Basic FEES Course Content

Purpose: Developed and designed to provide the fundamental, intermediate-level education and training for SLPs without experience in the use of nasoendoscopy and the FEES assessment procedure to assess oropharyngeal swallowing functions.

FEES Lectures: Ten (10) lectures on anatomy through an endoscope, swallowing physiology, equipment needs, medical issues with FEES, infection control, endoscope mechanics and manipulation, FEES protocols and procedures, introduction to scoring, introduction to analyses, and FEES and evidence-based practice.

Endoscope Training: Five (5) hours of hands-on, one-on-one, supervised endoscope insertion, manipulation, and FEES protocol administration using a graduated learning/practice regimen adding new skills with each step.

FEES Procedures Training: Opportunity to complete fifteen (15) supervised FEES procedures (not passes) on normal volunteer subjects (no head manikins) and signed off by the course instructors.

FEES Analysis Training: Five (5) hours of scoring and analysis lab with exercises to view FEES studies of actual patients and practice new scoring, analyses, and interpretation skills. Apple computers are provided for all participants.

Instructors: One (1) instructor per 4-5 participants. Each instructor is a clinical FEES provider and has met all qualifications and is certified as a FEES instructor by the Tennessee State Board of Health.

Trainee Participation: Any SLP (certified, CFY, or graduate student having completed a university dysphagia course) may register for training.

Materials: Three-ring binder with all lecture notes, pictures, and forms to retain.

Meals: Nashville only - Two (2) light breakfasts and lunches both days.

Hotel Accommodations: Nashville - Accommodations at the discretion of the participant. No reserved rooms.

Class Size: Nashville- Twenty (20) participant-maximum per course. On-site: minimum ten (10) and maximum sixteen (16). 

ASHA CEUs: Sixteen (16) hours of seat-time instruction for 1.60 ASHA CEUs over two consecutive days on weekends.

Tuition Fees 2025-2026: Nashville - $600.00. On-site -$645.00. Credit card or sponsor-invoiced.

Registration: Register online at www.sasspllc.com

Cancellation and Course Switching Policies:

  • All cancellations must be received in writing via email message.

  • If you cancel 30 days or more before the course date, full refund, less credit card processing fees.

  • If you cancel between 11 and 29 days before the course date, 50% refund, less credit card processing fees.

  • If you cancel 10 days or less before the course date, no refund. Course reservations and preparations (materials, food, instructors, equipment,—travel, lodging) have been made for you anticipating your participation, and cannot be refunded.

  • Requests to switch registration to a later course, if received 30 or more days before the date of the original registered course, will be made without charge.

  • Requests to switch registration to a later course, if received less than 30 days before the date of the original registered course, will be subject to a $150.00 reprocessing and rescheduling fee.

  • If SASS cancels a previously advertised and scheduled training course or event, all registration fees plus credit card processing fees will be reimbursed.