Graduate Certificate in Animal-Assisted Therapy for Seniors

Monday, 26 January 2026 19:58:44

International applicants and their qualifications are accepted

Start Now     Viewbook

Overview

Overview

```html

Animal-Assisted Therapy for seniors is a growing field. This Graduate Certificate program equips you with the knowledge and skills to become a qualified practitioner.


Learn evidence-based practices in animal-assisted interventions, focusing on the unique needs of older adults.


The curriculum covers therapeutic animal handling, program development, and ethical considerations. You'll gain practical experience through supervised fieldwork.


Ideal for healthcare professionals, social workers, and animal lovers, this certificate enhances your career prospects and allows you to make a real difference in the lives of seniors using animal-assisted therapy.


Improve the quality of life for aging populations with this powerful modality. Explore the program today!

```

Animal-Assisted Therapy for Seniors: This Graduate Certificate program provides specialized training in utilizing animals to improve the physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being of older adults. Gain hands-on experience in therapeutic techniques and develop essential skills in geriatric care and animal handling. Enhance your career prospects in elder care facilities, senior centers, and private practices. Our unique curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with practical application, preparing you for a rewarding career improving the lives of seniors and their animal companions. This certificate empowers you to become a qualified and compassionate Animal-Assisted Therapy practitioner.

Entry requirements

The program operates on an open enrollment basis, and there are no specific entry requirements. Individuals with a genuine interest in the subject matter are welcome to participate.

International applicants and their qualifications are accepted.

Step into a transformative journey at LSIB, where you'll become part of a vibrant community of students from over 157 nationalities.

At LSIB, we are a global family. When you join us, your qualifications are recognized and accepted, making you a valued member of our diverse, internationally connected community.

Course Content

• Introduction to Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) and its Application with Seniors
• Understanding the Geriatric Population: Physical and Psychological Needs
• Animal Selection and Training for AAT: Focus on Temperament and Senior-Specific Skills
• Developing and Implementing AAT Programs for Seniors: Program Design and Ethical Considerations
• Safety and Hygiene Protocols in Animal-Assisted Therapy
• Assessing the Effectiveness of AAT Interventions with Older Adults: Data Collection and Analysis
• Legal and Professional Aspects of AAT Practice
• Addressing Specific Geriatric Conditions through AAT: Dementia, Alzheimer's, and Depression
• Communication and Teamwork in AAT: Collaborating with Healthcare Professionals
• Advanced AAT Techniques and Strategies for Seniors

Assessment

The evaluation process is conducted through the submission of assignments, and there are no written examinations involved.

Fee and Payment Plans

30 to 40% Cheaper than most Universities and Colleges

Duration & course fee

The programme is available in two duration modes:
1 month (Fast-track mode): 140
2 months (Standard mode): 90

40% Cheaper

Our course fee is up to 40% cheaper than most universities and colleges.

Start Now

Awarding body

 The programme is awarded by London School of International Business. This program is not intended to replace or serve as an equivalent to obtaining a formal degree or diploma. It should be noted that this course is not accredited by a recognised awarding body or regulated by an authorised institution/ body.

Start Now

  • Start this course anytime from anywhere.
  • 1. Simply select a payment plan and pay the course fee using credit/ debit card.
  • 2. Course starts
  • Start Now
    •

Got questions? Get in touch

Chat with us: Click the live chat button

+44 75 2064 7455

admissions@lsib.co.uk

+44 (0) 20 3608 0144



Career path

Career Role in Animal-Assisted Therapy (UK) Description
Animal-Assisted Therapist (AAT) for Seniors Directly work with seniors, employing animal-assisted interventions to improve their physical, emotional and cognitive well-being. High demand in care homes and assisted living facilities.
Animal-Assisted Intervention Specialist (AAI) Develop and implement AAI programs tailored to senior needs. Requires advanced knowledge of therapeutic techniques and animal behaviour. Growing career path with excellent job prospects.
Certified Animal-Assisted Therapy Handler Experienced in handling animals during therapy sessions, ensuring safety and well-being of both seniors and animals. Key role requiring proficiency in animal management and therapeutic interactions.

Key facts about Graduate Certificate in Animal-Assisted Therapy for Seniors

```html

A Graduate Certificate in Animal-Assisted Therapy for Seniors provides specialized training for professionals seeking to integrate animal-assisted interventions into senior care. The program equips graduates with the knowledge and skills to design and implement effective therapeutic programs utilizing animals, focusing on the unique needs of older adults.


Learning outcomes typically include mastering assessment techniques for seniors' physical and cognitive capabilities, understanding the human-animal bond in therapeutic settings, and developing practical skills in animal handling and safety procedures within diverse senior care environments. Graduates will be proficient in creating individualized intervention plans tailored to the specific needs and goals of elderly clients. This includes experience with various animal-assisted activities, such as pet therapy and equine-assisted therapy.


Program duration varies, but most certificates can be completed within a year of part-time study, providing a manageable commitment for working professionals. The curriculum often balances online learning with hands-on fieldwork experiences, allowing students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings and gain valuable practical experience working with senior populations and animals. This practical application strongly enhances career prospects.


This Graduate Certificate holds significant industry relevance, catering to the growing demand for animal-assisted interventions in geriatric care. Graduates are well-prepared for roles in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, adult day care centers, and private practices specializing in geriatric care. The certificate complements existing healthcare qualifications, strengthening career advancement opportunities within the animal-assisted therapy field and related areas such as geriatric care management. Potential employers include hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and organizations focusing on senior wellness and animal-assisted activities.


Successful completion often leads to certification by recognized professional organizations, further enhancing career prospects and credibility within the animal-assisted therapy for seniors field.

```

Why this course?

A Graduate Certificate in Animal-Assisted Therapy for Seniors is increasingly significant in the UK's growing healthcare market. The ageing population necessitates innovative approaches to senior care, and animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is proving highly effective. According to Age UK, over 12 million people in the UK are aged 65 or over, a number projected to rise significantly. This burgeoning demographic fuels the demand for qualified AAT practitioners. The certificate provides specialized training in adapting AAT techniques for elderly populations, addressing specific needs such as dementia and mobility issues. Successful completion demonstrates a commitment to evidence-based practices, enhancing career prospects in care homes, hospitals, and community-based services.

Age Group Population (millions)
65-74 5.2
75-84 3.9
85+ 1.8

Who should enrol in Graduate Certificate in Animal-Assisted Therapy for Seniors?

Ideal Candidate Profile Key Interests & Skills Career Aspirations
Our Graduate Certificate in Animal-Assisted Therapy for Seniors is perfect for compassionate individuals already working with the elderly, such as healthcare assistants, nurses, and social workers. It also attracts those seeking a career change and passionate about improving the well-being of older adults. With an increasing elderly population in the UK (approximately 12 million over 65 in 2023), the demand for qualified animal-assisted therapists is rapidly growing. A genuine love for animals and a strong understanding of animal behavior are essential. Experience working with seniors, excellent communication skills, and empathy are highly valued. Prior experience in pet care or related fields is beneficial. Graduates often find fulfilling roles in care homes, hospitals, assisted living facilities, or establish their own private practices. Many leverage the certificate to enhance their current position and specialize in animal-assisted intervention. The certificate complements various healthcare careers, opening doors to exciting and rewarding opportunities in animal-assisted therapy.