How to Become an Animal Assistant Therapist

Animal assistant therapists work with pets, zoo animals and farm animals.

Animal assistant therapists work with animal therapists to help heal injured animals through physical therapy practices and other care. According to Animal Career Guide, many animal care centers are in need of animal physical therapists, so a career as an animal assistant therapist could be rewarding and eventually lead to a career as an animal therapist. The career path is similar to that of a regular animal therapist and a human physical therapist.

Instructions

1. Earn at least an associate degree. According to Animal Career Guide, physical therapist assistants, or PTAs, need an associate degree at a minimum. If you plan to eventually become a physical therapist, you will need at least a bachelor's degree, and possibly a master's degree. Earn your associate degree in physical therapy, animal care or a related field. You can always complete other degree programs later should you decide to advance your career.

2. Understand the role of an animal physical therapist assistant versus an animal physical therapist. According to Physical Therapy Colleges, animal physical therapists diagnose patients and create treatment plans, while animal physical therapist assistants perform much of the treatment, especially the routine care. This means that as the assistant, you will be doing much of the hands-on therapy work with the animals.

3. Look for internships or jobs at veterinary clinics, farms or zoos to gain experience working in the animal care industry. Experience working with animals will help you land a permanent job as an animal physical therapist assistant. An internship can also lead to a permanent position at the facility.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider earning a master's degree in physical therapy with a concentration in animal physical therapy. This is not required for animal therapist assistants, but it can enhance your resume and prepare you for a career as a animal physical therapist. Also, obtain state licensure as an animal physical therapist. Assistants typically do not need a license, but again, it is impressive to employers to be licensed, and it allows you to advance past the assistant position and become a full-fledged animal physical therapist.

References

• Physical Therapy Colleges: Frequently Asked Questions
• Animal Career Guide: Animal Physical Therapist
• Physical Therapy for Animals: How Do You Become an Animal Physical Therapist?