Frequently Asked Questions
What is animal-assisted therapy?
Animal-assisted therapy is a specialized form of mental health care in which animals are used as part of the patient's individual treatment plan. Once considered a more holistic and alternative approach to health care, animal-assisted therapy is becoming more commonplace as practitioners and patients are beginning to see the results of this type of treatment.
What can you do with an animal-assisted therapy degree?
Animal-assisted therapy is usually practiced as part of an established profession rather than as a standalone job, so your path depends on your goals and your level of education. Graduates may move toward occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy and psychology, as well as counseling, social work, education and therapy animal training and handling. Many of these fields require graduate study, and the degree gives you a foundation in human psychology and animal behavior to build on.
How do you become an animal-assisted therapist?
Most animal-assisted therapists are trained professionals, such as counselors, social workers, occupational therapists and physical therapists, who incorporate animals into their practice. A bachelor’s degree in animal-assisted therapy gives you a foundation in human psychology, animal behavior and the human-animal bond to build on, whether you plan to pursue graduate study, professional certification or both. Animal-assisted therapy programs are not available at every college and university, meaning that your degree from ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ will stand out. In addition, you can customize your program by working toward a certificate or specialization, such as the Certificate in Animal Training.
What is the difference between a therapy animal, a service animal and an emotional support animal?
A therapy animal works with its handler to support patients, students or clients in settings such as hospitals, schools and counseling offices. A service animal is trained to perform specific tasks for one person with a disability. An emotional support animal provides comfort to its owner but is not trained to perform specific tasks. Learn more in our guide on how to certify a therapy dog.
Is pet therapy the same as animal-assisted therapy?
Pet therapy is another phrase that is commonly used for animal-assisted therapy. The terms are often used interchangeably, but they are not quite the same. Pet therapy is a broad term that covers several animal-related practices, including casual visits with therapy animals. Animal-assisted therapy is a goal-directed process built into a patient’s treatment plan, with specific milestones the patient works toward.
Can you earn an animal-assisted therapy degree online?
Yes. ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½’s Bachelor of Science in Animal-Assisted Therapy is offered fully online, with no set class times or locations. The degree is 120-122 credits, and time to completion ranges from 12 to 42 months depending on how many credits you transfer. You can transfer up to 90 credits toward your undergraduate degree.
To complete your online Bachelor of Science in Animal-Assisted Therapy degree, you will be required to earn at least 30 credits at ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½. View the full curriculum below.* Reach out to us today if you'd like more information or if you'd like to speak to an enrollment advisor.
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