Spinal Manipulation Under Anesthesia Training for Nurses & NPs

This training caters to MDs, DOs, DMDs, DDS, NPs, RNs and other licensed healthcare professionals. The course is specifically designed for practitioners who have not been trained in spinal manipulation and want to add this nonpharmacologic pain management approach to their practice.

High-velocity low-amplitude (HVLA) spinal manipulation is an evidence-based, office-based manual therapy technique that applies a controlled, quick thrust to a specific dysfunctional joint. It is the primary osteopathic approach taught in this course for treating conditions such as sacroiliac dysfunction, lumbar facet syndromes, and disc-related pain that have not responded to conventional treatments.

The course covers treatment of sacroiliac joint dysfunction, palpable somatic dysfunction of the thoracic spine, range of motion loss, lumbar pain, sacrum-related pain, and lower back pain with or without leg pain. Pain sources addressed include muscle spasm and myofascial trigger points, joint lumbar facet degeneration and arthritis, and nerve-related radiculopathies and entrapment.

Yes, these are very safe procedures to perform with no real complications associated with proper training. The course teaches you to identify both relative and absolute contraindications, develop the psychomotor skills to minimize force and amplitude, and use sound clinical reasoning to determine when manipulation is or is not appropriate for each patient.

The Spinal Manipulation Therapies course is a 2-day, 16-hour program (8 hours per day). The format includes didactic instruction on clinical reasoning and evidence-based approaches combined with extensive hands-on practice to develop the technical skills required for safe and effective manipulation delivery.

A board-certified physician expert will teach this course, with other licensed healthcare professionals assisting where needed. The faculty provides direct supervision during hands-on practice to ensure you develop proper technique and biomechanics.

The course covers functional diagnostic testing including seated straight raise, supine straight leg raise, Kemp's Extension Test (rotate and lateral flux), deep tendon reflexes (patellar, Achilles), SI joint testing (Fortin finger test, FABER, SI compression), and muscle testing (hallux, eversion/inversion).

Absolutely. The course specifically covers pricing, packaging, and marketing strategies for incorporating spinal manipulation within your present practice. These procedures require no special equipment and can be performed in a standard office setting, making integration straightforward and cost-effective.

NP participation in MUA procedures depends on state scope of practice, facility credentialing requirements, and collaborative practice arrangements. NPs may perform MUA independently in some states with broad practice authority, while others require physician oversight. MUA certification is also valuable for NPs who assist with MUA procedures or manage pre- and post-MUA patient care in pain management practices.

MUA procedures are performed in ambulatory surgery centers or hospital outpatient departments where anesthesia services and patient monitoring are available. The course covers facility requirements, team coordination, and the role of nursing professionals in the MUA team. Understanding this surgical environment is essential for nurses participating in MUA programs.

MUA certification demonstrates the highest level of pain management procedural training for nursing professionals. NPs with MUA skills are qualified for the most specialized pain management positions, ASC-based practices, and collaborative pain management teams that treat the most complex patient cases. This advanced certification commands premium compensation and exceptional career opportunities.

Scope of practice varies by state. Nurse Practitioners (NPs) in many states have full independent practice authority including prescribing and administering injectables. Registered Nurses (RNs) typically require a collaborative or supervisory agreement with a physician. Empire's training provides the clinical certification; your ability to practice independently depends on your state nursing board regulations. Our team can help you understand the requirements in your state.

Nurses who complete procedural training can pursue roles in medical spas, dermatology practices, plastic surgery offices, pain management clinics, and regenerative medicine centers. Many NPs go on to open their own aesthetic practices. The combination of nursing clinical skills with procedural certification creates one of the most in-demand professional profiles in healthcare today.

Empire Medical Training's courses are CME/CE accredited through the ACCME, and the credits are recognized by state nursing boards nationwide for continuing education and license renewal purposes. The certification documents your hands-on training competency and can be presented to employers, credentialing committees, and malpractice insurance providers.