In-Person Program

Equine Rehabilitation Certificate



Program Overview

The University of Tennessee, in cooperation with the Colorado State University Orthopaedic Research Center, developed the world’s first university-based credential program in equine rehabilitation. The Equine Rehabilitation Certificate Program (CERP) is a blended learning specialization for veterinarians, veterinary technicians, physical therapists, or students of these professions.

Candidates complete the program by submitting case studies and completing a comprehensive examination. The Academic CERP Program is designed to guide the practitioner from the theoretical foundations to the clinical applications of equine physical medicine and rehabilitation.

The rehabilitation of horses with orthopedic injuries has evolved tremendously. There are now numerous therapeutic modalities that have been scientifically proven for equine application. The CERP Program will keep candidates and graduates apprised of new developments. It includes modules in equine anatomy, gait analysis, confirmation, lameness evaluation, and neurologic examination. Graduates of this course have received training to identify and implement the most effective modalities and therapies for their patients.

Listed on AAVSB’s Registry of Approved Continuing Education (RACE) programs.

Provides hands-on laboratory coursework that will build on the course material from online lectures.

Since its foundation, the curriculum of the program has been continuously updated to deliver training and education in state-of-the-art standard of care.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The basics are reinforced thoroughly during online preparation sessions, ensuring each student has the review necessary to keep the flow of the class steady.

The exclusive academic package includes the full CERP education program and lifelong academic membership which provides free webinars, individual and group coaching, individual sponsorship conditions, and much more!

When you enroll, you will benefit from the full commitment to your learning experience, and in the implementation of standard of rehabilitative care in your practice by the University of Tennessee and the Veterinary Academy of Higher Learning. Your interest and commitment to becoming a specialist in this field will be enhanced as you enjoy the in-depth, intensive training through in-person clinical sessions and online, on-demand didactic sessions.

Program Courses

Earn the CERP credential after successfully finishing the following parts:

Equine I – Online Lecture Series (52 hours)

Equine II – Live Hands-on Lab (32 hours, Knoxville, TN is 48 hours)

Equine III – Final Examination and Case Reports (15 hours)

Meet Your Instructors

Dr. Steve Adair

Education

  • 1986 – 1989, Large Animal Surgical Residency, University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine
  • 1984, DVM Auburn University, College of Veterinary Medicine
  • 1980, Master of Science Veterinary Microbiology, Auburn University, College of Veterinary Medicine
  • 1978, Bachelor of Science Microbiology, Auburn University


Board of Certification

  • Diplomate – American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation
    Diplomate – American College of Veterinary Surgeons (DACVS) – 1993

University Appointments

  • 1997 – Current – Associate Professor of Surgery, University of Tennessee, College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Knoxville, TN
  • 1991 – 1997 – Assistant Professor of Surgery, University of Tennessee, College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Knoxville, TN
  • 1989 – 1991 – Assistant Professor – University of Tennessee, College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Knoxville, TN

Practice Experience

  • 1997 – Current – Associate Professor, University of Tennessee, College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences
  • 1989 – 1997 – Assistant Professor, University of Tennessee, College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences
  • 1986 – 1989 – Large Animal Surgery Resident, University of Tennessee, College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Rural Practice
  • 1984 – 1986 – Associate Veterinarian, Monticello Large Animal Clinic, Lake Charles, LA

Clinical Interests
General interest in musculoskeletal problems of the equine. Primary interest in equine laminitis.

Research Interests
Microcirculatory blood flow and its relationship in the development of laminitis.

Dr. João Paulo Marques

DVM J. Paulo Marques received his Veterinary Degree from the University of Veterinary Medicine (FMV-UTL) in Lisbon in 1995. He is certified in Animal Chiropractic by the International Veterinary Chiropractic Association (IVCA), certified in Veterinary Acupuncture by the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS) and Certified Equine Rehabilitation Practitioner (CERP) by the University of Tennessee.

He is an FEI Official Veterinarian for Jumping, Dressage, Eventing and Driving. A past Member of the Board of Directors of the International Veterinary Chiropractic Association (IVCA) and Honorary Member of this Association, he is presently a Member of the Board of Directors of the International Association of Veterinary Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy (IAVRPT) and President of the Portuguese Association of Veterinary Acupuncture (APAMV).

He was a guest professor at Lusófona University (ULHT) and Technical University (FMV-UTL) in Lisbon, on Equine Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy, Acupuncture and Chiropractic. He is the founder and Director of the equine veterinary practice Equidesporto in Portugal, and he was co-founder and Director of the Equine Rehabilitation Centre Hidrovet.

His main areas of interest are Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Sport Medicine and Integrative Medicine in the performance horse. Dr. Marques is a member of the Veterinary Physiotherapy Team at the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2021.

Register Today

The CERP Program is the premier approach to lifelong learning for those who have dedicated themselves to bettering the lives of animals.