Program Codes
H153 – Fall intake H153P – Fall part-time intake H153W – January intake H153WP – January part-time intake H153S – Spring/summer intake H153SP – Spring/summer part-time intake.
Campus Code: CH (Distance, Haileybury Campus)
Please note: This program is a graduate certificate available to graduates of a Veterinary Technician/Technology diploma program. If applying directly from high school, please choose our Veterinary Technician program, program H058. Once you graduate from a Veterinary Technician program, you will qualify to apply for our Companion Animal Physical Rehabilitation program.
Program availability varies by academic year. Refer to the Ontario College Application Service (OCAS) for Domestic Students or OCAS International or for the most up-to-date availability. Applications open in October prior to the next academic year.
Now Offered Fully Online with a One-Week Residency!
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.
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.
The full-time program can be completed in two semesters (one year) following a traditional college calendar.
Although this is a full-time program, the flexible online delivery allows students to balance their studies with work or personal responsibilities.
For those working full-time or seeking a lighter workload, the program can be completed part-time over two years.
Contact Information
For questions about being admitted into the program, please contact Northern College Admissions at admissions@northern.on.ca or by phone at 705-235-3211 ext. 7222.
For more information about the program please contact:
Kellie Broderick Program Assistant, School of Veterinary Sciences Tel: 705-672-3376 ext. 8854 Email: vetsciences@northern.on.ca
Our one-year Companion Animal Physical Rehabilitation graduate certificate program for veterinary technicians will give you the critical skills you need to work in specialized patient care. This program addresses the patient needs and demonstrates the pivotal role technicians play in improving the quality of life for pets.
Does this program sound like a good fit for you?
Connect with us to learn more.
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The courses listed below may be part of your Program of Study.
Please note that the courses and course descriptions listed below are based on our current offering and are subject to change. Current students can find information on the courses they are enrolled in by logging into their Student Portal Account.
Information for previous academic years can be found in the Program Outline Archive.
If you have questions or require more information, please contact the Program Coordinator.
This foundational course provides an in-depth overview of the principles, goals, and applications of animal physical rehabilitation, with a focus on companion animals. Students will explore the history and scope of the field, the role of the Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) in the rehabilitation team, and the legal and ethical considerations involved in practice. The course introduces common orthopedic and neurological conditions that benefit from rehabilitation.
28 Hours
This intensive, hands-on module provides students with immersive practical experience in companion animal physical rehabilitation. Delivered over five days, students will participate in live patient assessments and treatments, integrating clinical skills and theoretical knowledge. Activities begin with an introduction to the college environment, a site tour, and foundational wet labs using therapeutic modalities on animals. Subsequent days focus on applied anatomy and physiology, patient assessment, and therapeutic technique implementation, with continued exposure to physical rehabilitation modalities.
40 Hours
Through weekly instructor-led meetings, the Companion Animal Rehabilitation Seminars engage in discussions and explore key questions within the program. The course will cover advances in the Companion Animal Rehabilitation industry, and sharing real-world case studies, fostering a collaborative learning environment. This seminar aims to equip students with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills essential for a successful career in animal rehabilitation.
The student would learn how to conduct a neurological and orthopedic examination on dogs in order to assess gait, posture and movement. Topics would include assessing range of motion and assigning a lameness score. A review of the importance of palpation in order to detect swellings and lumps will be emphasized. Videos or live demonstrations will be used to demonstrate normal and abnormal canine gaits.
56 Hours
Focusing on canine anatomy and physiology including directional terminology, anatomic planes, bones, muscles, joints, ligaments and tendons, the nervous system and lymphatics, this course will be, an in-depth study requiring students to name and explain the function of the components of the skeletal and muscle systems, including, muscle origins and insertions, muscle function and muscle innervation and blood supply.
70 Hours
This course provides an in-depth introduction to therapeutic modalities used in companion animal physical rehabilitation. Students will explore the history, scientific basis, and practical applications of various modalities, including laser therapy, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, hydrotherapy, and emerging techniques. The course emphasizes evidence-based practice, ethical considerations, and the integration of multiple modalities for optimal patient outcomes.
This course reviews the various modalities available for canine physical rehabilitation. These include techniques such as stretching, strengthening and proprioception exercises, application of heat and cold packs, analgesics and massage.
The pathophysiology of pain is covered in depth in this course. Pain sensation, transduction, transmission and perception are discussed, together with ways by which pain pathways can be interrupted. The complementary role of analgesics in contributing to successful companion animal rehabilitation is explored. Students learn about the benefits and risks of specific analgesics that a veterinarian may prescribe to companion animals.
This field placement provides students with supervised, hands-on experience in a professional rehabilitation setting. Students will apply their knowledge of various rehabilitation techniques, assess patient conditions, implement treatment plans, and refine their clinical skills in real-world scenarios. Emphasis is placed on specialized therapeutic modalities, including Laser Therapy, Hydrotherapy/Aquatherapy, Therapeutic Ultrasound, Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy, Electrical Stimulation Therapy, and Shockwave therapy.
200 Hours
Through weekly instructor-led meetings, the Companion Animal Rehabilitation Seminars engage in discussions and explore key questions within the program. The course will cover advances in the Companion Animal Rehabilitation industry, sharing and presenting real-world case studies, and fostering a collaborative learning environment. This seminar aims to equip students with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills essential for a successful career in animal rehabilitation.
The pathophysiology of common neurologic and orthopedic conditions is covered. Conditions that accompany ageing in canines are covered in detail. Common therapies that may be used in the rehabilitation of each condition will be discussed and students will design physical rehabilitation protocols and treatment schedules based on individual case details.
42 Hours
Articulation Agreements
A number of articulation agreements have been negotiated with universities and other institutions across Canada, North America and internationally. These agreements are assessed, revised and updated on a regular basis. Please contact the program coordinator for specific details if you are interested in pursuing such an option.
Work Integrated Learning Opportunities
Students in the Companion Animal Physical Rehabilitation program participate in a field placement, gaining hands-on experience in real-world settings such as veterinary clinics, rehab facilities, or wellness centres. These experiences, guided by industry professionals, help students apply their skills, build confidence, and make valuable professional connections.
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.
Explore labour market information for related careers and employment trend data from the Government of Canada Job Bank.
Accreditation
The OAVT accredits this program for 20 continuing education credits in Category 1 (Medical/scientific).
The Veterinary Science Centre and our Veterinary Technician program are accredited by:
Important Information for Applicants
This program is a graduate certificate available to graduates of a Veterinary Technician/Technology diploma program. If applying directly from high school, please choose our Veterinary Technician (H058) program. Once you graduate from a Veterinary Technician program, you will qualify to apply for our Companion Animal Physical Rehabilitation program.
The tuition and fees information is typically updated yearly for the upcoming Academic Year in May. The amounts are for the full academic year.
Amounts may be based on last years tuition and fees and are subject to change.
If you are a current student, please refer to your Student Account or see a Student Services Clerk for the most up-to-date information.
Domestic: Full-Time: $3,551.51Part Time: $2,176.05 (year 1), $1,913.54 (year 2)
International: Full-Time: $15,715.60 Part-Time: $6,275.95 (year 1), $5,471.08 (year 2)
Ancillary fees are paid in full for the entire academic year in the first semester.
Please see Detailed Ancillary Fees for more information.
At Northern College, you’re a part of a community.
From your teachers to support staff and administrators, we are all here to help you get an education and make some lasting connections along the way.
Your success is incredibly important to you, so we provide student supports to help you achieve your goals. From study assistance and accessibility services to mental health supports and financial aid, we’ve got you covered.
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Student Supports & ServicesHaileybury Campus
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