“I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the class. The review of anatomy was great, I've been wanting to do that for years. I especially appreciated hearing it from a surgeon's perspective."
–Elizabeth Laing, DVM, DACVS,
Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin

“Just wanted to say thanks for everything to all of you. This is the best CE I have attended since graduating from college! I was feeling stagnant, and now I feel rejuvenated and excited to go to work."
–Carrie Cardascia, CVT, Naples, Florida
Certification Programs
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Canine Rehabilitation Institute offers two certifications in rehabilitation — both AAVSB R.A.C.E. approved. Canine Rehabilitation Therapist certification (CCRT) is for veterinarians and physical therapists. Canine Rehabilitation Veterinary Nurse certification (CCRVN) is for veterinary technicians/nurses.

All modules leading to certification include didactic learning via online independent study sessions followed by in-person, hands-on lab sessions.

Students should complete all three of their certification modules within three years. Otherwise, they will need to retake their second course (Clinical Skills for veterinarians and physical therapists, Canine Rehabilitation Veterinary Nurse for veterinary technicians/nurses/assistants) to refresh their knowledge and skills before moving on to their internship.

Canine Rehabilitation Therapist (CCRT) — For Veterinarians and Physical Therapists
Our updated program includes the following three modules: Introduction to Canine Rehabilitation, Clinical Skills, and Clinical Applications. In addition, students are required to do a 40-hour internship at a CRI-approved site. Please visit the CCRT page to read more about our updated program.

Veterinary students and physical therapy students are permitted to enroll in CRI courses. Please see the Veterinary Student Certification page and the Physical Therapy Student Certification page for complete details.

CCRT curriculum covers:

  • Canine anatomy and physiology
  • Conditions and injuries commonly referred for rehabilitation
  • Animal handling techniques and safety
  • Physical therapy assessment techniques
  • Manual therapy
  • Physical modalities and therapeutic exercise
  • Neurological rehabilitation
  • Assessment and recognition of pain
  • The business of canine rehabilitation

Learn more about the CCRT curriculum.

Canine Rehabilitation Veterinary Nurse (CCRVN) — For Veterinary Technicians/Nurses
The program includes three modules: Introduction to Canine Rehabilitation, Canine Rehabilitation Veterinary Nurse, and Canine Therapeutic Exercise. In addition, students are required to do a 40-hour internship at a CRI-approved site.

Note: Veterinary technicians/nurses with credentials including CVT, LVT, RVT, AHT or those who have completed a two-year veterinary technology program will be certified as Canine Rehabilitation Veterinary Nurses (CCRVN). Veterinary technicians/nurses without formal credentials will be certified as Canine Rehabilitation Assistants (CCRA). If the applicant is not a credentialed veterinary technician, a letter of recommendation will be required following the guidelines specified in the course application.

CCRVN curriculum covers:

  • Canine anatomy and physiology
  • Conditions and injuries commonly referred for rehabilitation
  • Physical modalities: application, contraindications and equipment maintenance
  • Therapeutic exercise
  • Client education

Learn more about the CCRVN curriculum.

Updated February 1, 2023.