 30 calendar days of your original order.

For a course that is cancelled and not rescheduled:  For any course that is cancelled by IPA, or cancelled due to Federal, State, or local ordinances, and is not rescheduled, a full refund will be given.  IPA is not responsible for the cost of non-refundable airline tickets or other travel expenses.

We recommend facilities consider CFS, FM I, and PNF I as the first courses to host.  These courses make up the foundation of the FMT approach, and are building blocks for many of our other courses.  We do offer additional courses that do not have pre-requisites that could be appropriate for new hosting facilities, but if you are not sure where to start you won’t go wrong with CFS, FM I, or PNF I.

Benefits for hosting “Open” courses attended by your therapists and therapists in the community are based on total paid participants attending the course.  “In-House” courses, attended by your internal therapists only are offered at a 20% discount, and require a minimum of 18 attendees.

In general, we ask hosting facilities to accommodate at least 30 participants, with two people at one treatment table.  In larger metro areas accommodations for 40 participants may be required.  In smaller metro areas accommodations for as low as 18 participants may be approved.

To be considered for hosting a course complete this Intent to Host form and return it via the directions on the form.  We generally ask facilities for their hosting preferences and black-out dates in the spring for hosting the following year. The form gives us the information we need to include your facility in the scheduling process. It is much easier to give you the courses and time-frames you want if we have your information when we start the schedule.  Late additions to the schedule are possible, but must be balanced with other offerings in the region and instructor availability.

For more information, or to discuss a specific hosting plans for your facility, please call the IPA office.

Host A Course Form