Concepts and Therapeutic Exercise for the Rehabilitation Team

Course Description

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

This five (5) day course builds upon the foundational anatomy and physical rehabilitation skills students gained in module one.

A foundational understanding of functional canine anatomy, therapeutic modalities, exercise, hydrotherapy, massage, and basic neurological rehabilitation. It emphasizes how exercise influences tissue physiology and trains students to evaluate, select, and progress exercises through various healing stages. Students will develop and practice detailed, case-specific rehabilitation programs for orthopedic, neurological, post-operative, geriatric, and canine athlete cases, with exercises tailored for both clinical and at-home settings. Students get hands-on experience with dogs on-site.

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Course Eligibility:

Licensed veterinary technicians:

• Completed CRI's Introduction to Canine Rehabilitation

Non-credentialed veterinary assistant:

• Completed CRI's Introduction to Canine Rehabilitation
• Has at least one (1) year of veterinary experience
• Submit a current Letter of Recommendation from their rehab-certified supervising veterinarian, physical therapist or occupational therapist.

Students (veterinary technicians):

• Completed CRI's Introduction to Canine Rehabilitation
• Completed the first year of their professional program

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Course Curriculum:

This course offers an in-depth, hands-on approach to canine rehabilitation, covering:

• Canine Anatomy & Functional Movement
  Understand how muscles and muscle groups contribute to movement and function in rehabilitation.
  Learn to perform and assist with orthopedic and neurologic evaluations

• Therapeutic Exercise Design & Progression
  Create full-body conditioning programs targeting balance, strength, endurance, and flexibility, tailored to healing stage, age, and functional needs.

• Therapeutic Modalities & Equipment
  Apply LASER, ultrasound, e-stim, cold/heat therapy, and learn proper equipment use and maintenance.

• Hands-On Skills & Safety
  Practice animal handling, accurately assess pain and identify red flags that require CCRT reassessment and apply supervised therapeutic exercises.

• Client Communication & Education
  Teach pet owners how to perform basic exercises, stretches, massage, and use at-home cold/heat therapy.

• Professional Practice & Ethics
  Understand the professional boundaries, responsibilities, and ethics of working in canine rehab.

• Internship Readiness
  Prepare for your hands-on internships

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Course Instructors

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Course Information

Online Pre-Course: Approximately 5.5 hours online via Thinkific (Student will gain access 60 days before course). Additional 8.5 hours for your reference only!

In-Person: 5 days at CRI in Springfield, MO

In-Person Daily Hours:

• Days 1, 2, & 4: 8:00am-6:00pm Central Time, USA
• Days 3 & 5: 8:00am-3:00pm Central Time, USA
• 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.

Examination: Take-home, open-book final exam with 14 days to complete. Collaboration with classmates is highly encouraged!

RACE Approved: 45 credit hours by the AAVSB

• All videos must be viewed to receive full CE credit for this course portion.

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Course Price and Location:

Course Fee: $4,928

• 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 5.5 hours of online coursework must be completed before attending the in-person course.

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2026 Class Date:

August 21-25, 2026

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