North Carolina State University

Certified Companion Animal Rehabilitation Therapist Program (CCAT)

About

COMPLETELY UPDATED – SUMMER ’22!

The Certified Companion Animal Rehabilitation Therapist (CCAT) Program is a university-based, RACE approved credential program for canine rehabilitation education and training.

Developed using the same strict guidelines typically associated with University accredited programs, the CCAT program is taught by a faculty that includes active university instructors, expert clinicians, researchers, and recognized industry experts.  The CCAT program draws from ongoing research, hands-on training, evidence-based case studies, clinical experience, and leading companies in the field of veterinary medicine.

The CCAT program provides a comprehensive training program on the art and science of canine rehabilitation through hybrid model of online lecture material and live hands-on training.  Students are taught the most up to date information, training on cutting edge modalities and learning the latest techniques in canine rehabilitation.

The high standards and challenging curriculum assure graduates that the CCAT credential is recognized as the premiere program in canine rehabilitation training.  Upon successful completion of the CCAT curriculum, the graduate will be able to implement an appropriate rehabilitation protocol for the canine patient.

GOAL

To educate professionals who share a common interest in helping animals recover from illness and/or injury, and to help animals to live life to the fullest with minimal pain and discomfort.

Why our program?

Our faculty members have worked diligently to construct the most up to date program that meet the needs of the veterinarian, physical therapist, physical therapist assistant, and veterinary technician.  Updated in the summer of 2022, the CCAT program provides the perfect combination of evidence-based medicine and real-world applications.

Our program offers the following advantages:

  • Commitment to presenting the most up to date, comprehensive curriculum that provides a strong foundation upon which to treat routine and complicated clinical cases, and to build and improve clinical practice in veterinary rehabilitation.
  • The CCAT program is delivered in a hybrid format of preparatory online lectures that can be started at any time.  Followed with a hands-on lab session, case studies/externship and online final exam.
  • Instruction by veterinarians and physical therapists that are board certified by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, and American Board of physical Therapy Specialties.
  • Our instructors have also made significant research contributions and published much of the available literature in canine physical rehabilitation.
  • Emphasis on evidenced-based medicine with real world applications.
  • Access to the latest clinical and laboratory research results presented by faculty who have performed research directly applicable to case management, often prior to publication.
  • Access to and practice/training with an extensive array of treatment approaches, including a myriad of equipment and emerging modalities which are based on clinical research.
  • Upon successful completion of the program and examination, participants receive the designation of Certified Companion Animal Therapist (CCAT).

Prerequisites

The program is open to the following:

  • Veterinarians
  • Licensed Veterinary Technicians
  • Physical Therapists
  • Physical Therapist Assistants
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Students in one of the accepted professions*

Proof of degree(s) and or license(s) must be provided for every profession

*Proof of acceptance and documentation showing current enrollment in a qualified program must be provided with your initial registration.  You will be asked to provide continued proof of active enrollment.  You must complete one academic year of your professional program prior to enrolling in this program.  Successful completion of your degree is required prior to taking the certificate exam.