MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Three rehabilitation therapists at WVU Medicine Children’s – Jenelle Faini, physical therapist; Megan Martino, occupational therapist; and Katie Fluharty, speech-language pathologist – have been awarded certification from the Neonatal Therapy Certification® Board (NTCB).
“Jenelle, Megan, and Katie are among an elite group of specialized clinicians who have obtained this designation,” Bruce L. McKee, director of Rehabilitation Services at WVU Medicine J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital, said. “Each of them pursued this independently, dedicating their time and resources to meet the rigorous qualifications enabling them to sit for the national exam. We are so proud of them for achieving this outstanding accomplishment.”
The NTCB is a multidisciplinary board comprised of occupational therapists, physical therapists, and speech-language pathologists who have expertise in NICUs throughout the United States and around the world. The NTCB provides certification to neonatal therapists who have demonstrated the time, knowledge, and commitment to serve high-risk infants in the NICU.
According to the NTCB, neonatal therapists are an essential part of the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) team. A neonatal therapist is an occupational therapist, physical therapist, or speech-language pathologist who delivers holistic direct patient care and consultative services to premature and medically complex infants in the NICU.
Using an integrated, neuroprotective, family-centered model, neonatal therapists provide highly specialized and individualized therapeutic interventions in the NICU. These interventions support optimal long-term development, prevent adverse complications, and nurture the infant-family relationship. Neonatal therapists provide education to the family and NICU team.
For more information on WVU Medicine Children’s, visit WVUKids.com.