Research & Education

Exploring new avenues of treatment and sharing our expertise are an integral part of our commitment to excellence at Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation. We believe that by applying the best evidence-based research to clinical practice, we can assure our patients that the medical management, rehabilitation nursing care and therapy protocols they receive are indeed "State-of-the-Science."

Research

Currently, Kessler staff members are involved in more than 28 major research projects. The scope of these studies has placed Kessler in the forefront of rehabilitation research.

Many of these projects are being conducted in collaboration with the Kessler Medical Rehabilitation Research and Education Center (KMRREC). Our mutual goal to advance the field of medical rehabilitation provides a strong foundation for research excellence.

Kessler, in cooperation with KMRREC, currently holds Model System grants from the National Institute on Disability Research and Rehabilitation (NIDRR) for both Spinal Cord Injury and Traumatic Brain Injury research and treatment. We are one of only six centers in the country to have this designation.

Funding for the studies we are involved in comes from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Institute for Disability Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) and other key agencies, as well as private organizations and pharmaceutical companies.

See an overview of Kessler's current research projects.

Education

Kessler places great importance on the role of education in the rehabilitation process. It provides the framework for clinical excellence, the basis for patient and family understanding, and the opportunity to expand the boundaries of our field.

Recognized for our leadership in educational programming, we offer a diverse curriculum to meet the needs and interests of rehabilitation professionals — therapists, nurses, physicians, psychologists, case managers and others — from throughout the metropolitan area and across the country.

In fact, Kessler offers more than 300 courses and workshops, seminars and conferences annually, most of which provide continuing education credits (CEUs) to rehabilitation professionals. Our diverse programming focuses on the latest treatments, techniques, technologies and clinical trends, including, but not limited to:

• Spinal cord, brain injury, stroke, amputation, orthopedic and musculoskeletal conditions and neuro-rehabilitation
• BLS and ACLS certification
• Functional integration of biomechanics and orthotics
• Pain Management
• McKenzie C for physical therapists
• Splinting for occupational therapists
• Vital Stim® and Beckman Oral Motor Assessment for speech/language pathologists
• New employee and nursing orientation
• Leadership development

Now in its 22nd year, Kessler's Annual CRRN Review Course is a three-day preparatory course for nurses pursuing specialized rehabilitation certification. In addition, a two-day national NeuroRehabilitation Conference draws a wide audience to the Kessler Conference Center, located on our West Orange, NJ campus. This annual program showcases a multi-disciplinary approach to the evaluation and treatment of individuals with stroke and brain injury.

Through our popular Brown Bag Breakfast series, Kessler physicians, therapists and psychologists provide insight into a wide range of topics for clinicians, case managers and discharge planners. Continuing education credits are available.

Members of Kessler's staff also present at national conferences and lecture regularly at area hospitals, insurance companies and community organizations.

Finally, as part of our overall mission, we offer extensive education, training and support groups to our patients and their families, as well as a wide range of community outreach initiatives.

View the Kessler's upcoming education courses and programs calendar.