The Veterinary Academy of Higher Learning (VAHL) has become the exclusive global marketing and
education partner for the Certified Canine Rehabilitation Program (CCRP), the Certified Equine
Rehabilitation Program (CERP) and the Certified Canine Fitness Trainer (CCFT) as well as all other vet
rehab programs developed by internationally recognized academic experts and practitioners of the
University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
VAHL has successfully grown and established the international market for the University of Tennessee
veterinary rehabilitation courses over the past 17 years, starting with the introduction of the CCRP in
Europe in 2005. The new partnership, which went into effect July 1, 2022, expands to include the United
States and Canadian market in addition to Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia/NZ, Middle and South America,
making it a worldwide approach.
“Together, our high standard of continuing education courses taught by internationally leading experts,
who not only do the research and publishing but also actively work in this field, will allow our students
to become the most sought-after rehabilitation specialists in the world,” said Dr. Beate Egner, VAHL
chief executive officer.
“Being a veterinarian myself, it is my utmost desire to best serve and help the veterinary community by
combining state-of-the-art science with modern teaching methods, interactive tutorial books, and
ongoing coaching support,” Egner added.
The CCRP and CERP offer a series of postgraduate courses in canine and equine rehabilitation for
veterinarians, physical therapists, and veterinary technicians. Participants are required to participate in a
supervised clinical experience and take a cumulative examination. The courses guide the practitioner
from the theoretical foundations through the clinical applications of rehabilitation.
With the new agreement, the University of Tennessee’s recognition will continue to increase globally
and benefit from the global academic and business network that VAHL has developed over the years.
VAHL further achieved accreditation of the CCRP as a university study in different countries, making this
university-based course recognized as an academic education.
UT and VAHL will update and further improve the blended learning courses to remain the global
standard of highest education in veterinary physical medicine, rehabilitation, and sports medicine, Egner
said.
“We are excited to launch this new endeavor with VAHL. Combining both the U.S. and international
courses will enable us to deliver equine rehabilitation information in a more timely and thorough
method with the same curriculum worldwide. We look forward to instructing individuals across the
globe and make them part of a strong community,” said Dr. Steve Adair, DVM, DACVS, DACVSMR, CERP,
Head of Equine Surgery, Director of the Equine Performance and Rehabilitation Center at the University
of Tennessee, Knoxville.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with the Veterinary Academy of Higher Learning (VAHL) to deliver the
Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner and the Certified Canine Fitness Trainer programs globally,”
said Dr. Darryl Millis, CCRP, DACVS, DACVSMR, Acree Endowed Chair in Veterinary Medicine, and
Director of the Canine Arthritis, Rehabilitation, Exercise, and Sports Medicine Center at the University of
Tennessee, Knoxville. “This partnership over the past 17 years has proven excellence in delivering our
programs outside of the USA, and now it will allow a seamless delivery of the internationally known
programs throughout the world. This new venture will add coaching, webinars, newsletters, new
courses, and many other exciting things to make our academic education a once-in-a-lifetime
experience,” Millis added.
VAHL currently collaborates with over 100 internationally leading experts to produce advanced
literature, including Essential Facts of Physical Medicine, Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine in
Companion Animals, Essential Facts of Equine Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine, and
many others.
Furthermore, VAHL’s excellent network includes involvement in various single and multi-center studies,
as well as powerful relationships to universities and veterinary associations all over the world.
“The Veterinary Academy of Higher Learning cares for its students and certified specialists, offering
them continuous support,” Egner said. “But you are not forgotten after the courses. We will continue to
provide support throughout your career.”
The online portions of the CCRP and CERP are undergoing major revisions to incorporate the latest in
rehabilitation academic education under the respective leadership of course directors Adair and Millis.
“Not only are the newest scientific findings, state-of-the-art modalities, and rehabilitation of other
species being updated, but the courses are being altered to enhance student learning and application of
information,” Egner said. “We also offer coaching and continuous support after the formal course has
concluded.
VAHL is also investing in the future of veterinary rehabilitation by sponsoring two annual awards that
honor and support distinguished researchers and projects.
For more information, please visit www.vahl-academy.com or www.vahl.vet or email office@vahl-
academy.com.
