Program Overview
The Certified Veterinary Medical Manipulation Practitioner (CVMMP) equine track is a 92 CE-hour program approved by AAVSB RACE that trains and certifies veterinarians in Equine Veterinary Medical Manipulation (EVMM). This program is offered exclusively to veterinarians or veterinary school students, providing them with the opportunity to learn EVMM more efficiently and effectively, while taking their skills and knowledge to a deeper level. This program is split up into three hybrid sessions. The on-site portions take place at Chi Unversity's campus in Reddick, Florida.
32 hours of this program are set aside for intensive, hands-on wet lab learning in small groups with horses. The lab groups are small with 4-6 students per group to ensure that each student receives the maximum amount of individual attention and hands-on experience to practice EVMM. This structure ensures that students will be confident to start clinical practice after the first on-site session.
Major Topics
Some of the main topics that this program covers include:
- Gait Patterns
- TMJ Functions and Manipulation
- The Back in Motion
- Lumbar Function and Manipulation
- Motion Palpation
- Equine Biomechanics
- Discipline-Specific: Jumping, Speed, Dressage, and Barrels
- The Interaction between the Nervous System and the Musculoskeletal System
Program Features
Designed for and offered exclusively to veterinarians and veterinary students
Limited seats to ensure personalized learning in 32 hours of small group wet labs
Learn how to use the most advanced diagnostic and treatment techniques from world-renowned faculty
Diagnose and treat real cases during the wet labs
Free case consultations with faculty through email and online discussion
Veterinary Medical Manipulation Certification Track
Taught in English
For veterinarians & veterinary students only
92 RACE-approved CE hours
Prerequisites
Prerequisites
Students must have a background of anatomy, biomechanics, and neuromuscular control in performance horses. Prior to enrolling students must:
- Enroll in the Performance Horse Medicine course
Curriculum
Session 1
Course Introduction & Subluxation
1h
Manipulation & Motion Palpation Intro
1h
Integrating VMM
1h
Cervical Function
1h
Thoracic Limb Function
1h
Spinal Cord and Vertebrae, Cranial Nerves
1h
TMJ and Hyoid
1h
C0-C1 Function/Manipulation
1h
C2-C7 Function/Manipulation
1h
Demo: Manipulation
2h
Lab: Hands-on Manipulation
8h
Thoracic Limb Manipulation
1h
Cervical Cases
1h
Cases
1h
Demo: Cervical & Front Limb Manipulation
1h
Lab: Hands-on Manipulation & Anatomy
4h
Radiographs
1h
Speed
1h
Jumpers
1h
Demo: Manipulation
1h
Session 2
Thoracic Vertebrae and Ribs
1h
Functional Pelvis
1h
The Smart Hoof
1h
Psoas
1h
Movement
1h
Intro to Tui-na
1h
Manipulations of the Sacrum
1h
Manipulations of the Pelvis
1h
Manipulation of the Thoracolumbar Vertebrae
1h
Manipulations of Ribs and Sternum
1h
Cases
2h
Cases and Plans I & II
2h
Lab: Hands-on Manipulation
5h
Lab: Hands-on Manipulation and Anatomy
5h
Lab: Hands-on Manipulation
5h
Session 3
The Hind Limb
1h
Ring of Muscles
1h
Rehab Tools
1h
Manipulation Research
1h
Dressage
1h
Barrels
1h
Equine Food Therapy
1h
Functional Anatomy
2h
Saddle Fit
2h
Muscle, Trigger Points, and Tui-na
1h
Student Cases
1h
Hind Limb Manipulations
1h
Review of Manipulations
1h
Starting a Practice
1h
Neuroplasticity
1h
View from the Top I & II
2h
Lab: Hands-on Manipulation
8h
Certification
CVMMP Certification
Students of the EVMM or SAVMM courses are eligible for the Certified Veterinary Medical Manipulation Practitioner (CVMMP) certification, endorsed by Chi University. The certification requirements are as follows:
Complete all sessions of the program
Pass online quizzes with a score above 75%
Pass final written exam with a score above 75%
Pass final practical exam with a score above 75%
Submit one veterinary medical manipulation case report to be approved
Instructors
Karen Spracklen
DVM, CVA, AVCA, CVMMP
Dr. Spracklen is a graduate of the Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine. She completed her Veterinary Chiropractic training in 1996 and is certified through the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association (AVCA). She received certifications in Veterinary Acupuncture (CVA) in 1999 and Medical Manipulation (CVMMP) 2018 through Chi. Dr. Spracklen is owner of a performance-based practice devoted to TCVM and veterinary manipulation. Dr. Spracklen is a national and international speaker on veterinary acupuncture. She has been published in the American Journal of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (AJTCVM) and has authored several textbook chapters on equine acupuncture. She is one of the Assistant Editors of the AJTCVM. Dr. Spracklen also devotes time serving as an instructor for the Chi University. Currently, she is the Small Animal Coordinator for their Veterinary Medical Manipulation (VMM) course and serves as a faculty member for the Masters in Integrative Veterinary Medicine program.
Enrollment Options
Semester
2025
Schedule & Tuition
Performance Horse Medicine
Online
Open enrollment in 2024
$1,500.00
Session 1
Online Portion
Jan 1 - Feb 19, 2025
On-site Portion in
Feb 20 - 22, 2025
$2,150.00
Thursday, February 20, 2025 | |
7:45 AM | Check-in begins |
Saturday, February 22, 2025 | |
5:30 PM | Class ends |
Session 2
Online Portion
Feb 23 - Apr 9, 2025
On-site Portion in Reddick, FL
Apr 10 - 12, 2025
$2,150.00
Thursday, April 10, 2025 | |
7:45 AM | Check-in begins |
Saturday, April 12, 2025 | |
5:30 PM | Class ends |
Session 3
Online Portion
Apr 13 - Jun 25, 2025
On-site Portion in Reddick, FL
Jun 26 - 28, 2025
Includes the CVMMP Certification
$2,140.00
Thursday, June 26, 2025 | |
7:45 AM | Check-in begins |
Saturday, June 28, 2025 | |
4:30 PM | Written exam ends |
Payment Information
A $200.00 non-refundable course deposit is charged upon enrollment to reserve your seat.
Payment is due 60 days before the start date of each session, course, or event.
Add-ons
Printed Binders
$50.00 / on-site
Frequently Asked Questions
How does VMM differ from Tui-na?
VMM uses a HVLA (high-velocity, low-amplitude) thrust to directly affect the joint and the mechanoreceptors around the joint. Tui-na affects the muscle and does not incorporate HVLA techniques. Both of these modalities work very well together and the combination can be beneficial for many patients.
Are medical manipulation and chiropractic the same thing?
Chiropractic, as defined by law, applies specifically and only to humans. A chiropractor has completed human chiropractic training and obtained a Doctor of Chiropractic degree (DC). When similar techniques are applied to animals, it is correctly called spinal manipulation or medical manipulation.