Course Description
This course is the first of three modules for CCRT, CCRVT/CCRVN, and CCRA certification.
This four (4) day 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.
Student get hands-on experience with dogs on-site as they learn 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.
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Course Eligibility:
Licensed veterinarians, physical therapists, and occupational therapists
Licensed veterinary technicians
Non-credentialed veterinary assistant:
- 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, veterinary technicians, physical therapy, and occupational therapy):
- 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:
- Comparative Anatomy & Biomechanics
Explore key differences and similarities between human and canine anatomy and how they affect movement and injury recovery. - Musculoskeletal & Neurologic Systems
Learn the structure and function of canine bones, muscles, nerves, and connective tissues essential for rehabilitation. - Physiology, Kinesiology & Healing
Understand how joints and muscles move, heal, and respond to injury through applied physiology and biomechanics. - Behavior & Handling
Develop safe handling skills and interpret canine body language to build trust and ensure effective treatment. - Therapeutic Techniques
Gain hands-on experience with therapeutic exercise and manual therapy techniques used in physical rehabilitation. - Physical Modalities
Apply tools like LASER, ultrasound, shockwave, and electrotherapy to support healing and recovery. - Pain & Clinical Assessment
Identify and assess pain accurately while tracking progress and evaluating functional outcomes. - Clinical Reasoning & Rehab Planning
Create personalized treatment plans using diagnostic information, clinical goals, and patient response. - Infectious Disease & Clinic Safety
Recognize zoonotic risks and apply safety protocols to maintain a clean, professional rehab environment. - Professional Practice
Learn the business, ethics, and client communication strategies needed to run a successful rehab practice.
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Course Instructors:
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Course Information:
Online Pre-Course: Approximately 15.5 hours online via Thinkific (Student will gain access 60 days before course)
In-Person: 4 days at CRI in Springfield, MO
In-Person Daily Hours:
- Days 1 - 3: 8:00am-6:00pm Central Time, USA
- Day 4: 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: 47.5 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: $3,349 - Springfield, Missouri
- A 50% non-fundable deposit is required 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 Location: 2137 S. Eastgate Ave, Springfield, MO 65809 USA
Travel Information: Click here to learn more about traveling to Springfield, MO.
Please Note: 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.
For more information, please see our CCRT, CCRVT/CCRVN, and CCRA pages.
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2025 Class Date:
September 5-8, 2025
2026 Class Dates:
January 9-12, 2026
March 6-9, 2026
June 5-8, 2026
September 11-14, 2026
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What Our Students Are Saying
CRI exceeded my expectations in a positive manner. I was anxious about the course prior to attending. Once here I felt relieved. The friendliness and professionalism of all the instructors and staff made it very welcoming environment in which to learn. There was a lot of information in a short period, but it was delivered in a consistent and well planned way to facilitate not being overwhelmed.
Marc Lambert, DPT
I truly think what I am learning and what I will continue learning as these modules progress will be life changing to many of my patients. I appreciate so much what everyone at CRI is doing for the veterinary field as a whole.
Melissa Kvernmo, DVM
The course was very well put together. I enjoyed the alternating lecture and lab structure. It also progressed in a manor that made sense. The environment was safe and helpful. I throughly enjoyed my time and learned a tremendous amount.
Hailey Vivian, Veterinary Assistant, CCRA
Absolutely loved the course and all of the instructors. Very helpful and can't wait to continue on this journey! Thank you!
Marika Austad, DVM Candidate
I was so scared at first for this course, but it was extremely useful to me. I’m glad I came all the way from Hong Kong!
Francesca Lavarone, CVN
The course was fantastic!! I am thrilled with my choice to attend CRI and I did a huge amount of research and picking brains before choosing CRI. I am beyond impressed with the staff knowledge. I am so excited to be involved and trained by such a high caliber of people!
Toby Richman, PT, CCRT
This course is challenging in all the right ways. All the instructors are extremely knowledgeable and excellent teachers. It is helpful learning along side PTs, Vet Techs and assistants as we can exchange ideas and knowledge.
Kristen Miller, DVM, CVA, CVMMP, CCRT
Far exceeded expectations from online coursework to professionalism of every staff member encountered, from in person to email correspondence, the enthusiasm of helping students learn to the best of their availability, and creating/fostering an overall personal desire to be better than I thought I could be.
Natalie Lesniak, PT, CCRT
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!
Course Dates
Introduction to Canine Rehabilitation
Introduction to Canine Rehabilitation
Introduction to Canine Rehabilitation