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I am a proud graduate of the Post Graduate and State approved certification in Veterinary Spinal Manipuation at the Healing Oasis. There are multiple post-graduate courses that offer Veterinary Spinal Manipulation as a certification. I chose the Healing Oasis to pursue my studies in this subject as their coursework and teaching staff has a reputation among the Veterinary Profession as the absolute best and most complete. The school and staff have credentials that are unquestionably superior to any other similar facility in the United States. Dr. Kevin Jones, IL

I chose to attend the VSMT program at The Healing Oasis based upon both the impeccable reputation of the school as well as the multiple credentials earned there. Dr. Stephanie Boehm, IL

When I was researching which school to attend for chiropractic/vsmt training, I spoke with several veterinary chiropractors. It is no exaggeration to say they all put the Healing Oasis as the number one choice. I was told of one other school that provided a decent education and that was easier to get through, but if I wanted the best go for the Healing Oasis. When I fully understood the The level credentials and the accreditation the Healing Oasis had there was no question which school I wanted to attend.  Dr. Paul Wittke, IN

I attended the VMRT post graduate and state approved certification. I chose the Healing Oasis Wellness Center because of its full accreditation and it’s stellar reputation for a high quality education as well as for their holistic approach. The course met and exceeded all of my expectations. No other rehabilitation course in the United States is accredited or able to honor veteran’s benefits.  I feel privileged to have completed the course and plan to attend additional courses in the future.  Dr. Holly Landes, GA

The Healing Oasis Wellness Center’s credentials significantly exceeded all other programs in Veterinary Spinal Manipulation Therapy.  Having those credentials speaks to the quality of the program and is an important factor when selecting a certification course.  The school provides a comprehensive program that deserves their reputation in providing  education and certification in VSMT.  Dr. Jennifer Brown (DACVS, DACVSMR), FL

I undertook the Veterinary Spinal Manipulation Therapy course for professionals because of the outstanding recommendation by a previous student of Dr. Pedro Rivera.  A friend who is a practicing chiropractor looked over the programs that are available in the US with me and also helped me to select the course at the Healing Oasis Wellness Center.  The VSMT training was a rigorous review of the relevant anatomy and a fantastic expansion and depth to the neurology that was covered in veterinary school.  There is additionally terrific support for the program from educators who come from elsewhere to lecture and from the instructors who lecture and preside over the laboratories.  It was a challenging, intense and rewarding odyssey.  Dr. Rivera is uncompromising in his quest to graduate capable and informed practitioners of this healing art.  Dr. Cecille O’Brien Greenleaf, CA

The fact that the Healing Oasis is an accredited school contributed to my decision to attend this program over others. Additionally, the program has an excellent reputation and was promoted as having a rigorous academic program to accompany the hands-on labs to impart the science and theory of veterinary spinal manipulative therapy as well as the practical how-to information.  Dr. Sarah Peters, WI

This letter is in reference to the Healing Oasis Wellness Center providing the Post Graduate and State Approved Certification in VSMT (veterinary spinal manipulation therapy) program. This program’s success and reputation through various veterinary professionals was the reason that I attended the program. The program was excellent, organized, and informative. I have and will continue to recommend this program to colleagues seeking education in this aspect of veterinary medicine. Dr. Jennifer Taintor (MS, DACVIM, DACVSMR), AL

There was no doubt as to what chiropractic program I was going to attend, without hesitation I wanted my certification from Healing Oasis. With top notch instructors who are the pioneers in the veterinarian and human chiropractic fields why would I want to go anywhere else? I am proud of my education and degree from Healing Oasis and recommend this program to veterinarians and chiropractors who want to take their education further.  Dr. Sarah Urban, PA

As a chiropractor practicing in the veterinary arena, it is of great importance to me that my training and preparation are the very best that they can be.  Healing Oasis Wellness Center has sought out the highest levels of recognition and credentialing to insure that its programs deliver a quality of experience and education that are the finest available.  Since graduating from the VMRT program, I appreciate more and more the ability to draw on the standing of Healing Oasis’ academic recognition in comparison to any other rehab program that is available. I can say, without qualification, that the program delivered on its promise of high academic standards, complemented by great opportunities of practical, hands-on classroom and clinical opportunities. Dr. Daniel Halden, PA

My primary reasons for choosing Healing Oasis for my VMRT certification were its stellar reputation and credentials. I was referred by other veterinarians who have attended the program and stated that it changed the way they approached every case and greatly enhanced their practice. The fact that Healing Oasis is accredited by numerous governing bodies and boards is a further testament to the quality of the program. Dr. Amy Wong, PA

The fact that Healing Oasis was a school and the Credentials held by Dr. Rivera, his wife Michelle and the rest of the faculty were all deciding factors in choosing HO. I definitely made the right choice.  Dr. Bonnie Ness, MN

I evaluated multiple curriculums when I decided to pursue veterinary spinal manipulation. The healing oasis was the obvious choice for multiple reasons, including: the didactic approach to the certification, the qualifications of the instructors, their accreditation status and also their great reputation. I strongly and confidently recommend this course to anyone who is interested. After completing the course, I am able to reflect and truly appreciate the professionalism and individual approach of each of the instructors.  Dr. Jennie Killian, MI

The VSMT course through the Healing Oasis Wellness Center not only teaches veterinary spinal manipulation, but also is a great review of anatomy, neurology, and some physiology.  In addition, I learned information that wasn’t taught in veterinary school.  Dr. Rivera and the other instructors are very knowledgeable, easy to work with, and are dedicated to each student comprehending the material and being competent in VSMT at the end of the course.  This course is intense and requires the student to study and practice, so be willing to put forth time and effort.  I enjoyed taking the course, learning VSMT and incorporating it into my practice.  Dr. Deborah Grude, IL

I chose The Healing Oasis due to its credentials and reputation as the best school to learn “animal chiropractic” from. Now that I’ve been practicing animal chiropractic for almost a year, I know that I chose the very best animal chiropractic program in the nation .  My clients repeatedly inform me that I know more and do more with their animals than their previous animal chiropractors did; as well as obtain quicker and better results. Thank you to The Healing Oasis for molding me into the very best “animal chiropractor” I could be. My practice wouldn’t be where it is in such a short time without learning from the best.  Dr. Erin McQueen, WI

I attended the VSMT program at the Healing Oasis. The program is heavily neurology based, and quite strenuous, as it should be.  Dr. Pedro and the other  instructors at the school were very knowledgeable and did a wonderful job of making sure that we understood the material and would not only be competent professionals, but that we could also communicate effectively about animal chiropractic to our professional peers as well as the public. I enjoyed the education that I received there so much that I was inspired to pursue a diplomate in neurology. Thanks, Healing O!  Dr. Kerri Lockwood, MN

I have recently completed my training in VSMT at Healing Oasis Wellness Center.  While it is a  demanding course I felt it was an excellent group of instructors that truly cared that we understood the material, not only that we learned how to do but why we would do it.  The hands on time was very valuable and though the testing was intense you knew the material when you completed the course.  Great group of caring and professional instructors and a well designed course.  Dr. Nancy Peterson, IA

As a veterinarian who has solely practiced low cost spay-neuter for the last 15 years, I needed not only a refresher in anatomy, but in neurology as well.  However, I never could have imagined the depth to which Healing Oasis would take us.  In fact, the neurology alone was far beyond anything that I was ever taught in veterinary school.  While I might have initially asked why we needed to delve so deep into that subject, I quickly learned that it is impossible to provide excellent care without knowing the intricacies of neuroanatomy.  And, at Healing Oasis, the bar is set very high – good care is not good enough – if you cannot provide excellent care, then don’t do it at all.  The program was tough, but comprehensive; detail oriented, but also fair.  We were tested not only on paper, but on live animals, given verbal exams, and refreshed our anatomy.  There is ample time in the classroom and in the lab.  And, the instructors avail themselves for questions or help at all times.  I cannot say enough about the education that I received.  Upon graduation, I was completely capable of providing the best care to my patients.  And in the end – that is what matters most. Dr. Laureen Bartfield, NC

I received an excellent education from the Healing Oasis and I greatly look forward to continuing that education with the additional classes the school has to offer.  I am so fortunate to have this school so close to home.  It not only gave me a great foundation to veterinary health care, but also helped to further build my human practice as well.  I can’t wait to learn more.  Dr. Jamie Mabeus, WI

I have improved my approach to practice. I am just beginning to appreciate the importance of the functional neurology in patients. It has become a pillar of the physical exam, and helps to solve the “why is that” question. Thank you and your world class staff who have the patience to help improve my vision of veterinary medicine.  Dr. Brian Waldo, IN

I was at first overwhelmed with the intensity of the program. I wanted it to be easier, more immediate. Then, as I began to have breakthroughs with the palpation and adjustments, I realized this was only just the first step… the beginning of a new branch in my career. Now that I have completed the program, there is constantly homework and reading to do with each case I see for VSMT and the work continues to be challenging. However, I am able to rise up to meet each challenge because of the reward in the results that I am seeing. I don’t need to “sell” what I do to pet owners, because the results speak for themselves. I love being able to fix things without sending home a pill. Instead, the owners are sent home with homework which strengthens the bond they have with their pets.
Dr. Kate Carlson, WI.

“Competency is a requirement of graduation, and is ensured by rigorous training provided by faculty with excellent qualifications, knowledge base and teaching styles.”
Dr. Ann Seedfelt, MN.

To future students of HOWC: The VSMT program is not easy, but then I did not expect it to be. The program is not designed or intended to be just a set of classes on techniques; If the horse / dog is doing XYZ you adjust the PSIS on the right and …”. This course is great for giving you tools to integrate musculoskeletal and neurological problems and come up with a plan on how to treat a patient. You are given enough information to protect yourself from drowning in a sea of information on the emerging field of “functional neurology”. I think Dr. Rivera, Michelle and the instructors are proud of the students and the school, and want to produce a group of Veterinarians and Chiropractors that they would readily recommend to work on an animal. All of the exams, both written and practical are directed toward that goal.
Phillip Topham, DVM, MS, Mantua, OH.

“Excellent one on one attention, tons of hands on, would highly recommend this program! One of my friends asked if I would do it again, I told him to get himself in the progam and to tell me! ABSOLUTELY, it is worth the effort!
Dr. Dawn VandeCastle, Markesan, WI.

“Finally, a teaching program that addresses the WHY of VSMT as opposed to merely the how. A teaching program that focuses attention on the individual student instead of the class, encouraging each one to graduate with maximum technical skills as well as an all encompassing knowledge of how VSMT affects the whole body”.
Dr. Sue Ann Lesser, South Huntington, NY.

I am a June 6th, 2006 HOWC graduate and a practicing veterinarian for 26 years. The HOWC – VSMT program changed the way that I practice (now 50% of work is VSMT related) and has brought back joy to my work!”
Dr. Dennis Ostrander, Forest Lake, MN.

“The most helpful thing for me with the HOWC program was all the hands on time we had! It was very good for solidifying everything learned in class. Plus the small group size made sure that everyone had a chance to work on the animals as well as to get different ideas from the TA’s”.
Dr. Pam Graves, Petoskey, MI.

“For the past few years, my chiropractic colleagues have asked me where It got my VSMT training. I explained to the them that the only school they should consider is the Healing Oasis. First, because of the level of excellence in teaching, Dr Rivera goes to extreme measures to ensure that all of his students absolutely “get it”. Second, because the student – teacher ratio is usually only 3:1 and sometimes even less, so there is tons of time and opportunity for everyone to get lots of hands-on experience, no one slips through the cracks. And third, because it was a great learning environment and I made lasting friendships with some really great people! We still call each other to consult on cases. I couldn’t imagine having gone anywhere else for my training!
Dr. Josee Gerard, Province of ON.

I had a wonderful experience at the Healing Oasis. The education is intense, the teachers are extremely knowledgeable and always around for answers. The small classes guarantee you tons of hands on time, a lot of attention from the instructors, whether you like it or not. I started this program with what I thought was an understanding of chiropractic. After completing it, “I get” how powerful chiropractic medicine is and feel an excitement that I have never had before. I would highly recommend this program to anyone.
Dr. Seth Nelson, MN.

“I started off being certified in acupuncture and had heard from many people that acupuncture and spinal manipulative therapy can work in concert. I have found this to be true, however, I have also found that adjusting pets can be a stand alone treatment as well. It can be added to any practice (conventional or integrative). The course at the Healing Oasis was touted as being the best in the country. This turned out to also be true. Dr Rivera and all of the instructors take their job of educating students seriously and provide a solid anatomic and neurologic approach to this modality, and has an amazing cast of speakers to teach segment of the class. I am glad that I chose to go there. Also given that his course was already approved by a recognized educational approval board (State of Wisconsin) and now national accreditation recognized by the US Dept. of Education, I couldn’t see myself going anywhere else”
Dr. James Carlson, OH.

A unique approach that is truly functional in explaining why VSMT works. The class work and hands on experience build off each other often creating “aha” moments. My hospital staff, partners and a growing number of clients have recognized that VSMT can be a powerful tool in their pets health care. You will leave this program with more questions than answers due to the inspiration of Dr. Rivera and the excellent instructors. The class size is a HUGE benefit ensuring every student got the time and individual instruction to “get it”. In only wish I had learned this 10 year ago..”
Dr. Michael Fulgione, WI.

“The Healing Oasis Spinal Manipulative program is the most intensive and best CE I have ever participated in. Strong scientific support was presented for the core concepts. In addition small laboratory groups assured all students were able to perform therapies in a very competent manner.”
Dr. Jason Fusco (DACVS), New York.

“I felt that the class was very hands on and practical. I have been integrating the spinal manipulation into my western medicine lameness evaluations, and have been able to help animals that the orthopedic specialists couldn’t help. The course and program provides practice tips you will use right away. It has helped me to expand my alternative practice and allowed me to be a more complete practitioner, offering spinal manipulation or acupuncture depending on the case needs and the owners desire”.
Dr. Susan Cechner, IL.

“I felt that the program was very thorough with a wonderful emphasis on the research and neurology behind Veterinary Spinal Manipulation. The knowledge gained in the course has fostered my own passion for neurology and rehabilitation. The more I practice the more I want to learn. It is the best course out there if you want to learn not only how to perform spinal manipulation but to truly understand the why of it”.
Dr. Cara White, MN.