Level 3 Diploma in Small Animal Hydrotherapy (RQF)

Level 3 Diploma in Small Animal Hydrotherapy (RQF)

Key Points

• Develop new skills in animal care
• Gain knowledge in hydrotherapy
• Enhance your resume for potential employment
• Complete this course within the year
• Recognised RQF qualification
• Approved by the CHA and gain membership with IAAT and NARCH
• Provides 32 UCAS Tariff Points

Overview

The Small Animal Hydrotherapy Level 3 Diploma allows you to delve deeper into the world of animal care through hydrotherapy.

Hydrotherapy is a renowned practice that effectively treats a range of ailments in humans and animals alike. Because of its low weight-bearing attributes it is accessible to a variety of users.

Through this extensive Ofqual regulated qualification, you’ll learn about the key practises of hydrotherapy and how to provide them.

It will expand your understanding of animal behaviour, anatomy and biology. As well as making sure you’re well-versed in hydrotherapy best practises, legislation and treatment.

The course covers how to analyse and handle patients to administer hydrotherapy effectively. And you’ll also be taught how to correctly inform and educate pet-owners on the animal’s performance and management of aftercare.  

Hydrotherapy has helped thousands of animals overcome medical, orthopaedic and neurological challenges and live happier and healthier lives. You’ll be able to treat and improve the quality of life of dogs, cats, rabbits and other small animals.

This course includes a 6 day practical within our busy rehabilitation centres alongside our experienced qualified hydrotherapists and physiotherapists. This will give you the opportunity to learn pool therapy techniques with a variety of patients. You will also learn how to manage correct water chemistry and regular equipment maintenance. You can choose to attend either our Melksham, Oxfordshire, Chepstow, Newcastle or Aberdeen centres in the UK, or Houston, Texas if you are in the USA. This ensures you’re able to demonstrate the knowledge gained throughout the course. As well as prepare you for future employment.

Once you’re qualified you’ll have gained the expertise to pursue a career as an animal hydrotherapist and even set up your own business.

Combine your passion for animal care with a practical skillset that can be used to start a fulfilling new career. 

UCAS Status

Learners looking to go to university or continue their training at a Higher Education (HE) provider after completing one of our Level 3 animal courses will benefit from UCAS Points.

All our Level 3 animal qualifications are allocated a certain number of UCAS Tariff Points, ranging from 8 to 48 points. These are used to meet entry requirements for higher education establishments. So, if you are keen to pursue the next stage of your career, this Level 3 course will help you achieve it.

Getting Started

learndirect is one of the UK’s leading online course providers. Our online courses give you the flexibility to progress with your learning at the ideal time for you. 

No matter what your current schedule is, online learning works around you. So, you’re able to get back into education regardless of any other commitments. 

The only date you’ll need to keep in mind is when you book the practical element of the course.

You’ll gain essential knowledge on the fundamentals of hydrotherapy best practices and other animal care essentials such as first aid. With no classes to attend or timetable to stick to, you’re in control of the pace and place of your learning.

What’s more, we have dedicated and experienced online tutors to support you throughout your course. As well as all the material being readily available as soon as you enrol so you’re able to start right away.

+ Free Upgrade	Self-Paced Online Learning With Tutor Support	Self-Paced Online Learning With Tutor Support PLUS On-Demand & Live Classes
Access your course materials immediately
Tutor support via our market-leading platform
Study around existing commitments
Progress as quickly as you’d like
Tailored individual learning plan to help you succeed
Engaging content; from videos to interactive quizzes
Industry-leading 5 days marking turnaround
Live class scheduled between 10 am to 8 pm daily (including weekends)
Access to our video library of previous lectures available on-demand
Interact with your tutors directly during your class
Network with like-minded students via our chat functionality
Take live classes multiple times or access recordings as you like

Modules

The course consists of 14 compulsory units.

Unit 1: An Introduction to Hydrotherapy

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand what hydrotherapy is
• Understand the properties of water
• Know the equipment used in hydrotherapy
• Understand the intended outcomes of hydrotherapy
• Understand the health and safety requirements in a hydrotherapy centre
• Understand legislation about hydrotherapy

Unit 2: Anatomy and Physiology of Small Animals

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the structure and function of body systems of small animals
• Understand the structure and function of body tissues in small animals
• Understand joint anatomy and physiology

Unit 3: Gait Analysis and Biomechanics

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand terminology used in hydrotherapy
• Understand gait patterns
• Evaluate normal and abnormal postures
• Understand the process of muscle contraction

Unit 4: Hydrotherapy and Related Conditions

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand orthopaedic conditions
• Understand medical conditions
• Understand neurological conditions
• Understand how to manage conditions presented for hydrotherapy
• Understand how hydrotherapy improves the condition and fitness of small animals

Unit 5: An Introduction to Small Animal Massage

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the benefits of small animal massage
• Understand massage techniques and their use
• Understand the benefits of massage for common injuries
• Understand the various forms of massage

Unit 6: Maintenance of Equipment and Water Balance

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the maintenance of hydrotherapy equipment
• Understand how to administer water chemicals
• Understand how to evaluate water test results

Unit 7: Practical Administration of Hydrotherapy

On completion of this unit you will:

• Be able to assess patients prior to treatment
• Be able to prepare the environment for hydrotherapy treatment
• Be able to prepare patients for hydrotherapy treatment
• Be able to conduct hydrotherapy pool sessions
• Be able to complete aftercare processes following hydrotherapy treatment
• Be able to communicate feedback to members of the multidisciplinary team (MDT)

Unit 8: Practical Advanced Aquatic Treadmill Techniques

On completion of this unit you will:

• Be able to conduct a gait analysis
• Understand the equipment used for advanced aquatic TM techniques
• Be able to apply advanced aquatic TM techniques
• Be able to review patient performance

Unit 9: Practical Aquatic Treadmill Therapy

On completion of this unit you will:

• Be able to operate an aquatic treadmill
• Understand the factors affecting patients in the aquatic treadmill
• Understand patient suitability for the aquatic treadmill
• Be able to create treadmill sessions for patients

Unit 10: Professional Practice Management

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the importance of continual professional development
• Understand professional conduct within a hydrotherapy centre
• Understand the roles and responsibilities of staff within a hydrotherapy centre
• Understand hydrotherapy centre administration

Unit 11: Small Animal Assessment for Hydrotherapy

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the importance of veterinary referral
• Understand how to health check small animals
• Know the members of the Multi-disciplinary team (MDT)
• Understand how to assess the suitability of patients for hydrotherapy

Unit 12: Small Animal Behaviour

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand small animal behaviour concerning safe handling for hydrotherapy
• Understand small animal body language

Unit 13: Small Animal First Aid

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the primary aims of first aid
• Understand how to manage different types of emergencies
• Be able to apply first aid to small animals

Unit 14: Tissue Healing Process

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the tissue healing processes
• Understand the factors affecting tissue healing
• Understand pain and its effect on hydrotherapy treatment planning
• Understand the timing of hydrotherapy in relation to tissue healing

Entry Requirements

Learners must be age 16+ to enrol.

Minimum Age restriction

16

Average completion timeframe

You have 24 months to complete your course.

Assessment requirements

You will be assessed via a combination of video and photo submissions, your supervisor will also need to provide witness testimonies.

Placement or Practical required

This course includes 6 days of practical training at a Woozelbears centre: Oxfordshire Aberdeen Chepstow Newcastle Melksham Houston (USA)

If placement or practical required, when?

Placement dates can be chosen to suit the learner once the threshold has been met.

Additional requirements

Learners can become a member of the Canine Hydrotherapy Association (CHA) or the National Association of Registered Canine Hydrotherapists (NARCH) following completion of this course.

Certification Timeframe

Learners can expect their certification within 6 months of completing the course, following the (EQA) External Quality Assurance of assessment.

Course Fees

All course fees, inclusive of all payment plans including our Premium Credit Limited option, must be settled before certification can be ordered.

*You will have access to the course for 24 months.

When studying your Small Animal Hydrotherapy Level 3 Diploma you’ll be assessed internally by our qualified experts. You’ll need to provide a portfolio of evidence upon completion of each unit. 

Once you have successfully completed all your assessments you will receive your final grade and receive your certificate of completion alongside your qualification. 

When are you assessed?

As you’re in control of the pace in which you learn, you’re also in charge of when you hand in your assignments. This enables you to take as long as you need to thoroughly understand the unit before completing any assignments.  

Practical Training 

Within the Small Animal Hydrotherapy Level 3 Diploma, there is also the opportunity to apply your knowledge in real-life scenarios with a practical element over 6 days.

The practical element allows you to train with expert hydrotherapists and veterinary physiotherapists. They’ll provide in-depth knowledge on how treatments are used in working rehabilitation clinics.

The practical training enables you to shadow experienced professionals and work with a range of cases at various stages of treatment.

AIM Qualifications Assessment Group

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be awarded the Small Animal Hydrotherapy Level 3 Diploma (Qualification Number: 603/4410/6).

This course is approved by the Canine Hydrotherapy Association (CHA). Students who have completed this qualification can apply for a membership at the International Association of Animal Therapists (IAAT) 

AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group is a leading Awarding (AO) and End-Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO) offering award-winning qualifications and nominated end-point assessment services.

AIM has over thirty years of experience in developing high-quality qualifications that meet the needs of employers and learners. They approve the colleges, training providers, and other education centres that deliver their qualifications and work closely with them to ensure high-quality delivery.

AIM is also regulated by the public regulator governing qualifications in England – Ofqual.

Hydrotherapy is a popular treatment due to the non-weight-bearing nature of the practice. This makes it suitable for a broad range of users. Because of this, it means there’s a high demand for qualified animal hydrotherapists.

Upon completion of the Small Animal Hydrotherapy Level 3 Diploma, you will be ready to seek employment in rehabilitation clinics. Or even set up your own practice.