Certified Canine Rehab Veterinary Technician

This course teaches technician closely assist the veterinarian in performing rehabilitation, neurological and orthopedic examinations including obtaining objective data such as joint and muscle measurements. Technicians will learn to analyze and quantify gait and posture abnormalities, apply rehabilitative therapies and modalities, utilize manual therapy techniques, therapeutic exercises, hydrotherapy, regenerative medicine, assistive devices, and orthotics & prosthetics.

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Course Overview

Hybrid course with 3 online and 2 onsite sessions.110.5 hours including 32.5 hours of hands-on labs in canine anatomy, objective assessments, manual therapies, and rehabilitation modalities.30 hours of internship with a small animal rehabilitation therapist after completion of the sessions 1-4 and within 6 months of completion of the course is necessary to receive certification.

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Course Objectives

  • Closely assist the veterinarian in performing rehabilitation, neurological and orthopedic examinations including obtaining objective data such as joint and muscle measurements.
  • Accurately analyze and quantify gait and posture abnormalities.
  • Apply rehabilitative therapies and modalities to treat patients, including laser, thermotherapy, cryotherapy, therapeutic ultrasound, electrotherapy, shockwave therapy, pulsed electromagnetic field therapy, etc.
  • Utilize manual therapy techniques, therapeutic exercises, hydrotherapy, regenerative medicine, assistive devices, and orthotics & prosthetics.
  • Integrate principles of anatomy, biomechanics, exercise physiology, and disease processes to help increase or repair the physical mobility of patients.
  • Manage and prevent injuries and pain associated with rehabilitation, performance, and sports medicine.
  • Execute comprehensive rehabilitation programs for a variety of disorders, including orthopedic, neurologic, medical, hospice, and palliative cases.
  • Execute appropriate conditioning programs in rehabilitation and sports medicine.

Admission requirements

Veterinary technician credentials, successful completion of a 2-year veterinary technician program, OR 5 years’ experience as a veterinary assistant in a small animal veterinary clinical setting. Only credentialed veterinary technicians are eligible for the CCRVT - please find the details under the certification section below.

Letter of recommendation from a licensed veterinarian certified in or currently attending courses for certification in canine rehabilitation therapy. The letter of recommendation should briefly detail your relationship to the veterinarian writing it, why you would be a good candidate for the class, and how it would benefit you and your clinic. There is no length requirement, but one half to one full page is suggested.

Certified Canine Rehab Veterinary Technician

Taught in English

Veterinary technicians and veterinary assistants only

110.5 RACE-approved CE hours

Prerequisites

Students must:

  • Veterinary technician credentials, successful completion of a 2-year veterinary technician program, OR 5 years’ experience as a veterinary assistant in a small animal veterinary clinical setting. Only credentialed veterinary technicians are eligible for the CCRVT - please find the details under the certification section below.
  • Letter of recommendation from a licensed veterinarian certified in or currently attending courses for certification in canine rehabilitation therapy. The letter of recommendation should briefly detail your relationship to the veterinarian writing it, why you would be a good candidate for the class, and how it would benefit you and your clinic. There is no length requirement, but one half to one full page is suggested.

Curriculum

Introduction to Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine

1h

History of Canine Rehabilitation and Legal Issues

1h

Canine Anatomy: Structure and Function of the Musculoskeletal System

3h

Review of Head, Cervical and Thoracic Limb Musculature

1h

Review of Abdominal, Dorsal and Pelvic Limb Musculature

1h

Introduction to Physical Therapy Terminology and Outcome Measurements

1h

Applied Exercise Physiology in Canine Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine

1h

Canine Gait and Posture

1h

Evidence of Benefits of Therapeutic Exercise

1h

Therapeutic Modalities: Land Exercises

2h

Therapeutic Modalities: Hydrotherapy

2h

Therapeutic Modalities: Electrotherapy

2h

Therapeutic Modalities: Therapeutic Ultrasound

1h

Therapeutic Modalities: Shockwave Therapy

1h

Therapeutic Modalities: Thermotherapy

1h

Therapeutic Modalities: Electromagnetic Therapy

1h

Therapeutic Modalities: Manual Therapies for Technicians

1h

Therapeutic Modalities: Laser Therapy

3h

The Role of the Rehab Technician and Assistant

1h

Maintaining Realistic Client Goals – Clear Communication

1h

Recording in the Medical Record

1h

Self-care – the emotional impact of rehab therapy

1h

Labs

22h

Introduction to Canine Sports

1h

Canine Kinematics and How It Relates to Performance

1h

Canine Locomotion and Gait Re-training Strategies

1h

Core Training and Conditioning for Canine Athlete

1h

Common Canine Sports Injuries: Causes, Rehabilitation, Recovery and Prevention

1h

Toes and Toenails

1h

Common Neurological Conditions

2h

Common Orthopedic Disorders from Head to Toe

2h

Pain Physiology and Assessment

2h

Pharmacological Management of Pain

1h

Non-pharmacological Management of Pain

1h

Rehabilitation for Acute Post-operative Management

1h

Rehabilitation for Common Orthopedic Disorders

4h

Rehabilitation for Common Neurological Disorders

2h

Rehabilitation for Geriatric Patients

1h

Rehabilitation and Nursing Care for Recumbent Animals

2h

Regenerative Medicine

2h

Applied Nutrition in Canine Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine

1h

Obesity

1h

Applied Behavior in Canine Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine

1h

Zoonotic and Infectious Disease Awareness, Prevention, and Control Strategies in Canine Rehab

1h

Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Assistive Devices

2h

Red Flags and Cautions for Rehabilitation Patients

2h

Rehabilitation for Pocket Pets, Wildlife and Exotics

1h

Hot Topics in Rehab & Thinking Out of the Box: Unusual Cases that Benefit From Rehabilitation & Some That do Not

1h

Myofascial Pain Syndrome: Causes, Testing and Treatment

1h

Rehabilitation for Hospice, Palliative, and Cancer Care

1h

Rehabilitation for Other Internal Medical Conditions

1h

Feline Rehabilitation

1h

Nutraceuticals, Supplements and Herbals

1h

Radiographic Positioning – Obtaining Perfect Images

1h

Choosing Devices for Ambulation Assistance in Rehab Patients

1h

Veterinary Orthotics – Making a Good Impression

1h

Photography and Videography – A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words, a Video is Worth a Million

1h

Recognizing When a Patient Needs a Rehab Vet Recheck

1h

Announcements and Review

2h

Review, Q&A

2 hours

On-site Labs

10.5h

Certification

  • Complete all 5 sessions.
  • Pass quizzes with a 75% or above average.
  • Pass the written and practical exams with 75% or above each.
  • Complete 30 internship hours with a certified veterinary rehab veterinarian. Internship can be started after completion of session 2 (1st onsite), but must be completed within 6 months of finishing the course.
  • CCRVT (Certified Canine Rehab Veterinary Technician): For the student who is a Registered Veterinary Technician, Licensed Veterinary Technician or Certified Veterinary Technician.
  • CCRVA (Certified Canine Rehab Veterinary Assistant): For the student who is NOT a Registered Veterinary Technician, Licensed Veterinary Technician or Certified Veterinary Technician.
  • Note: A CCRVA holder can update their certificate to CCRVT once they become a Registered Veterinary Technician, Licensed Veterinary Technician or Certified Veterinary Technician.

Instructors

Dr. Janice Huntingford is a 1984 graduate of the Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph and a Board-Certified Specialist (Diplomate) in Canine Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine (DACVSMR). She is certified in Animal Chiropractic by the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association, in Animal Acupuncture by the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society, in Chinese Herbal Medicine through Chi University, and is a Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner. In 2007, Dr. Huntingford opened Ontario’s first saltwater canine therapy pool and canine rehabilitation centre. Dr. Huntingford lectures nationally and internationally on rehabilitation, acupuncture, geriatric medicine, herbals, and pain management to veterinarians and veterinary technicians. She has authored or co-authored several textbook chapters on rehabilitation and published a number of peer reviewed manuscripts. She consults and sits on several advisory boards related to herbal medicine, laser therapy, pain management and holistic medicine. Dr. Huntingford is the director for Chi Canada which offers Veterinary Acupuncture and Canine Rehabilitation Certificate programs in Essex, Ontario.

Dr. Koh earned his veterinary degree in Taiwan and further honed his expertise at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, completing a specialty internship and a Master’s in acupuncture/integrative medicine. Subsequently, he has been teaching at Chi University and served as a clinical assistant professor at LSU School of Veterinary Medicine before his current role as the clinical associate professor and head of Integrative Medicine at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. Certified in acupuncture, Chinese herbal therapy, Chinese food therapy, rehabilitation, and medical manipulation, Dr. Koh is also board certified in Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation. He also holds the distinguished title of Charter Fellow with the American College of Veterinary Botanical Medicine. Dr. Koh is an internationally recognized speaker and mentor in the areas of rehabilitation, TCVM, and integrative medicine. He also has contributed to academic literature, penning book chapters and peer-reviewed articles on these areas. His clinical focus centers on integrative approaches to various health conditions to optimize clinical outcomes and quality of life, particularly concerning pain management, mobility issues, and chronic disorders.

Dr. Terri Rosado holds certifications in all Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine branches. As an Assistant Professor at Chi University and the medical director of Chi Animal Hospital, Dr. Rosado is passionate about education, offering externships to Chi and veterinary school students, and inviting volunteers to experience small animal veterinary practice.

Enrollment Options

Semester

2025

Schedule & Tuition

Session 1
Session 2
Session 3
Session 4
Session 5

Payment Information

A $200.00 non-refundable course deposit is charged upon enrollment to reserve your seat.

Payment is due 30 days before the start date of each session, course, or event.

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