The best online Animal-Assisted Therapy programs integrate animals into their treatment practices for people with mental and physical disabilities. An Animal-Assisted Therapy program prepares health and human service professionals to integrate the use of animals into their treatment practices in order to facilitate change in people with mental and physical disabilities. Includes instruction in psychology, psychology of disabilities, animal behavior, animal training, the human-animal bond, integration of animals into therapeutic settings, and ethical and cultural issues.
Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) is a growing field, and several universities and colleges offer specialized programs to train professionals in this area. These programs provide comprehensive training and education in animal-assisted therapy, preparing graduates to effectively incorporate animals into therapeutic practices. Here are some of the best degree programs and certificates in Animal Assisted Therapy.
1. Husson University
- Location: Bangor, Maine
- Program: Bachelor of Science in Animal-Assisted Therapy, Animal Training Certificate, Animal-Assisted Therapy Certificate
- Delivery: 100% online
The 120 credit BS in Animal-Assisted Therapy from Husson University Online can help those with a passion for optimizing healing and recovery develop a well-rounded approach to animal-supported therapeutic applications in a number of settings, from physical therapy to emotional and behavioral therapy. Time to completion varies based on allowable transfer credits from any prior undergraduate coursework.
The 9 credit Animal Training Certificate program you can gain an understanding of animal behavior through the lens of animal training. You’ll explore the human-animal connection as it relates to training in domestic, wild and captive environments. You’ll examine how to apply training techniques to different animal species.
The 9 credit Animal-Assisted Therapy Certificate students explore how animal-supported therapy can amplify traditional applications of physical and emotional therapies.
2. Concordia University Wisconsin
- Location: Mequon, WI
- Program: Animal Assisted Therapy Certificate
- Delivery: online with one face-to-face weekend
The Concordia University Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) Certificate utilizes the human-animal bond to create a positive therapeutic environment. It is designed for professionals in various fields, such as occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, social workers, and educators who want to incorporate animals into their practice.
AAT is goal-oriented, planned, structured, and documented therapeutic interventions by health and human service providers. The program is open to professionals with at least one year of experience in their field. Participants will gain specialized knowledge and skills to plan and carry out safe and effective animal-assisted interventions and a capstone project related to their area of AAT practice. The cost is $450 per course, with a ten percent discount for payment of all four classes upfront.
3. Saint Francis University
- Location: Loretto, PA
- Program: Animal-Assisted Health & Education Specialist certificate
- Delivery: 100% online certificate, minor is hybrid
Professionals who are already working in their chosen field, or those looking to switch careers, can pursue the Animal-Assisted Health & Education Specialist (AAHES) certificate completely online as a stand-alone certificate program. Minors who successfully complete the program will automatically earn the Animal-Assisted Health & Education Specialist (AAHES) certificate. The minor includes online modules as well as a single residency-based, hands-on component: an animal behavior workshop.
In the Animal-Assisted Health & Education Specialist (minor and/or certificate) program at Saint Francis University you can learn to facilitate safe interactions between humans and animals to achieve desired outcomes in a wide variety of environments and with various populations.
4. University of North Florida
- Location: Jacksonville, FL
- Program: online Animal-Assisted Services (AAS) Certificate
- Delivery: online
The University of North Florida offers an online Animal-Assisted Services (AAS) Certificate Program. This professional development certificate program has a worldwide network of professionals demonstrating best practices. Upon completing the University of North Florida’s Animal Assisted Services Certificate Program, individuals may use the Certificate in Human-Animal Interaction Specialist (CHAIS) credentials.
The UNF AAS program is not just about theory, it’s about practical application. The program includes five consecutive 6-week courses, each with 5 recorded modules and one live final exam. The live, virtual final exams are meant to be friendly, casual presentations in which each student presents brief components of their program, preparing you for real-world scenarios. One live final presentation may be missed without penalty, providing the contents are turned in on time. The goal of this program is for participants to create foundational AAS programs and demonstrate proficiency for a future career in animal-assisted services.
5. Carroll University
- Location: Waukesha, WI
- Program: non-credit Essentials of Animal Assisted Interventions credential
- Delivery: 100% online
Carroll University offers a non-credit Essentials of Animal Assisted Interventions credential. This interdisciplinary course is designed for a wide range of professionals such as healthcare workers, social workers and education and counseling professionals. As this field grows, Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAI) have been successfully integrated into many health and human service fields including Physical and Occupational Therapy, Behavioral Health, Education, Nursing and more. Throughout the course, Carroll’s strong Animal Behavior team will lead students through critical, evidence-based practices emphasizing animal welfare and behavior, as well as professional theory in AAI across multiple professions. Participants in this credential will gain critical knowledge in the safe, legal, and beneficial use of AAI.
Fields where animal-assisted interventions can be applied include, but are not limited to:
- Occupational Therapy
- Physical Therapy
- Behavioral Health
- Other Health & Human Services
- Education
- Counseling
6. Unity Environmental University
- Location: New Gloucester, ME
- Program: Bachelor’s in Animal Science with a specialization in Companion Animal Care and Training
- Delivery: 100% online
The Unity Environmental University Bachelor’s in Animal Science offers multiple tracks for you to specialize in different types of animal care, including Companion Animal Care and Training.
7. SUNY Cobleskill
- Location: New York
- Program: Canine Training and Management Bachelor of Technology (BT)
- Delivery: online
The Canine Training and Management comprehensive program includes certifications and accelerate student-learning to acquire professional credentials throughout the course of undergraduate study. Instruction from expert faculty with specialization in areas including canine training, therapy, behavior, tracking, handling, nutrition, and veterinary medicine.
Learn to work collaboratively with owners, trainers, kennel managers, nutritionists and veterinarians. Learn to design effective canine training programs, interpret program results, and make necessary adjustments based on practice and theory.
Open doors to a broad range of professional opportunities in animal industry and K9 security in a job market nationally seeking an increased number of trained professionals.
To simplify transfer from other institutions into this degree program, articulation agreements are in place with Thompson School of the University of New Hampshire, Becker College, and SUNY Delhi. Students can also easily transfer from SUNY Cobleskill’s own AAS in Animal Industry.
What is Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT)?
A wide variety of disciplines may incorporate AAT into their professional practice – occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, therapeutic recreation specialists, nurses, social workers, behavioral health professionals and educators. Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) and Assistance Dog Training Programs serve different purposes and have distinct methods of operation.
Purpose:
- AAT aims to improve a patient’s social, emotional, or cognitive functioning through the involvement of animals.
- It can be used for a variety of populations, including children, older individuals, and those with mental health issues or physical disabilities.
Animals Involved:
- A wide range of animals can be involved in AAT, including dogs, cats, horses, birds, and even dolphins.
Settings:
- AAT can be conducted in various settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and rehabilitation centers.
Therapists:
- AAT is facilitated by professionals such as psychologists, social workers, or occupational therapists who have received specific training in this field.
- These therapists work in collaboration with trained animals to achieve therapeutic goals.
Goals:
- The goals of AAT can include reducing anxiety, improving social skills, enhancing mood, promoting physical activity, and aiding in the recovery process from trauma or illness.
Certification:
- Animals involved in AAT often require certification to ensure they are well-behaved and can handle the demands of therapy settings.
- Organizations like Pet Partners and Therapy Dogs International offer certification for therapy animals.
While both Animal Assisted Therapy and Assistance Dog Training Programs utilize animals to aid individuals, their methods, goals, and the scope of their work are distinct. AAT focuses on therapeutic benefits across a broad spectrum of needs, while Assistance Dog Training is specialized in preparing dogs to support individuals with specific disabilities in daily life activities.
What Jobs Can you do in Animal Assisted Therapy?
A career in Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) offers a variety of job opportunities across different settings. Professionals in this field work with animals to provide therapeutic benefits to individuals with various needs. Here are some potential job roles in Animal Assisted Therapy:
1. Animal-Assisted Therapist
- Role: Provide therapy using animals to assist clients with mental health, emotional, or physical issues.
- Settings: Private practice, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, nursing homes, and mental health clinics.
- Requirements: Professional license in psychology, counseling, social work, or occupational therapy, along with specialized training in AAT.
2. Certified Therapy Animal Handler
- Role: Work with a certified therapy animal to visit patients in various settings, providing comfort and emotional support.
- Settings: Hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and disaster areas.
- Requirements: Certification through organizations like Pet Partners or Therapy Dogs International, along with training in handling therapy animals.
3. Rehabilitation Specialist
- Role: Use animal-assisted interventions to aid in physical rehabilitation and recovery.
- Settings: Physical therapy clinics, rehabilitation centers, hospitals.
- Requirements: Professional certification in physical or occupational therapy, plus training in AAT.
4. Veterinary Social Worker
- Role: Address the emotional and psychological needs of clients in veterinary settings, incorporating animal-assisted therapy.
- Settings: Veterinary clinics, animal shelters, and rescue organizations.
- Requirements: Degree in social work with specialization in veterinary social work or animal-assisted therapy.
5. Special Education Teacher
- Role: Integrate animals into educational programs for children with a disability to enhance learning and development.
- Settings: Special education schools, private tutoring, and educational therapy centers.
- Requirements: Teaching certification with specialization in special education and training in AAT.
6. Recreational Therapist
- Role: Use animals in recreational activities to improve the physical, emotional, and social well-being of clients.
- Settings: Hospitals, nursing homes, community centers, and camps for individuals with disabilities.
- Requirements: Degree in recreational therapy and training in AAT.
7. Mental Health Counselor
- Role: Incorporate animals into therapy sessions to help clients with mental health issues such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
- Settings: Private practice, mental health clinics, and community health centers.
- Requirements: Professional license in counseling or therapy, plus specialized training in AAT.
8. Occupational Therapist
- Role: Use animal-assisted interventions to help clients improve their ability to perform daily activities.
- Settings: Hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, and private practice.
- Requirements: Degree in occupational therapy and certification in AAT.
9. Residential Care Facility Coordinator
- Role: Develop and manage AAT programs within residential care facilities for the elderly or individuals with disabilities.
- Settings: Nursing homes, assisted living facilities, group homes.
- Requirements: Experience in residential care management and training in AAT.
10. Animal-Assisted Activities Coordinator
- Role: Organize and manage programs that involve animals in non-therapeutic settings to improve quality of life and provide companionship.
- Settings: Schools, community centers, and care facilities.
- Requirements: Background in program management and training in handling therapy animals.
11. Researcher
- Role: Conduct research on the efficacy and benefits of animal-assisted therapy and human-animal interactions.
- Settings: Universities, research institutions, and nonprofit organizations.
- Requirements: Advanced degree in psychology, sociology, veterinary science, or a related field, with a focus on human-animal interaction research.
Careers in Animal Assisted Therapy span a range of roles and settings, all focused on leveraging the human-animal bond to improve well-being. With the appropriate education, certification, and a passion for working with animals and people, you can find a fulfilling career in this growing field.
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