Concepts for the Rehabilitation Team

Course Description

This course is the second of four modules for the CCRVT/CCRVN and CCRA certifications.

Concepts for the Rehabilitation Team gives students a fundamental understanding of functional canine anatomy, therapeutic modalities, therapeutic exercise, hydrotherapy, and massage. It also introduces the basics of neurological rehabilitation. Participants get hands-on experience with dogs on-site. Outcome measurement, documentation, patient education, and legal and ethical issues related to canine rehabilitation are also covered.

Please note that we have made some changes to the course schedule. The third module, i.e., Canine Therapeutic Exercise, can now be taken right after completing Concepts for the Rehabilitation Team. This will reduce the total number of trips required for certification. You have the option to take both modules consecutively or split them up according to your personal learning preferences. Be aware that you will need to watch pre-course materials for BOTH classes prior to attending the course. Plan your time wisely!

Prerequisites:

This 3-day course is open to licensed veterinary technicians and assistants who have successfully completed Introduction to Canine Rehabilitation. Non-credentialed veterinary assistants must have one year of veterinary experience and submit a current Letter of Recommendation from their supervising veterinarian or physical therapist.

Online Pre-course Videos: 5.5 hours

All students will have approximately 5.5 hours of pre-course material that must be completed before
arriving at class. There are 8.5 hours of additional videos in Thinkific for your reference only!

We will send you instructions for accessing the pre-course work approximately 60 days before the start of class.

Please note: All required videos must be viewed to receive full CE credit for this course portion.

Days in Class: 3

RACE Approved for 47.5 Credit hours by the AAVSB

Note: The last day of class ends early to allow students the opportunity to return home that evening. Do not make airline reservations that require you to depart class before 3:00 P.M.

Additional Course Information

Course Fee: $2939

• A 50% non-fundable deposit is required at the time of registration to secure your seat.
• The remaining 50% is due 90 days prior to the course start date
• Payment plans are available upon request. For more information, please contact us at [email protected]

Course Notes: Sixty days before the start of the in-person class, registrants will receive access to the pre-course videos that must be viewed before the in-person class. Approximately 15 hours of online coursework must be completed before attending the in-person course.

2025 Class Date:

August 22-24, 2025

Course Instructors:

Kara Amstutz, DVM, DACVSMR, CVA, CVPP, CCRT

Cara Blake, DVM, DACVS, DACVSMR, CCRT

Suzie Stoke, MSPT, CCRT

Chris Warner, RVT, CCRVN

Topics Covered:

• Muscles and muscle groups as they apply to function in the canine rehabilitation patient
• Application of therapeutic modalities including LASER, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, cold and heat
• Animal handling techniques and safety
• Assessment and recognition of pain
• Recognizing Red Flags that require reassessment by the CCRT
• Performing and progressing therapeutic exercise programs for strength, weight-bearing, range of motion, flexibility, proprioception, and stabilization
• Assisting in a basic canine orthopedic and neurological evaluation
• Rehabilitation-specific documentation
• Client education, including basic therapeutic exercises, stretches, massage strokes, and the application of superficial hot and cold modalities
• Proper use and maintenance of therapeutic modalities and hydrotherapy equipment
• Legal and ethical issues

Class Times:

Days 1-2: 8:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. Central Time

Day 3: 8 A.M. to 3 P.M. Central Time

Note: The last day of class ends early to allow students the opportunity to return home that evening. Do not make airline reservations that require you to depart class before 3:00 P.M.

If you are taking Canine Therapeutic Exercise immediately after, it will give you an afternoon to relax before starting your next course.

Examination:

There is no end-of-course examination.

There is a comprehensive examination at the end of Canine Therapeutic Exercise that covers materials from Concepts for the Rehabilitation Team and Therapeutic Exercise courses.

Registered Students:

Please watch for specific emails about each class, as there may be occasional minor changes to class times.