tCPT™

Credentialing Program

The Transitional Canine Physical Therapist (tCPT™) program is designed to fill in the knowledge gaps of a human Physical Therapist program, transitioning the Physical Therapist into a competent canine practitioner.

CanineIQ's tCPT™ program assembles a large, diverse group of Physical Therapist experts, Board Certified Veterinary Specialists and Veterinary Technicians to help you become a confident canine clinician.

As a hybrid model, our tCPT™ program contains online coursework for Modules 1-3, with an intensive, hands-on training portion onsite for Module 4. You will learn through text and presentations that may be downloaded and used for reference. Videos and virtual anatomy allow a visual component to learning, as well as in-person collaboration to culminate your knowledge and experience.

tCPT™ Credentialing Program

$4,995*

(*Note: Price will increase to $5,195 on January 1, 2025)

Registration for the tCPT program is only open for one week, 2 times per year. Pre-register for more information on our Fall 2024 Class.

PRE-REGISTER for our Fall 2024 class.

Spots are limited - sign up now!

So we can provide focused attention on our participants, registration for the tCPT program is only open for one week, 2 times per year. Join our list to become part of our Fall 2024 class!

MODULE 1 - Foundational Principles of Canine Anatomy and Movement

Musculoskeletal and contributory neurological and vascular components of canine as compared to human anatomy and biomechanics
Identify and emphasize differences between canine and human content
Primary differences in the areas of movement function and dysfunction, gait and other types of locomotion, palpation, conformation/posture, normal states of growth and development, and functional mobility tasks
Primary differences in the feline patient are addressed
Access to an online, virtual anatomy program throughout the duration of the tCPT program

MODULE 2 - Fundamentals of the Veterinary Patient

Veterinary science relevant to the canine physical therapist
Common orthopedic and neurologic pathologies in the canine patient
Systems review and screening, plus ‘red flags’ will be taught to understand the need for referral back to a veterinarian
Diagnostic imaging techniques utilized in diagnoses and management of pathologies as it pertains to the canine physical therapist
Medical management, including pharmacology and surgical and non-surgical procedures, as relevant to the canine physical therapist
Cardiopulmonary and exercise physiology, nutrition, integumentary and metabolic disorders, and hematopoietic and endocrine systems for the physical therapist

Module 3 - Evaluation and Physical Therapy of the Canine Patient

Canine neurological and orthopedic examination by experienced Canine Physical Therapists, including clinical reasoning in the evaluation, treatment planning, outcome assessments and documentation for a variety of common pathologies
Physical therapist interventions, techniques and clinical decision making in neurological and orthopedic pathologies (including PNF/NDT techniques, manual therapy, sports medicine, orthotics and prosthetics, and assistive devices)
Common therapeutic modalities and therapeutic exercise and adaptions for the canine patient
Professional collaboration, business models and knowledge related to legal practice for the canine physical therapist
Leadership, advocacy and public education
Evidence-based practice in a continually evolving field is emphasized
Treating the feline patient

Module 4 - Essentials of Canine Physical Therapist Practice

Intensive hands-on training in picturesque Colorado
Palpate, examine, evaluate, perform, treat, practice, demonstrate and lead our physical therapist objectives, representing the combined knowledge, skills, and competence achieved in this curriculum
Questions and collaboration are encouraged while working with experienced Physical Therapists, Veterinary Specialists and Veterinary Technicians

Module 5 - Capstone Project

Culmination of all your human training and the knowledge and training that you have gained in this Canine Physical Therapist credentialing program
Write a 3-5 page, publishable capstone paper on a subject of your choice (approved by faculty), contributing to the body of knowledge as a canine physical therapist
Mentor to help you navigate this process, including brainstorming on ideas for a topic, narrowing down the research question/subject, resources, editing, etc
Opportunity to analyze a unique issue, approach or treatment using your human knowledge base, bridging your human knowledge, to build your confidence in this field and for future directions.

Module 6 - Clinical Training

On-site clinical training with a competency checklist that’s performed in a veterinary and/or physical therapy setting
(Be aware that each state has a required minimum number of hours that must be completed; and in many cases, this has not been determined)
A list of potential sites is available
Note that many sites charge an additional fee payable directly to that site.