DMI Certification Levels: What to Ask Before You Book
Not every therapist who uses DMI exercises has the same training, and the difference matters. DMI therapists train in order from Introductory Level A up to Master/Teacher levels, and only those who have completed Introductory Level C may offer an official DMI Therapy Intensive.
This page explains what each level means, how to check a therapist's training, and what to ask before you book DMI therapy.
What are the DMI certification levels?
DMI training is completed in order, and a therapist cannot skip ahead. DMI requires at least 3 months between the introductory levels, at least 1 year between Level C and Intermediate A, and at least another year before Intermediate B.
What is DMI Level B?
Level B is the second introductory course. Levels A and B share a course plan of head and trunk exercises, trunk and standing exercises, standing and walking exercises, assessment, and supervised practice with children, while the theoretical background and research section is taught in Level A only. A therapist who has finished Level B can use the DMI exercises they were trained in, but cannot offer an official DMI Therapy Intensive.
How the courses run
Introductory Levels A and B are two full days each and can be taken in person or virtually. Each course is 10 to 15 hours, depending on class size. Level C, Intermediate, and Master/Teacher courses are in person only, and the Intermediate and Master/Teacher levels require DMI's approval to attend.
Can any DMI-trained therapist offer a DMI intensive?
No. DMI's parent guide is direct about it:
A therapist below Level C may still run therapy intensives using the DMI exercises they know, as long as they disclose their level of training in their advertising and on social media. You are entitled to ask, and a good clinic will answer plainly.
What's the difference between a DMI intensive and weekly sessions?
Both are legitimate. DMI calls itself an "intensive intervention" whether it is done weekly or as an intensive, because every session asks a lot of the child. An intensive, which DMI also calls the intensive model of therapy (IMOT), packs many sessions into a short, set period. Weekly sessions use the same techniques on a slower schedule.
Which fits depends on your child's stamina, how far you would travel, and your budget.
What an intensive model of therapy isIf you would travel for an intensive, read this first
How long does it take a therapist to reach Level C?
At minimum, about six months. Moving as fast as DMI's rules allow looks like this:
| Course | Format | Course fee |
|---|---|---|
| Introductory Level A | Two full days, in person or virtual | $800 |
| Introductory Level B | Two full days, in person or virtual | $800 |
| Introductory Level C | Three full days, in person only | $1,000 |
Those fees do not include travel for in-person courses. That investment is part of why DMI-certified therapists are still uncommon, especially outside larger cities. See what DMI therapy costs families.
How do I know if a therapist is qualified to do DMI therapy?
Start with DMI's own Registered Practitioner directory. DMI updates it as new practitioners complete training, so it is a more reliable check than a clinic's own description. Then ask the therapist directly which level they have completed.
DMI courses are open to physical therapists, physical therapy assistants, occupational therapists, certified occupational therapy assistants, and kinesiologists. Others working in pediatrics need DMI's approval first.
DMI Registered Practitioner directoryShould I rule out a therapist who isn't Level C?
Not necessarily. A Level A or B therapist may be an excellent clinician using DMI techniques within their training, and for weekly sessions that may be exactly right. What matters is that they tell you their level and do not market services beyond it.
Be cautious with any provider who advertises "DMI intensives" but will not state a certification level, or who uses DMI exercises without any formal DMI training.
What should I ask before booking DMI therapy?
These are reasonable questions, and a good clinic will welcome them.
- What DMI level has the therapist who would treat my child completed?
- If you offer intensives, is the treating therapist Level C certified?
- Will the same therapist work with my child for the whole intensive?
- How many children with my child's diagnosis have you treated using DMI?
- How will you measure progress, and what would tell us it isn't working?
- What does a session cost, what does a full intensive cost, and do you bill insurance or provide a superbill?
- Do you provide a home exercise program afterward, and will you train me on it?
Who should not do DMI
Not sure what a session involves? See our walkthrough of a DMI session.
Where can I find a DMI certified therapist in Idaho?
Idaho has few DMI-certified therapists. This site recommends Ascend Pediatric Therapy in Coeur d'Alene. When you contact any provider, asking about certification level is a normal and welcome question.
Ascend Pediatric Therapy
DMI therapyDMI intensivesFounder Emily Sater, OTR/L, states she holds several DMI certifications and founded Ascend to provide DMI intensive therapy in the Pacific Northwest.
Visit Ascend Pediatric TherapyFar from Coeur d'Alene? DMI says some practitioners offer DMI through telehealth, and you can search for them in the Registered Practitioner directory. See all Idaho therapy resources
For therapists: where are DMI therapy courses listed?
DMI lists its current courses on its course site, and new courses are added as dates are confirmed. CEUs are available for introductory courses in some states, and only the 15-hour courses qualify. DMI's course registration page has the full rules on order, waiting periods, and eligibility.
DMI course listDMI course registration and training levels
Common questions about DMI certification
What are the DMI certification levels?
DMI training runs in order from Introductory Level A, B, and C to Intermediate Level A and B, then Master/Teacher levels. Introductory Level C is the threshold for offering official DMI Therapy Intensives.
What is DMI Level B?
Level B is the second introductory course. It continues the head, trunk, standing, and walking exercises taught in Level A. A Level B therapist can use the DMI exercises they were trained in but cannot offer an official DMI Therapy Intensive.
Can any DMI-trained therapist offer a DMI intensive?
No. DMI says practitioners may not perform or advertise an official DMI Therapy Intensive unless they have completed Level C. Therapists below Level C may run intensives using DMI exercises if they disclose their level of training.
How long does it take a therapist to reach Level C?
At least about six months, because DMI requires a minimum of 3 months between each introductory level.
How do I know if a therapist is qualified to do DMI therapy?
Check DMI's Registered Practitioner directory, which DMI updates as therapists complete training, and ask the therapist which DMI level they have completed.
Where can I find a DMI certified therapist in Idaho?
Ascend Pediatric Therapy in Coeur d'Alene offers DMI therapy and DMI intensives. Elsewhere in Idaho, DMI's Registered Practitioner directory lists trained therapists by location.
Who can take DMI courses?
DMI courses are open to physical therapists, physical therapy assistants, occupational therapists, certified occupational therapy assistants, and kinesiologists. Others working in pediatrics need DMI's approval first.
Keep reading
Sources
- DMI Therapy. Parent Resources and FAQ.
- DMI Therapy. Course Registration and training levels.
- Kreindler J, Weltman J. DMI Clinical Commentary. DMI Therapy.
- DMI Therapy. Registered Practitioner directory.
- Ascend Pediatric Therapy. About.
Nothing here is medical advice. Discuss anything you read here with your child's pediatrician or therapist.