The Pediatric Theratools Flagship CEU Course
Certified Infant Massage Coach
A pediatric CEU course for clinicians working with preemies to preschoolers — designed for immediate, real-world use.
Now refreshed for 2026 with updated protocols, new video demos, and implementation bonuses.
1.4 CEUs / 14.0 Contact Hours • Board-approved • Certification included
THE REAL-WORLD CLINICAL CHALLENGE
When a child is overwhelmed, therapy becomes a battle.
And what makes it harder? These three problems quietly sabotage outcomes — and your schedule.
Parent bandwidth is maxed out
Sleep deprivation + stress makes “one more task” feel impossible — even when they truly want to help.
Cancellations and no-shows increase
Consistency disappears, progress slows, and your schedule becomes a constant rearrange-and-recover loop.
Carryover becomes the missing link
Participation drops in session — and home follow-through becomes a hope, not a plan.
Clinical infant massage doesn’t add more work.
It gives you a system that makes everything else work better.
A COMPLETE, CLINICAL FRAMEWORK (NOT JUST STROKES)
Introducing the Clinical Infant Massage Integration System
A four-pillar system built for therapists, by a therapist — so you can implement infant massage with confidence in real-world pediatric practice.
Each pillar is designed to improve session outcomes and make the method easy to integrate, document, and repeat.
Pillar 1: Evidence-Based Foundation
Understand the neuroscience of touch, regulation, and development — so your clinical reasoning is clear, credible, and easy to explain to parents and teams.
- Why touch works when nothing else does
- Regulation + state/cue reading
- Language that strengthens parent buy-in
Pillar 2: Stroke Mastery + Protocols
Learn a complete head-to-toe sequence — plus diagnosis-specific adaptations you can use across your caseload, from infants to the growing child.
- Full routine (newborn → growing child)
- Condition-specific adaptations
- Calming vs. alerting strategies
Pillar 3: Documentation + Billing System
Turn massage into a legitimate therapeutic intervention with goals, notes, and documentation support designed for clinical settings.
- Goal-writing templates
- Progress note language + workflow
- Billing guidance for implementation
Pillar 4: Real-World Implementation
Know exactly how to apply this in NICU, Early Intervention, and outpatient care — including set-up, session flow, and parent coaching.
- NICU + medically complex considerations
- EI parent coaching model
- Session structure that reduces overwhelm
This is why it works as a system:
You don’t just learn the method — you get the implementation ecosystem: clinical templates, video demonstrations, diagnosis-specific handouts, and lifetime professional support.
See what’s included →WHO THIS CERTIFICATION IS FOR
If You Want a Clinical System You Can Use With Your Whole Caseload…
Built for Occupational, Physical, and Speech Therapists in NICU, Early Intervention, and outpatient pediatrics who want real-world implementation — not theory.
Real-world pediatric application across NICU, Early Intervention, and outpatient practice.
1.4 CEUs • Board-Approved • Certification Included
BOARD-APPROVED CEUS
Approved by Leading Licensing Boards
Earn 1.4 CEUs (14.0 contact hours) through nationally and state-recognized approvals. Use the arrows to find your board. Hover/tap to pause.
Acceptance varies by state and profession. Always verify with your licensing board.
See the full approval list in the FAQ below.
Clinical Infant & Child Massage Benefits in Pediatric Therapy
A treatment-ready approach that supports regulation, parent participation, and carryover — across NICU, Early Intervention, and outpatient sessions.
- Facilitate bonding & trust between child, caregiver, and clinician to improve engagement.
- Reduce pain & stress so your session can begin sooner and progress more smoothly.
- Support rest & relaxation by helping regulate heart rate, respiration, and blood pressure.
- Increase stimulation appropriately to support sensory development in complex needs populations.
When regulation improves, everything else improves — participation, progress, and carryover between the clinical setting and home.
In the Certified Infant Massage Coach program, you learn to apply these benefits as part of a clinical system built for therapists — with real-world implementation guidance.
CREDITS + PROFESSIONAL APPROVALS
Continuing Education Credits Approved For
1.4 CEUs / 14.0 Contact Hours • Board-approved • Certification included
If your credential isn’t listed, reach out — we’ll help you verify eligibility.
INTRODUCING
The Pediatric Theratools
Certified Infant Massage Coach Course
A board-approved certification and clinical system — built for therapists, by a therapist — designed for real-world implementation in NICU, Early Intervention, and outpatient pediatrics.
CLINICAL REFRAME
This isn’t spa massage. It’s a pediatric therapy intervention.
Used clinically, infant and child massage supports regulation, participation, and carryover — which improves outcomes in NICU, Early Intervention, and outpatient practice.
Regulation First
Improve state regulation so treatment can start sooner — with less fight, fewer resets, and clearer session flow.
Pain & Stress Reduction
Reduce pain and stress responses that derail your plan, especially with medically complex or sensitive children.
Handling Tolerance
Increase tolerance to touch and hands-on care — so positioning, mobility, feeding, and play are easier.
Carryover That Sticks
Strengthen parent coaching and home routines, so progress continues between visits and families feel empowered.
When sessions feel better, families show up more consistently — and progress compounds. That’s a win for everyone involved.
That’s why CIMC teaches a clinical system — built for therapists, by a therapist — with real-world implementation (not just techniques).
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
A Clinical System You Can Implement Immediately
Built for therapists, by a therapist — so your sessions run smoother, parents follow through, and outcomes improve across NICU, Early Intervention, and outpatient pediatrics.
The Full-Body Massage Protocol
A consistent routine (newborn → preschool) that supports regulation and tolerance to handling.
- Head-to-toe sequence (scalp to soles)
- Calming vs. alerting strategies
- Parent coaching language that sticks
Condition-Specific Adjustments
Adapt the protocol to common pediatric diagnoses and sensory profiles with confidence.
- Stroke variations + positioning modifications
- Support for complex needs + sensory differences
- Real-world decision-making guidance
Real Clinical Integration
Turn massage into a documented therapeutic intervention inside your existing workflow.
- Goals, documentation, and billing language
- NICU + EI adaptations and safety considerations
- Session structure that reduces overwhelm
This is not “more information.” It’s a clinical system you can use on Monday — with real-world implementation built in.
THE CORE RESOURCE
Your Clinical Manual Makes Implementation Easy
This is where the course becomes a clinical system — not just a training. Built for therapists by a therapist, so you can apply it in real-world pediatric sessions.
- Protocol structure from preemie to preschool (repeatable + adaptable)
- Clinical reasoning cues: regulation, tolerance, state, sensory needs
- Parent coaching language families will actually use at home
- Real-world implementation notes for NICU, EI, and outpatient pediatrics
- Quick-reference format so you’re not reinventing sessions each week
If you’ve ever thought, “I love this… but how do I use it across my caseload?” — this manual is the answer.
REAL-WORLD PEDIATRIC PRACTICE
Pediatric therapy is rewarding — and hard.
When a baby or child is dysregulated, physically limited, or overwhelmed, your best plan can turn into a fight. And without parent follow-through, progress stalls between sessions.
Clinical infant & child massage supports regulation first — which makes the rest of therapy easier to deliver, easier to repeat, and easier to carry over at home.
In real-world implementation, providers commonly report outcomes like:
- Improved sleep quality and more consistent sleep routines
- Faster progress when paired with other therapeutic modalities
- Less fussiness with simple, repeatable family routines
- Smoother transitions between activities at home and in other settings
- Higher engagement from both child and caregiver during therapeutic activities
That’s why CIMC teaches a clinical system — built for therapists, by a therapist — for real-world implementation in NICU, Early Intervention, and outpatient pediatrics.
Approved for occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech-language pathology professionals. Earn your Certified Infant Massage Coach credential upon completion.
Proof the New CIMC Works in Practice
Clinicians are already seeing the difference.
“The new manual is clearer, easier to use, and more inclusive. I especially value the focus on developmental differences and embedding massage into everyday routines.”
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Here’s the Schedule
Designed for real-world implementation — so you leave with a repeatable clinical system, not just notes.
- 8:30 AM Welcome, course objectives.
- 8:45 AM Foundations of Therapeutic Touch
- 10:00 AM 15-minute break.
- 10:15 AM Neuroregulation Pathways
- 11:15 PM Principles of Therapeutic Massage
- 12:00 PM 60-minute lunch break.
- 1:00 PM Massage strokes & demonstration.
- 3:30 PM Daily wrap-up and take-home test instructions.
- 8:30 AM Welcome, quick review of day one.
- 8:45 AM Coaching Parents with Confidence.
- 10:15 AM 15-minute break.
- 10:30 AM Stroke demonstration/Teach-back.
- 12:00 PM 15-minute break.
- 12:15 PM Working lunch with massage video demonstrations.
- 1:00 PM Developmental Differences and Adaptive Care.
- 1:45 PM Embedding Massage into Everyday Routines.
- 2:15 PM Pulling it all Together: From Sessions to Systems.
- 2:45 PM Practicum and Professional Growth.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Add a Clinical System to Your Toolbox — and Reduce Session Friction
This isn’t “another technique.” It’s a clinical system built for therapists, by a therapist — designed for real-world implementation across NICU, Early Intervention, and outpatient pediatrics.
What changes for you
When regulation improves, your sessions run smoother — and families are more likely to follow through.
- Less dysregulation that derails your plan
- More engagement in hands-on treatment and therapeutic play
- Better carryover with simple parent coaching routines
- Higher consistency (fewer cancellations/no-shows when visits feel more successful)
- More confidence using a repeatable system with your whole caseload
Ideal for pediatric OT, PT, and SLP providers seeking an infant massage CEU course that supports clinical reasoning, documentation, and implementation.
What you get inside CIMC
Everything you need to implement the method as a legitimate therapeutic intervention.
- Live instruction with capped attendance (for direct feedback & clinical Q&A)
- Take-home test to earn your Certified Infant Massage Coach credential
- Video demonstrations + teach-back support to confirm application
- Documentation system: goal-writing, note language, and billing guidance
- Implementation ecosystem: handouts, diagnosis-specific adaptations, and on-demand resources
ENROLLMENT DETAILS
Enrollment is limited — and registration closes one week before the session
Earn your Certified Infant Massage Coach credential and get the full implementation ecosystem (bonuses included) for $597.
Tip: enroll early to secure your preferred session date and give yourself time to plan.
Approved for occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech-language pathology professionals. Earn your Certified Infant Massage Coach credential upon completion.
IMPLEMENTATION ECOSYSTEM (BONUSES INCLUDED)
You Don’t Just Learn the Method — You Get the Tools to Use It
These resources are why therapists call CIMC a clinical system. They shorten your learning curve, improve carryover, and support real-world implementation.
- Printable parent handouts to increase follow-through
- Diagnosis-specific adaptations and quick references
- Video demonstrations to reinforce stroke accuracy + pacing
- Clinical templates for goals, documentation, and session flow
- Real-world implementation support so you can integrate confidently
Bottom line: You’ll leave with resources you can use immediately — not “someday.”
THE IMPLEMENTATION ECOSYSTEM
Everything You Need to Implement the Clinical System — Included
This isn’t “extra content.” These tools are what turn knowledge into confident, repeatable real-world implementation.
Clinical Implementation Toolkit
Document faster. Justify billing confidently. Reduce mental load.
- SOAP + intake templates
- Goal + carryover language
- Billing-ready justification phrasing
Complete Demonstration Library
Watch it. Rewatch it. Teach it confidently the next day.
- Full routines (newborn → growing child)
- Technique breakdowns
- Gas/colic + Touch & Move demos
Specialized Populations Mastery Kit
Use one system across diagnoses without reinventing your plan.
- Condition-specific handouts
- Helmet + orthotic considerations
- Safety + adaptive strategies
Lifetime Professional Support Network
Never feel “on your own” implementing a new skill.
- Peer connection
- Ask Laura clinical questions
- Updates + future resources
BONUS BREAKDOWN
Want the full breakdown?
Expand each bonus to see what’s inside — and how it helps you implement CIMC as a clinical system in real-world pediatric practice.
Bonus #1 Clinical Implementation Toolkit Professional-grade resources for immediate practice integration
What’s inside
- Therapy Intake Forms & Daily Documentation Notes
Templates that streamline documentation across EI, outpatient, and hospital-based practice. - “Staying Organized for the Instructor” Clinical Workflow Guide
A step-by-step guide so you know exactly how to structure each session without second-guessing. - Benefits of Infant Massage Parent Education Handouts
Clearly explain the “why” behind infant massage—no more scrambling during sessions. - Ready-to-Use Goal Templates
Documentation-ready goal language that makes treatment planning faster and easier. - Billing Code Quick Reference Guide
Insurance-friendly justification language to support appropriate billing decisions.
Why it matters
No more wondering: “How do I actually implement this in my medical setting?” You’ll have the templates + workflow to integrate CIMC as a repeatable clinical system.
Bonus #2 Complete Video Demonstration Library Lifetime access to comprehensive technique videos
What’s inside
Never second-guess your technique again with a complete, clinician-led video library designed for real-world implementation.
- Newborn Routine Video (Birth–6 Weeks)
Gentle, developmentally appropriate techniques for your most delicate patients. - Complete Infant Routine Demonstration
A full-sequence walkthrough showing how all strokes flow together in practice. - Individual Technique Breakdowns
Focused videos for legs, tummy, chest, arms, and back to refine precision and confidence. - Touch & Move Exercises Video
Guided demonstrations for active engagement and functional participation. - Gas and Colic Routine
Specialized protocols designed for fussy, uncomfortable babies.
Why it matters
This removes the “Did I do that right?” hesitation — so you build confidence faster and deliver a more consistent experience for families.
Bonus #3 Specialized Populations Mastery Kit Diagnosis-specific adaptations for your entire caseload
What’s inside
This is what truly sets CIMC apart from generic infant massage courses.
- All 12 “Massage Is Great for Me” Condition-Specific Handouts
Includes support for torticollis, ADHD, cerebral palsy, feeding challenges, and more. - Club Foot Stretches & Brachial Plexus Exercises
Targeted techniques to support common orthopedic and neurological needs. - Before / After Helmet Wear Protocols
Massage strategies to support comfort and regulation for plagiocephaly patients. - Before / After Hand & Foot Orthotic Wear Techniques
Clear adaptations to support tolerance, regulation, and functional participation. - Specialized Adaptations for Complex Medical Conditions
Guidance to help you confidently modify techniques without guesswork.
Why it matters
Finally, techniques you can use with every single child on your caseload — not just typical babies. This is real-world implementation at scale.
Bonus #4 Lifetime Professional Support Network Ongoing support and professional development
What’s inside
You’re never alone in your infant massage journey.
- Lifetime Pediatric Theratools Community Access
Connect with other certified coaches implementing infant massage across settings. - Direct Access to Laura
Ask complex clinical questions that arise in real-world practice. - Professional Networking Opportunities
Engage with fellow healthcare professionals using infant massage clinically. - Free Audit of Future Courses (as space allows)
Stay current with new techniques and evolving best practices. - Marketing Support & Business Development Resources
Tools to help you confidently grow and expand your practice.
Why it matters
Skill implementation is where most trainings fail. This support network protects your momentum so CIMC becomes part of your clinical toolbox long-term.
THE COMPLETE CLINICAL SYSTEM (COURSE + IMPLEMENTATION BONUSES)
The Complete Package Value
This isn’t “just a CEU.” It’s a clinical system—built for therapists by a therapist— so you can implement confidently in the real world.
- Certified Infant Massage Coach Course 2-day training • certification included
- BONUS Clinical Implementation Toolkit Templates + language so you can document & justify care fast
- BONUS Complete Video Demonstration Library Rewatch techniques anytime (and coach parents with clarity)
- BONUS Specialized Populations Mastery Kit Adaptations across diagnoses—without reinventing sessions
- BONUS Lifetime Professional Support Network Guidance + community so you never implement alone
Together, these pieces are what turn infant massage into a repeatable clinical tool— easy to integrate, document, and use across your whole caseload.
BOARD-APPROVED CEUS
Approved by Leading Licensing Boards
Earn 1.4 CEUs (14.0 contact hours) through nationally and state-recognized approvals. Use the arrows to find your board. Hover/tap to pause.
Acceptance varies by state and profession. Always verify with your licensing board.
See the full approval list in the FAQ below.
REAL WORLD RESULTS
Infant Massage That Actually Translates to Practice
Therapists don’t come back because it’s “nice.” They come back because it’s a clinical system they can implement immediately — with clearer sessions, stronger parent buy-in, and real carryover.
The Certified Infant Massage Coach course was excellent. Laura kept me engaged for the full two days and taught in a way that was easy to follow. I’m excited to use my new skillset with my patients.
— Kimberly Hartley
Very informative — I can immediately use the techniques with my caseload. Great examples and handouts. I feel like I can use one massage stroke for multiple treatment outcomes.
— Shelby Cross
Laura is an excellent instructor. Her presentation was focused on learning the skills with lots of practice and great feedback. I feel ready to use them right away.
— Carla Soares-Goulet
These are the outcomes you get when you learn a clinical system — not “strokes.”
Ready to implement this with confidence?
BUILT FROM REAL CLINICAL PRACTICE
Why This Training Was Created
If you’ve ever felt like touch could help a child regulate — but you weren’t sure how to apply it consistently across diagnoses, ages, and settings — this course was built for you.
Most CE courses teach techniques. CIMC teaches implementation.
I created the Certified Infant Massage Coach course because clinicians deserve a repeatable clinical system — not a list of strokes you have to adapt alone once you’re back in the clinic.
I’ve worked across pediatric settings where regulation, tolerance to handling, and parent follow-through determine whether a session moves forward. Over time, I built a framework that helps therapists use therapeutic touch intentionally — with clear reasoning, consistent routines, and real carryover.
CIMC is built for therapists by a therapist, with real-world implementation at the center — so you leave ready to use this Monday with confidence.
Laura Barnhart
Pediatric clinician • CEU instructor • Creator of the Clinical Infant Massage Integration System™
If you want a method that strengthens sessions and improves carryover, this training is the next step.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Still Have Questions Before You Enroll?
Board-required details on approvals, completion requirements, policies, and program objectives.
Is this course approved for continuing education?
Course Approvals & Continuing Education
This course is approved for:
- 1.4 AOTA CEUs
- 1.35 ASHA CEUs
- 14.0 contact hours by multiple physical therapy boards, including: California, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas, and West Virginia
- 12.75 CE hours by the Minnesota Board of Physical Therapy
- 14.4 contact hours by the Kentucky Board of Nursing
- Approved provider for the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards
- Approved by the Florida Board of Massage Therapy
- Approved by the IBLCE for 16.0 R-CERPs
Additional States That Accept CIMC for Continuing Education:
Alaska, Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, DC, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Acceptance varies by state and profession. Always verify with your licensing board.
For questions regarding contact hour approval, please contact Laura at admin@pediatrictheratools.com.
Are there prerequisites for this course?
No. This is an introductory level course.
How is this course taught?
This course is taught in both LIVE and VIRTUAL formats and uses discussion, PowerPoint, video, and demonstration/return-demonstration teaching methods. For the Interactive Distance Learning (virtual) format, you will receive a zoom link by email approximately one week prior to the course date
What is required for completion of this course?
You must attend both days in their entirety, meet all learning objectives, and pass a test with 80% accuracy. (For the distance learning option, you must have a computer with video capabilities.)
What is the cancellation policy?
Learner Cancellation Policy: For a full refund of course registration fees, the learner shall provide a written request to cancel registration no less than 30 days prior to course date. For cancellations less than 30 days in advance, a 50% refund will be provided OR the learner can choose to utilize funds toward a future course date. All refunds to be processed through the Teachable secure payment site.
Provider Cancellation Policy: The CE administrator/trainer shall make every attempt to contact registered learners via email and/or phone to notify of course cancellation. If the course is canceled due to the trainer, the learner may opt to receive a full refund OR apply their registration fee to a future course.
How can I make special needs/accessibility requests?
If you need any special accommodations, please email laura@pediatrictheratools.com
What is the deadline for the virtual course registration:
The deadline for course enrollment is one week prior to the course start date. Courses have limited seats in order to provide individual attention to each student, and registration will close once capacity has been reached. You are encouraged to register early.
What are the course objectives?
Certified Infant Massage Coach (CIMC) — Program Objectives
At the conclusion of this program, the learner will be able to:
- Summarize the historical significance of infant massage.
- Paraphrase the on-going research of infant massage and its evidence-based practice.
- Identify and explain basic concepts of brain development.
- Explain and discuss the development of the sensory systems, and the role of touch on human development.
- Identify and explain environmental considerations prior to initiating massage.
- Describe and identify baby's states and cues.
- Summarize the general principles and benefits of infant massage.
- Correctly return demonstration of Infant Massage Strokes, adjustment of strokes for premature infants, toddler, and growing child.
- Define and describe the signs and symptoms of colic.
- Return demonstration of the Colic and Gas Routine and Baby Yoga movements.
- Discuss the use of infant massage strokes and application.
- Demonstrate massage strokes verbally and physically to the class as a means of instruction simulation.
- Identify various pediatric emotional and physical impairments and describe how to adapt an infant massage routine.
- Identify key aspects of an infant massage private or group session.
- Recall information related to all focus areas of the Certified Infant Massage Coach class.
Quick note:
Acceptance varies by state and profession. Always verify with your licensing board.
NEXT STEPS
Choose Your Path
Enroll in the Certified Infant Massage Coach course, or bring this training to your facility as a host site.
Scheduled Courses
Choose a course date and enroll now. Available in LIVE or VIRTUAL formats.
1.4 CEUs / 14.0 Contact Hours • Certification included
Become a Host Site
Have your organization host this CEU certification training for your team or local providers.
Share dates, location, and estimated group size — we’ll reply with next steps.
