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.
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.
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
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
Session 1
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
Session 2
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
Session 3
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
Session 4
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
Session 5
Announcements and Review
2h
Review, Q&A
2 hours
On-site Labs
10.5h
Certification
CCRVT 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
Janice Huntingford
DVM, CVA, CVCH, CVPP, CCRT, CAVCA, CVFT, CVTP, MSTCVM, DACVSMR
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.
Ronald Koh
DVM, MS, DACVSMR, CVA, CCRP, CVMMP, CVCH, CVFT
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.
Terri Rosado
DVM, CVA, CTCVMP, CCRT, CVMMP
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
2024
Schedule & Tuition
Session 1
Online
May 20 - Jul 15, 2024
$750.00
Session 2
On-site in Reddick, FL
Jul 16 - 19, 2024
$2,650.00
Session 3
Online
Jul 20 - Sep 15, 2024
$750.00
Session 4
Online
Sep 16 - Oct 22, 2024
$750.00
Session 5
On-site in Reddick, FL
Oct 23 - 25, 2024
Includes the CCRVT Certification
$1,850.00
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.
Lab Equipment Sponsors
Equipment provided
PiezoWave
PiezoWave Vet shockwave therapy is a focused sound approach to treating musculoskeletal injuries. This technology promotes healing, function, and mobility. The PiezoWave Vet gives clinicians the opportunity to avoid sedation, eliminate loud treatment noise, and has a low cost of equipment maintenance.
info@elvationusa.com
(770) 295-0049
Equipment provided
Lasers
Respond Systems, now part of the Paw Prosper family of brands, has been manufacturing Class3b and Class 4 lasers and PEMF therapy in the USA for over 40 years. As a leader in R&D, Respond's mission is to improve the lives of animals through two of the most effective, versatile, and non-invasive therapy modalities on the market today.
Lisa (Mix) Miksis
(203) 481-2810
Equipment provided
Lasers and Thermal Imaging
Manufacturer of a full line of therapeutic lasers and thermal imaging equipment for earlier detection, better client compliance and elevated patient care in the clinic and at home.
Equipment provided
Carts
Slings
Drag Bag
At Walkin’ Pets, our mission is to provide innovative, medical-grade products to pet care professionals who are working in the field to enable aging, injured, and disabled pets to live happy, healthy lives. Together We Move Pets!
vetresources@walkinpets.com
(866) 578-2926
Equipment provided
Hero Braces
Hero is devoted to helping canines lead an active lifestyle by specializing in custom braces for stifle, hock and carpal injuries. We are the only bracing company owned by both a veterinarian and a certified orthotist and our core values include customer service, compassion and healing.