Internships

You need to complete 40 hours of contact time at your internship site. These hours should consist of observation and supervised hands-on with patient assessment and treatment. While the 40 hours can be split up over time, they all must be completed at the same internship site.

No.

We believe that one of the most valuable aspects of the internship experience is the exposure to novel approaches. During your internship, you will acquire knowledge beyond patient assessment and care, such as practice management, innovative equipment usage, and client education methods. It is essential to reserve your internship period entirely for learning and preparing for clinical practice. If you try to fit this learning into your regular work routine, you may become distracted by your regular duties and lose the benefits of focused learning.

First, review your checklist and note any areas of weakness you want to get more comfortable with.

Second, consider the type of patients you will likely see (post-op, geriatric, neuro cases, sporting or working dogs, etc). You want to go to an internship location that offers similar care to what you anticipate for your caseload.

Third, list goals you would like to achieve during your time with your mentor.

Fourth, contact your desired mentor/internship site. Communication is KEY to a successful internship experience. Make sure you discuss the following things with your mentor:

• Internship dates
• Your goals for the internship
• Daily arrival time and anticipated daily schedule
• Dress code
• Liability coverage

Finally, make sure you review your anatomy! The number one reason students have trouble in their internships is failure to recall anatomy. Be prepared!

Students may set up their internships starting as soon as 6 weeks after finishing their final in-person module.

We recommend internships be completed within six months. They are required to be completed within two years of completing the 3 in-person modules. If too much time elapses, the student must retake the second module of their certification program.

Many internship sites require a daily fee to cover their time and potential loss of income while mentoring interns. On average, this fee ranges from $100 to $250 per day.

We are accepting new internship sites. Please be aware that all mentors must be certified in canine rehabilitation for at least one year before becoming a CRI Mentor. Therapists with the following certifications may act as mentors for CRI students - CCRT, CCRP, CCAT, CCRV, and VMRT.

CIVT certification holders may not act as mentors for CRI students.

As our students plan their internships, the question of liability coverage often comes up. We have compiled some information to assist you in discussing any requirements at your internship location. You should have a conversation with your mentor and, ifnecessary, arrange for additional coverage before starting your internship.