The Bachelor of Science in Animal Assisted Therapy program is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience necessary to become qualified animal-assisted therapy professionals. This program combines academic coursework with hands-on training in animal-human interaction, therapeutic techniques, and ethical considerations. Graduates will be prepared to work in various settings, including healthcare facilities, schools, rehabilitation centers, and community organizations.
Curriculum Outline
Year 1: Foundation Year
- Semester 1
- Introduction to Animal Assisted Therapy
- Animal Behavior and Psychology
- Animal Care and Handling
- Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Communication and Interpersonal Skills
- Semester 2
- Animal Health and Welfare
- Therapeutic Communication
- Introduction to Counseling
- Ethical Considerations in Animal Assisted Therapy
- Research Methods
Year 2: Intermediate Year
- Semester 1
- Group Dynamics and Facilitation
- Therapeutic Riding and Equine-Assisted Therapy
- Canine-Assisted Therapy Techniques
- Crisis Intervention
- Assessment and Evaluation in Animal Assisted Therapy
- Semester 2
- Advanced Animal Behavior
- Therapeutic Play and Activities
- Animal-Assisted Therapy in Healthcare
- Research Methods (Advanced)
- Internship Placement (Start)
Year 3: Senior Year
- Semester 1
- Animal-Assisted Therapy in Education
- Animal-Assisted Therapy in Rehabilitation
- Program Development and Management
- Capstone Project (Start)
- Semester 2
- Capstone Project (Completion)
- Internship Placement (Completion)
- Ethics and Professional Practice
- Elective (e.g., Animal-Assisted Therapy for Trauma, Animal-Assisted Therapy for Children)
Bachelor of Science in Animal Assisted Therapy
This course is self-paced.
The maximum alotted timeframe to complete this program is 4 years however the program can be completed sooner than 4 years