PROGRAM INFORMATION

Physical rehabilitation is becoming an essential component of modern veterinary medicine-and Northern College is making advanced training in this field more accessible than ever.


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PROGRAM INFORMATION

Academic Year :

2026-2027

Credential :

Graduate Certificate

Program Delivery :

Full-Time

Duration

1 Year

Length :

2 Semesters

Program Code(s) :

H153 - Distance

H153W - Distance (Winter intake)

DESCRIPTION

Physical rehabilitation is becoming an essential component of modern veterinary medicine-and Northern College is making advanced training in this field more accessible than ever.

The Companion Animal Physical Rehabilitation Graduate Certificate is now offered fully at a distance, combining flexible online learning with a mandatory one-week, in-person residency at our Haileybury Campus. This structure allows students from across the country to gain specialized skills in animal rehabilitation while maintaining their professional and personal commitments.

This program is designed for veterinary professionals who want to expand their expertise in companion animal physical rehabilitation. Taught by experienced faculty and industry experts, the curriculum includes a strong foundation in advanced anatomy and physiology, therapeutic modalities, and the treatment of orthopedic and neurologic conditions.

Students will engage in a blend of theoretical learning, case-based discussions, and practical skill

development. The one-week on-campus residency provides 40 hours of hands-on clinical experience to ensure students gain the confidence and competency required to deliver effective patient care. Graduates are well-prepared to work in veterinary clinics, rehabilitation and fitness centers, or to expand the

services offered within their current practice.

Program Highlights

Fully Online Delivery: Complete coursework from anywhere with reliable internet access.
Mandatory One-Week Residency: Hands-on clinical training at Northern College’s Haileybury Campus.
Flexible Schedule: Choose between full-time or part-time pathways.
Interactive Learning: Weekly check-ins, live sessions, and case-based discussions reinforce learning and engagement.
Customizable Placement: Complete your placement hours on a schedule that fits your life and work commitments.

Companion Animal Physical Rehabilitation

Program Outline 2026-2027

Flexible Learning Options

Assignments and weekly check-ins include suggested due dates to help students stay on track; however, timelines are designed to remain flexible. The program must be completed within two years in accordance with college policy.

Full-Time Option

The full-time program can be completed in two semesters (one year) following a traditional college calendar.

Phase 1: Approximately 25 hours per week of coursework delivered fully online and primarily selfpaced within the semester timeframe.
o Includes one live, two-hour seminar each week (attendance encouraged but not required).
o Upon completion of Phase 1, students attend a mandatory one-week residency at the Haileybury Campus (40 hours of practical experience).
Phase 2: Approximately 21 hours per week of coursework, plus a field placement completed during the semester.

Although this is a full-time program, the flexible online delivery allows students to balance their studies with work or personal responsibilities.

Part-Time Option

For those working full-time or seeking a lighter workload, the program can be completed part-time over two years .

Phase 1 - Year 1:
o Approximately 15 hours per week of coursework in the first semester.
o Around 10 hours per week in the second semester, with an optional live course available for enrichment and connection.
o After completing Phase 1 courses, students attend the mandatory one-week on-campus residency (40 hours total).
Phase 2 - Year 2:
o Approximately 10 hours per week of coursework in the first semester.
o The second semester includes a 200-hour field placement , with continued access to optional live sessions.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Graduates may choose to establish their own physical rehabilitation business, working in collaboration with referring veterinarians and other animal health professionals. Alternatively, they can pursue employment in veterinary clinics with rehabilitation services, private rehab facilities, or organizations focused on animal conditioning and fitness.

Companion Animal Physical Rehabilitation

Program Outline 2026-2027

Companion Animal Physical Rehabilitation

Program Outline 2026-2027

VOCATIONAL LEARNING OUTCOMES

Perform patient examination and collect data on vital signs on patients needing physical rehabilitation.
Restrain and manage small animal patients in clinical situations where physical rehabilitation is required.
Administer medications by common drug routes and prepare pharmaceuticals as prescribed by the veterinarian for patients undergoing physical rehabilitation therapy.
Produce standard diagnostic radiographs on patients requiring physical rehabilitation.
Collect and process samples of diagnostic laboratory work on patients requiring physical rehabilitation.
Perform common veterinary diagnostic tests, such as blood chemistries, differentials, culture and sensitivities, and ECGs on patients requiring physical rehabilitation.
Perform basic veterinary practice management including computer applications.
Using techniques such as “pain scoring”, recognize and evaluate painful conditions from which the veterinarian may prescribe physical rehabilitation therapy.
Counsel clients, especially in the area of pet nutrition, for patients requiring physical rehabilitation.
Perform functions to enable the patient’s optimal physical function by contributing to the development, implementation, and modification of intervention/treatment plans, under the supervision of and in collaboration with the veterinarian.
Perform effectively within the roles and responsibilities of the physical rehabilitation technician through the application of relevant knowledge of veterinary sciences, and animal health conditions.
Practice competently in a legal, ethical, and professional manner within the role of the companion animal physical rehabilitation technician.

PROGRAM COURSES

The following reflects the planned course sequence for full-time offerings of the program.

Source: https://www.northerncollege.ca/uploads/Companion-Animal-Physical-Rehabilitation-2026.pdf