Introduction to Canine Rehabilitation

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, occupational therapists, veterinary technicians, and veterinary assistants. Veterinary, physical therapy, and occupational therapy students may take this course any time after their first year of veterinary, physical therapy, or occupational 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, physical therapist, or occupational 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

• 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: 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:

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

Patrice Mich, DVM, DAVBP, DACVAA, DACVSMR, CCRT

AmyRogato, PT, 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.