Post Operative Rehabilitation Specialist (PRS)

NAT Advanced Skills Diploma · 20 Hours

Post-Operative Rehabilitation

Develop a structured, evidence-informed approach to rehabilitation after surgery.

Designed for qualified rehabilitation, movement and manual-therapy professionals, this online diploma explores assessment, recovery planning, progressive exercise and return to function. Study flexibly while developing practical clinical reasoning for supporting active clients through different stages of post-operative recovery.

Study time20 hours Structure4 required modules FormatOnline and self-paced CompletionAssessment and diploma

What you will learn

Plan safer, clearer and more purposeful rehabilitation.

• Relate common surgical procedures and healing stages to rehabilitation planning.
• Use assessment findings to establish appropriate priorities and functional goals.
• Progress mobility, strength, stability and movement with greater clinical clarity.
• Recognise precautions, recovery considerations and reasons to modify or refer.
• Support a staged return to activity, sport and everyday function.
• Apply course principles responsibly within professional scope and local regulation.

Course content

Four connected areas of post-operative rehabilitation.

Module 01

Post-Operative Knee Rehabilitation

Examine recovery stages following common knee procedures, with practical guidance on mobility, strength, stability and progressive return to function.

Presented by Mitch Hauschildt MA, ATC, CSCS, MDNc Module 02

Post-Operative Shoulder Rehabilitation

Develop a structured approach to restoring shoulder mobility, control and strength while respecting healing, surgical precautions and the demands of the individual.

Presented by Mitch Hauschildt MA, ATC, CSCS, MDNc Module 03

Assessment and Rehabilitation Planning

Connect case history, observation, movement assessment and functional goals with clearer programme selection and progression.

Integrated professional learning Module 04

Progression and Return to Function

Explore workload, exercise progression and practical decision-making as clients move from early rehabilitation towards daily activity, performance and sport.

Integrated professional learning

What is included?

A complete, flexible online learning programme.

• Four structured online course modules
• Expert-led video classes and practical instruction
• Supporting digital learning resources
• Online assessments through the learning platform
• Downloadable NAT diploma after successful completion
• Flexible, self-paced study with ongoing access

Suitability

Designed for qualified professionals

• Physical therapists and physiotherapists
• Physical therapist assistants
• Athletic trainers and sports-rehabilitation professionals
• Massage and manual therapists working within scope
• Exercise and movement professionals with relevant training

This is a professional continuing-education course. It does not qualify learners to diagnose, prescribe treatment, replace surgical or medical advice, or practise outside their qualifications, licence or legal scope.

Your presenter

Learn from an experienced rehabilitation and performance specialist.

Prevention, rehabilitation and physical performance

Mitch Hauschildt MA, ATC, CSCS, MDNc

Mitch Hauschildt serves as Prevention, Rehabilitation and Physical Performance Coordinator at Missouri State University. He coordinates rehabilitation and injury-prevention programmes across the university’s varsity sports and brings together sports medicine, biomechanics and performance development.

With extensive experience as an athletic trainer and strength and conditioning coach, Mitch is known for translating clinical and performance principles into practical progressions that support safer recovery and confident return to activity.

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