EXFRM 2726 Wheelchair + Seated Mobility

Rehabilitation professionals working with adults who need seating support must understand what affects wheelchair propulsion, seating and positioning. In this course, you will learn modern approaches to seating, including client-centered assessments, different wheelchair types, proper setup for easy propulsion, seating components, goal setting and managing common posture issues. You will also gain a better understanding of the factors involved in adult client assessment and wheelchair/seating prescription.

This course is designed for physical therapists, occupational therapists, nurses, kinesiologists, recreational therapists, therapy assistants and other rehabilitation professionals.

Course Registration

Registration now available for the following sections (see details under 'How to Register')

  • September 7 - October 16, 2026 
  • October 19 - November 27, 2026
  • January 11 - February 19, 2026

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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AHS Clinicians

If you are an Alberta Health Services (AHS) employee (OT or PT working in a seating service) please contact Shawn Drefs at sdrefs@ualberta.ca BEFORE you apply to this course as you may be eligible to participate in the AHS/UofA version of this course with costs covered by AHS.

Step 1: Complete and submit the faculty EXFRM 2726 CE Unit application form

Step 2: Proceed to create a UofA CERegister account 

Step 3:  Register for a course section on CERegister

Cost: $300

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

This course will be of interest to a broad range of healthcare professionals involved in wheelchair assessment/seating prescription.

The (WSM) course consists of the following eight modules and two case studies:

  • Introduction
  • Theoretical Framework
  • Wheelchair Seating Assessment - The Setup
  • Physical Assessment of the Client
  • Introduction to Equipment
  • Propulsion
  • Goal Setting
  • Moving from Assessment to Action
  • Case Study 1 (demo) Includes Intro, Interview, Range of Motion, and Wheelchair Assessment video content.
  • Case Study 2 (assignment) Includes Interview, Range of Motion, Seated and Lying Assessment, and Wheelchair Assessment video content.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Understand the value of proper wheelchair prescription.
  • Describe the theoretical models that guide wheelchair assessment and seating interventions.
  • Create appropriate wheelchair and seating goals.
  • Identify manual wheelchair classes and parts.
  • Identify key components of cushion design and composition.
  • Understand the factors that affect wheelchair propulsion and functional performance.
  • Describe the steps in the wheelchair assessment process and demonstrate a MAT assessment.

michelle-barnes.jpg

Michelle graduated from the University of Alberta in 2002 with her Physiotherapy Degree. Prior to that, she completed degrees in Education, and Physical Education. She started her career in private practice, working in a clinic in suburban Edmonton for 9 years before taking a position at the Glenrose in 2011. While at the Glenrose, Michelle had the chance to switch from treating the ‘typical’ musculoskeletal injuries seen in private practice, to treating an outpatient neurology population including people who had experienced a stroke or traumatic brain injury.

The Wheelchair Seating and Mobility Assessment and Prescription course is delivered using a distance format via CE Canvas (The University of Alberta's online learning platform). The majority of course content is delivered asynchronously meaning there is no requirement to be online at a specific class date and time. Students can complete the learning activities in a place and time of their choosing. Content is accessible 24 hours a day from any location with an internet connection. Each module may consist of online lectures, video presentations, and knowledge checks.