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Breanna
Student
Portsmouth, Virginia
3
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What did animal physical therapists major in when they went to college?
I was thinking of becoming an animal physical therapist because of the salary and because I get to work hands-on with animals. I have looked into biology as a major but I'm not sure if I should go through with biology or psychology as a major. There's also animal science so I'm just wondering what a good recommendation for what to major in would be.
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Iryna Tam
Writer, copywriter
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Hagerstown, Maryland
Updated
Iryna’s Answer
Hi!
Becoming an animal physical therapist (often referred to as an animal rehabilitation therapist) is a fulfilling career path that allows you to work closely with animals, helping them recover from injuries or surgeries and improve their mobility and quality of life. Here’s a guide to help you choose the right major and understand the educational requirements for this field:
Recommended Majors for Animal Physical Therapy
Animal Science
Focus: Studying animal biology, health, behavior, nutrition, and management. This major provides a strong foundation in both the physical aspects and the care of animals, which is crucial for animal physical therapy.
Pros: Offers direct knowledge about various animal species, their needs, and their anatomical and physiological differences.
Biology
Focus: A general understanding of living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, evolution, and behavior. Specialization can be done in areas like zoology or animal physiology.
Pros: Provides a solid understanding of anatomy and physiology, which is essential for physical therapy. It also prepares students well for graduate programs.
Kinesiology or Exercise Science
Focus: Study of human and animal movement, exercise physiology, and biomechanics. Some programs may offer a focus on veterinary rehabilitation.
Pros: Directly relevant to physical therapy, focusing on movement and rehabilitation strategies.
Veterinary Technology
Focus: Prepares students for working in veterinary clinics, learning about animal care, nursing, and rehabilitation.
Pros: Provides practical skills and knowledge in veterinary medicine, which is valuable for a career in animal physical therapy.
Psychology (with a focus on Animal Behavior)
Focus: Understanding animal behavior, cognition, and communication. This can be beneficial for working with animals during rehabilitation.
Pros: While less directly related, it offers insight into animal behavior and may enhance your ability to work effectively with animals and their owners.
Additional Steps and Considerations
Graduate Education: After completing your undergraduate degree, you will likely need to pursue a graduate program in veterinary rehabilitation or a related field. Look for programs that specifically focus on animal physical therapy.
Certification: Research certification requirements from organizations like the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) or the Animal Rehabilitation Division of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). Certification in canine rehabilitation or similar credentials can enhance your qualifications.
Gain Experience:
Volunteer or intern in veterinary clinics, animal rehabilitation centers, or facilities focused on animal care.
Consider shadowing an animal physical therapist to get a sense of the day-to-day work and responsibilities.
Networking: Join veterinary or animal welfare organizations and participate in related events to connect with professionals in the field and gain insights into potential career paths.
For aspiring animal physical therapists, majoring in Animal Science or Biology is often the best path due to the strong emphasis on animal anatomy, physiology, and health. If you are passionate about movement and biomechanics, Kinesiology or Exercise Science may also be a suitable option. Regardless of your choice, ensure that you seek out hands-on experiences in animal care and rehabilitation to build a solid foundation for your career.
Good luck!
Becoming an animal physical therapist (often referred to as an animal rehabilitation therapist) is a fulfilling career path that allows you to work closely with animals, helping them recover from injuries or surgeries and improve their mobility and quality of life. Here’s a guide to help you choose the right major and understand the educational requirements for this field:
Recommended Majors for Animal Physical Therapy
Animal Science
Focus: Studying animal biology, health, behavior, nutrition, and management. This major provides a strong foundation in both the physical aspects and the care of animals, which is crucial for animal physical therapy.
Pros: Offers direct knowledge about various animal species, their needs, and their anatomical and physiological differences.
Biology
Focus: A general understanding of living organisms, including their structure, function, growth, evolution, and behavior. Specialization can be done in areas like zoology or animal physiology.
Pros: Provides a solid understanding of anatomy and physiology, which is essential for physical therapy. It also prepares students well for graduate programs.
Kinesiology or Exercise Science
Focus: Study of human and animal movement, exercise physiology, and biomechanics. Some programs may offer a focus on veterinary rehabilitation.
Pros: Directly relevant to physical therapy, focusing on movement and rehabilitation strategies.
Veterinary Technology
Focus: Prepares students for working in veterinary clinics, learning about animal care, nursing, and rehabilitation.
Pros: Provides practical skills and knowledge in veterinary medicine, which is valuable for a career in animal physical therapy.
Psychology (with a focus on Animal Behavior)
Focus: Understanding animal behavior, cognition, and communication. This can be beneficial for working with animals during rehabilitation.
Pros: While less directly related, it offers insight into animal behavior and may enhance your ability to work effectively with animals and their owners.
Additional Steps and Considerations
Graduate Education: After completing your undergraduate degree, you will likely need to pursue a graduate program in veterinary rehabilitation or a related field. Look for programs that specifically focus on animal physical therapy.
Certification: Research certification requirements from organizations like the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) or the Animal Rehabilitation Division of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). Certification in canine rehabilitation or similar credentials can enhance your qualifications.
Gain Experience:
Volunteer or intern in veterinary clinics, animal rehabilitation centers, or facilities focused on animal care.
Consider shadowing an animal physical therapist to get a sense of the day-to-day work and responsibilities.
Networking: Join veterinary or animal welfare organizations and participate in related events to connect with professionals in the field and gain insights into potential career paths.
For aspiring animal physical therapists, majoring in Animal Science or Biology is often the best path due to the strong emphasis on animal anatomy, physiology, and health. If you are passionate about movement and biomechanics, Kinesiology or Exercise Science may also be a suitable option. Regardless of your choice, ensure that you seek out hands-on experiences in animal care and rehabilitation to build a solid foundation for your career.
Good luck!