| Spa Wellness Articles :: Program Descriptions & Career Overviews |
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| Animal Therapy Studies - Animal Therapy Programs |
| by Amanda Fornecker |
Animal therapy is a method of easing the suffering of sick and elderly pets. By using holistic therapies, such as acupunctural, Chiropractic, and homeopathic remedies, individuals can improve the life quality of animals. Most of the techniques used have been learned by individuals first to practice on humans or in veterinary school. However, specific training to become an animal therapist is available at various schools, some of which are Massage therapy schools.
What You'll Learn
Animal therapy programs teach students to work with animals, specifically to properly massage and perform holistic treatments to better the well being of the animal. Students are taught similar tactics as they might learn in massage therapy school.
Degree Types
Animal therapy programs usually culminate with an animal therapy certificate. The specified number of hours required is usually set by animal therapy programs. In addition to certificate animal therapy programs, there are also schools that offer continuing education with an animal therapy focus.
Career Paths
Those in animal therapy programs may have received their degree from a massage therapy school or veterinary school. The choice to earn an animal therapy certificate may be a massage therapist or veterinarian who wants to gain additional experience or a different specialty. Animal therapists may work at a private practice or with a veterinarian.
Job Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), job openings for massage therapists are expected to increase faster than the average by 2014. Those who have studied in an animal therapy program will have more of a specialty and will most likely be able to get a job because of their versatility.
Licensing and Accreditation Information
Each state has its own rules as to licensing for animal therapy. Check with your local state board for their requirements.
State licensing boards:
For a comprehensive list of what's required by state, see http://www.iaamb.org/reference/state-laws-2006.html.
About the author:
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| Schools that offer Animal Studies | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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