Female Pelvic Health Courses

EXFRM 2703 Introduction to Female Pelvic Health (Online course) 

This course consists of a self-paced online micro-course. Participants will gain theoretical knowledge of the female anatomy, physiology and function of the healthy pelvis and pelvis floor, pathophysiology, and mechanisms of dysfunction.  Participants will gain a better understanding of the factors involved in patient assessment.

This course is open to all healthcare professionals with an interest in female pelvic health.

Note: Students in the University of Alberta MScPT Program should complete PTHER 554 Pelvic Health to receive credit for this course.

Prerequisites: None

 Content Areas:

  • Female Pelvic Anatomy: Vulva, Perineum, Bladder, Uterus, and Bowel. 
  • Physiology of Micturition 
  • Bladder training 
  • Condition of Urinary Incontinence 
  • Types of Urinary incontinence
  •  Medical evaluation and procedures for urinary incontinence
  • Pharmacological management
  • Procedures: Urodynamics
  • Surgery 
  • Assessment of Female Pelvic Floor (vulva, vaginal and bowel)
  • Pelvic Floor Muscle Training 
  • Clinical history taking
  • Vaginal atrophy assessment and considerations
  • Containment products
  • Biofeedback 
  • Introduction to constipation and bowel emptying techniques 

Course Hours & Recognition

The course is equivalent to approximately 12 content hours. 35 educational hours are awarded on the official certificate to reflect varying completion times. 

Upon successful completion, you may also claim a digital badge issued by UofA CE—accessible through MyCreds—along with an official University of Alberta non-credit transcript

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EXFRM 2731 Physical Therapy Assessment & Treatment of Female Urinary Incontinence (In-person clinical lab)

This clinical lab course consists of a 1.5 hour mandatory synchronous session (scheduled the Thursday evening the week before the weekend lab via zoom) and a two-day in-person clinical lab.

Vaginal and rectal exams (female) will be demonstrated and practiced. Participants will practice on each other and should come prepared to be both clinician and patient for internal and external sessions. Males who would like to participate in the lab are required to bring their own female model for participation. Behavioral techniques and pelvic floor muscle re-education for female patients with pelvic floor dysfunction will be discussed and practiced.

This course will be instructed by two experienced PTs who have specialized in pelvic health for many years. Physiotherapists who participate must have a foundation of knowledge and skills in anatomy, physiology, electrotherapy and manual therapy.

Prerequisite coursework:  Introduction to Female Pelvic Health online course, PTHER 554 Pelvic Health (if you are a UAlberta MScPT Student) or similar introductory courses (approved by the instructors).

Note: This course, Physical Therapy Ax & Rx of Female Urinary Incontinence, is restricted to Licensed Physical Therapists / Physical Therapists with a PT practice permit. 

University of Alberta MScPT Students who successfully complete PTHER 554 Pelvic Health can register and complete this Lab course. However, MScPT Students must obtain full licensure in order to practice the restricted activity clinically after graduation. 

This course meets the Pelvic Health restricted activity content requirements for the College of Physiotherapists of Alberta (CPTA). All Participants should check the Pelvic Health related regulatory requirements outlined by their provincial regulatory College.

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EXFRM 2732 Clinical Skills and Mentorship for Physical Therapy Care in Female Urinary Incontinence & Post-partum Recovery (hybrid course – online + Lab)

This course will provide physical therapists working in pelvic health with the opportunity to enhance their understanding and competence in assessment and treatment interventions through instruction and mentorship. Students will further develop skills in pelvic health, to integrate appropriate orthopedic techniques. There will be a focus on the special considerations for postpartum traumatic deliveries (3rd and 4th degree tears).

This is a blended course which will run over an eight-week timeframe. The format will include synchronous online lectures, case-study discussions, in-person lab sessions and an opportunity to shadow an experienced PT at a multidisciplinary urogynecology clinic.

This course will be instructed by two highly experienced PTs who have specialized in pelvic health for many years. Participants must have a basic understanding of pelvic anatomy, physiology, and dysfunction as well as basic manual therapy skills.

Prerequisite coursework:  Introduction to Female Pelvic Health online course and Physical Therapy Assessment & Treatment for Female Urinary Incontinence or similar courses (approved by the instructors).

Note: This course, Clinical Skills and Mentorship for Physical Therapy Care in Female Urinary Incontinence & Post-Partum Recovery, is restricted to Licensed Physical Therapists / Physical Therapists with a PT practice permit.

All students should check the Pelvic Health related regulatory requirements outlined by their regulatory College. This course meets the Pelvic Health restricted activity content requirements for the College of Physiotherapists of Alberta (CPTA).

Physical Therapists from outside of Alberta should review the information about the CPTA courtesy register.

Additional information

Note: These courses are not intended for professionals working in male pelvic health practice.

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Now Accepting Registrations

  • Introduction to Female Pelvic Health (Online Course):  January 18 - February 26, 2027 (registration open)
  • Physical Therapy Assessment & Treatment of Female Urinary Incontinence - Clinical Lab (Synchronous session and Lab Course):  Synchronous Session on October 8, 2026, two day clinical lab October 17-18, 2026 (Lab is Full).  We plan to host another lab in Winter 2027, dates will be posted in Fall 2026.
  • Clinical Skills and Mentorship for Physical Therapy Care in Female Incontinence & Post-Partum Recovery - Hybrid course April 1 - May 1, 2027 (2027 Course Schedule)

 

 

Step 1: To apply to the online course complete and submit the FRM EXFRM 2703 CE unit application form via the link below: 

Step 2: Proceed to create a UofA CERegister account 

Step 3: proceed to course registration/payment for EXFRM 2703.

Cost: $330 

Visit UofA Continuing Education for information on course withdrawal, refund, and transfer policy.

Physical Therapy Assessment & Treatment of Female Urinary Incontinence (Clinical Lab) 

Lab Fee Payment

Cost:  $685

A full refund is provided up until one week before the scheduled lab date.  Any refund requests after that will be charged a $80 administration fee.

Step 1:  Complete the EXFRM 2732 CE unit application

Step 2:  The CE unit will evaluate your application and contact you with next steps to register in the course.

Note:  Course instructors will approve a limited number of applicants to participate this course. 

Cost: $950

Dianne MacDonald, Physical Therapist 

Dianna has been a physiotherapist for 45 years, 27 of them in women’s health. She is the Rehabilitation Team leader for women’s health at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in the Lois Hole Hospital for women. She developed the outpatient clinic for the treatment of incontinence in women and men. She authored “In Control Again”, a personal workbook for the re-education of the pelvic floor. She has contributed to public education and awareness of incontinence and menopause on TV and public forums. Dianna has lectured, organized and participated in many national and international conferences, courses and workshops. Recent research activities include “Managing Urinary Incontinence in elderly village women in Bangladesh: A Feasibility Study for a community exercise-based intervention.” (co-investigator) and “Physiotherapy for Stress Urinary Incontinence: Feasibility Study for a Randomized Controlled Trial of Hip External Rotation Exercise Training versus Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercise Training” (principle investigator).

Sarah Conrad, Physical Therapist, BSc.PT, MSc.Rehabilitation Science

Sarah is a Physical Therapist with a BSc.PT from the University of Alberta and postgraduate training in pelvic health, orthopedics, and Chan Gunn IMS. She has gained international experience in the Netherlands and Peru, with a focus on integrating pelvic health into various healthcare systems. Recently, Sarah earned her MSc in Rehabilitation Sciences under the supervision of Dr. Douglas Gross (University of Alberta) and Dr. Linda McLean (University of Ottawa).  

At Alberta Health Services, she holds two clinical roles, serving as the lead for Provincial Pelvic Health Physiotherapy and providing physical therapy services at the Lois Hole Hospital for Women outpatient Urogynecology clinic. Sarah's research interests are evolving to include oncology pelvic rehabilitation, contributing to the current research projects of Dr. Stéphanie Bernard (University of Laval) and Dr. Margaret McNelly at the University of Alberta.

Upon completion participants will be issued a faculty digital certificate noting the number of educational hours. Intro to Female Pelvic Health - online course (40 educational hours),  Clincial Lab (20 educational hours), Hybrid course (32 educational hours).

Contact sdrefs@ualberta.ca for more information.