Course Description
This course is the first of four modules for CCRT, CCRVT/CCRVN, and CCRA certification.
The course comprises online pre-course videos that must be watched before class and four days in class.
This course gives students a fundamental understanding of canine functional anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics. Using clay, students build relevant structures on canine skeletons and get hands-on experience palpating live dogs in class.
Common orthopedic and neurological disorders of the canine patient, including conservative and surgical treatment options. Canine rehabilitation therapies that apply traditional physical therapy techniques, including manual therapies, therapeutic exercise, and physical modalities, are taught along with ways to incorporate them into veterinary practice.
Prerequisites:
This course is open to veterinarians, physical therapists, veterinary technicians, and veterinary assistants. Veterinary and physical therapy students may take this course any time after their first year of veterinary or physical therapy school. Non-credentialed veterinary assistants must have at least one year of clinical experience and submit a Letter of Recommendation from their supervising rehabilitation-certified veterinarian or physical therapist.
Online Pre-course Videos: 15.5 hours
All students will have 15.5 hours of pre-course online work to complete before the in-person session. We will send you instructions for accessing the recourse work approximately 60 days before the start of class.
Please note: All videos must be viewed to receive full CE credit for this course portion.
Days in Class: 4
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:
$3,349 - Springfield, Missouri
Course Notes: Our Introduction to Canine Rehabilitation module consists of independent study and a 4-day in-person session.
Please Note: Many core certification courses (Introduction to Canine Rehabilitation, Clinical Skills, Clinical Applications, Concepts for the Rehabilitation Team, and Canine Therapeutic Exercise) sell out months in advance. We recommend that students register for all their core certification courses as soon as they know their schedules. Courses must be taken in a specified order. You do not have to complete Introduction to Canine Rehabilitation before registering for your other certification modules.
We strongly recommend taking your second and third Certification Modules back to back. This means CCRTs register for Clinical Skills and Clinical Applications back to back, and CCRVT/N/CCRAs register for Concepts for the Rehabilitation Team and Therapeutic Exercise back to back.
To ensure a seat in your desired course, it is also recommended you register for all three courses at the same time!
For more information, please see our CCRT, CCRVT/CCRVN, and CCRA pages.
2025 Class Dates:
January 10-13, 2025
March 7-10, 2025
June 20-23, 2025
September 5-8, 2025
November 7-10, 2025
Course Instructors:
Kara Amstutz, DVM, DACVSMR, CVA, CVPP, CCRT
Cara Blake, DVM, DACVS, CCRT
Jordan Gibson, DVM, CCRT
Amber Kenney, MPT, MTC, CKTP, CCRT
Patrice Mich, DVM, DAVBP, DACVAA, DACVSMR, CCRT
Topics Covered:
- Comparative (human and canine) anatomy and biomechanics
- Canine neurologic & musculoskeletal structures, including bones, muscles, nerves, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage; also, the origin, insertion, innervation, and action of each muscle
- The fundamental physiology, kinesiology, and biomechanics of joint, muscle, and muscle action as they relate to common canine injuries and tissue healing
- Canine Body Language
- Patient Handling Techniques
- Traditional physical therapy terminology and techniques, including manual therapy
- Therapeutic exercise
- Physical modalities, including Shockwave, LASER, Therapeutic Ultrasound, thermal agents, and electrotherapy
- Pain recognition and assessment in canine patients
- Diagnosis, treatment planning, and outcome measurement in canine rehabilitation
- Infectious diseases and zoonoses requiring caution in canine rehabilitation practice
- Orthopedic and neurologic rehabilitation
- The business of canine rehabilitation
Class Times:
Days 1-3: 8:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. Central Time, USA
Day 4: 8 A.M. to 3 P.M. Central Time, USA
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.
Examination:
At the end of the course, students are given a take-home, open-book final exam that they have 14 days to complete. Collaboration with classmates is encouraged.
Registered Students:
Please watch for specific emails about each class, as there may be occasional minor changes to class times.
FAQs
Our goal is to help you excel in your learning process and in your future career as a physical rehabilitation professional. Please read over commonly asked questions!