Level 6 Diploma in Veterinary Physiotherapy with Hydrotherapy & Level 3 Diploma in Small Animal Hydrotherapy (RQF)

Level 6 Diploma in Veterinary Physiotherapy with Hydrotherapy & Level 3 Diploma in Small Animal Hydrotherapy (RQF)

Key Points

• Study the advanced methods used by Veterinary Physiotherapists and Animal Hydrotherapists
• Learn about a range of advanced therapy methods for small animals in and out of the water
• Gain 6 days of practical hydrotherapy training and 25 days of physiotherapy training
• Gain 800 hours of experience with animals in Veterinary Physiotherapy practices
• Discover in-depth knowledge on animal rehabilitation and various therapies and treatments
• Provides UCAS Tariff Points

About your Course

The Level 3 Diploma in Small Animal Hydrotherapy and Level 6 Diploma in Veterinary Physiotherapy with Hydrotherapy is a combined course resulting in a degree-level qualification. This course will enable you to become a qualified Small Animal Hydrotherapist and Veterinary Physiotherapist, working with animal patients in and out of the water.

Following completion of this qualification, learners can join the membership organisations such as the Register of Animal Musculoskeletal Practitioners (RAMP) the Canine Hydrotherapy Association (CHA) and the International Association of Animal Therapists (IAAT).

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 the UK’s leading online course provider. Our online courses give you the flexibility to engage with your studies whenever suits you best.

The benefit of online learning means that you can plan your studies around your existing commitments. So you’re able to progress with your learning in a way that works for you, without the stressful balancing act. With no classes to attend or a 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.

Modules

Part 1:

An Introduction to Hydrotherapy

• This unit provides background information about small animal hydrotherapy. Gain an understanding of the properties of water, types of equipment used in hydrotherapy and the intended outcomes of hydrotherapy.

Anatomy and Physiology of Small Animals

• The unit introduces the subjects of anatomy and physiology – this is essential for successful hydrotherapy sessions and achieving the desired outcome.

Gait Analysis and Biomechanics

• This unit studies gait patterns and relevant terminology, as well as posture and muscle contractions relevant to hydrotherapy treatment.

Hydrotherapy and Related Conditions

• This unit explores the conditions that are commonly presented for hydrotherapy. This includes medical, orthopaedic, and neurological conditions.

Introduction to Small Animal Massage

• Explore the benefits of small animal massage and the techniques used in small animal massage. Learn about the various forms of massage and the benefits of massage on common injuries.

Maintenance of Hydrotherapy Equipment and Water Balance

• Learn about water testing and how to interpret results from water tests.

Practical Administration of Hydrotherapy

• This unit explores the practical application of hydrotherapy from the initial assessment to preparation of the patient, to hydrotherapy treatment and aftercare.

Practical Advanced Aquatic Treadmill Techniques

• Learn about the practical application of advanced aquatic treadmill techniques and how to adjust hydrotherapy treatment and review patient performance.

Practical Aquatic Treadmill Therapy

• This practical unit is all about the aquatic treadmill and how to create treadmill sessions for patients.

Professional Practice Management

• Learn about the importance of CPD, professional conduct within the workplace, roles and responsibilities within a hydrotherapy centre and administration carried out in an animal hydrotherapy centre.

Small Animal Assessment for Hydrotherapy

• This unit studies the veterinary referral process. It also explores the subject of health checking small animals. Learn about the various professional team members that are involved in assessing patients suitability for hydrotherapy and the patients subsequent treatment.

Small Animal Behaviour

• Gain an understanding of small animal behaviour in relation to hydrotherapy. Learn about safe handling and how to understand body language in small animals.

Small Animal First Aid

• This unit examines the aims of first aid, the different types of emergencies that the student may come across in a hydrotherapy centre, and the practical application of first aid techniques.

Tissue Healing Process

• This unit explores the tissue healing process, including factors that may affect this process, types of pain, and timing of hydrotherapy treatment.

Advanced Pool and Treadmill Techniques

• This unit focuses on conducting hydrotherapy sessions using advanced pool and treadmill techniques.

Business Management in Small Animal Hydrotherapy

• Learners will develop knowledge of how to establish a hydrotherapy company. They will explore the importance of branding and marketing and learn how to manage hydrotherapy business accounts.

Canine Nutrition

• This unit looks at the role of nutrients for canines and how they support bodily functions. Learners will study the structure and function of the canine digestive system and understand what nutritional benefits the canine diet provides.

Conditions and Surgical Procedures in Small Animals

• Learners will explore orthopaedic and neurological conditions that benefit from hydrotherapy treatment. Learners will investigate how to manage small animals with these conditions.

Feline Behaviour, Nutrition and Handling

• This unit examines feline behaviour and how to handle felines safely in a hydrotherapy setting.

Higher Anatomy and Physiology

• Learners will explore in detail the muscles and joints and their role within the skeletal system. Learners will become familiar with the anatomical terminology used in referrals.

Introduction to Canine Laser Therapy

• This unit looks at canine laser therapy and the different types of class IV laser equipment. Learners will explore the different types of wavelengths and their importance in laser therapy. They will also learn about the various conditions in small animals that will benefit from laser therapy and understand the health and safety responsibilities of a Laser Therapist.

Introduction to Small Animal Physiotherapy

• This unit covers the structure and function of the canine musculoskeletal system. Learners will look at common orthopaedic conditions, the range of equipment required, and the professional duties of an Animal Physiotherapist.

Land-Based Exercise for Small Animals

• Learners will study the importance of clinical reasoning of land-based manual exercise. Learners will also investigate the risk and contraindications of land-based therapy. And will discover the reasons for integration and transfer of land-to-water based therapy.

Pool and Treadmill Operations and Water Management

• Learners will develop the knowledge to maintain hydrotherapy pools and treadmills effectively. And will uncover the potential risk and hazards of inadequate maintenance of hydrotherapy pools.

Practical Skills in Small Animal Hydrotherapy

• Learners will study a range of practical skills required in small animal hydrotherapy. Learners will have the opportunity to design and evaluate plans and programmes for hydrotherapy and treadmill treatment plans.

Professional Practice in a Hydrotherapy Centre

• This unit looks at what kind of duty of care is required to run a hydrotherapy centre. Learners will study the implications health and disease have in a hydrotherapy centre and the importance of accurate record keeping.

Small Animal Massage Therapy

• This unit explores what small animal massage entails and the impact on the anatomical structures of small animals. Learners will have the opportunity to examine the different types of small animal massage techniques and understand the benefits of certain conditions experienced by small animals.

Stress and Small Animal Hydrotherapy

• In this unit, learners will understand how to reduce stress during a hydrotherapy session and understand the safe handling techniques for small animals.

Part 2

Advanced Gait Assessment

• This unit looks at conducting gait analysis and how to look for normal and abnormal gait patterns. Learners will be able to attribute these findings to a patient problem using clinical reasoning. The learner will also discover how to identify abnormalities in gait

Advanced Massage Techniques

• This unit allows learners to develop their palpation skills to manual techniques. Learners will discover how to use palpation skills to assess a patient before an application massage. Plus, the student will learn how to evaluate the response to massage techniques, including passive range of motion. Learners will also develop their knowledge of stretching techniques and joint mobility.

Advanced Canine Nutrition

• This unit analyses the composition and calorific content of commercial and home-cooked diets. Learners will study the effects of obesity, methods for weight reduction and how to assist owners with this. Learners will also look at the nutritional requirements of a hospital patient and how diet and health can affect the performance of the canine athlete.

Analysis of Sporting Activities

• This unit looks at common sports that dogs participate in within the UK. Learners will investigate the importance of conditioning and learn which injuries affect dogs participating in various sports. Learners will also look at the principles behind rehabilitating sporting dogs.

Application of Electrophysical Agents

• This unit aims to help students clinically identify which type of patients would benefit from the following electrophysical agents. These agents include thermal, therapeutic ultrasound, electrical stimulation and pulsed magnetic therapies. Students will learn the safe application of each agent and the contraindications and precautions to take when considering the application.

Business Management for Small Animal Rehabilitation Practitioners

• Learners will have the opportunity to develop their business skills by developing their knowledge about web platforms and social media. Learners will understand VAT and the VAT registration process for small businesses, discover how to increase profits and understand methods for expansion. Learners will develop a knowledge of how to cope when running a business in the face of adversity.

Customer Service for Small Animal Rehabilitation Practitioners

• Learners will be able to use the skills they have learned to deliver excellent customer service during the application of their physiotherapy service. Students will uncover how to create the right environment for the patient and owner. Learn how to use excellent communication and how to maintain professionalism during complaints.

Hydrotherapy and Physiotherapy Programmes for the Canine Athlete

• This unit allows students to assess a canine athlete and create treatment goals based on these findings. Students will be able to clinically reason treatment techniques to form a treatment plan based on these findings. The learner will evaluate the sporting dog’s response to treatment, prepare them to return to function, and know-how best to prevent re-injury in these patients.

Injury and Tissue Repair

• This unit looks at the effects of damage to the musculoskeletal system caused by injury at a cellular, tissue and gross level. The learner will study the tissue response to injury by the process of inflammation, regeneration, and repair. Students will discover how physiotherapy techniques can be applied to specific conditions to facilitate recovery.

Lifelong Learning Skills and Understanding

• This unit explores the importance of lifelong learning, the positive impact on an individual and the animal rehabilitation industry.

Mechanical Locomotion and Kinesiology

• This unit looks at the principles of biomechanics and how this relates to the functions of the MSK. Learners will study the biomechanics of locomotion, described by kinetics and kinematics, and look at the application of kinesiology in methods of rehabilitation and conditioning.

Multidisciplinary Teamworking

• Learners will understand how a Multidisciplinary Teamwork (MDT) approach can benefit professionals and clients in veterinary care and sports medicine. Learners will develop an understanding of the MDT approach and how this approach has changed human health care and will develop an understanding of the different roles in veterinary care and sports medicine will also be developed.

Practical Application of Strength and Conditioning Exercises

• This unit investigates the benefits of strength and conditioning exercises and their use. Learners will look at animal exercises used for strength and conditioning, the benefits, and the application. Learners will understand at what level to start an exercise program and know how to develop the patient based on their response. They will understand the contraindications for strength and conditioning and the precautions they need to be aware of when undertaking these exercises.

Principles of Electrophysical Agents

• This unit studies the physical principles behind, patients benefit of, and indications for the following electrical therapies: thermal therapies, therapeutic ultrasound, electrical stimulation including NMES and TENS, pulsed magnetic field therapy and shockwave therapy.

Principles of Strength Training and Cardiovascular Conditioning

• This unit looks at the musculoskeletal at the cellular and gross levels. Students will discover how different system responds to strength, conditioning and how this training can affect the tissues. Including the respiratory system, cardiovascular system, and haematological and biochemical systems.

Rehabilitation of the Geriatric Patient

• This unit explores how the ageing process affects the cells, organs, musculoskeletal system, and other body systems. Learners will investigate how diet and exercise can affect the ageing process. The learner will understand which neurological and orthopaedic conditions commonly affect a geriatric patient, and how to assess, clinically reason treatment techniques for and adapting an exercise programme to suit them.

Research Methodology

• Learners will explore choices of methodology based on research questions. Learners will also understand what methods are most suitable for different research questions for application in practice.

Small Animal Welfare

• Learners will discover how to assess the welfare needs of small animals, and in particular, dogs, cats, and rabbits. Learners will be able to monitor the health needs and care for dogs, cats, and rabbits. Furthermore, learners will understand the impact of stress and animal behaviour on animal welfare.

Tissue Response to Exercise and Training

• Learners will study the changes in specific tissues following a period of immobilisation following injury. Then discover the appropriate remobilisation during rehabilitation. Students will look at the effects of specific conditions by examining tissue response to strength and endurance training.

Part 3

Advanced Anatomy and Physiology

• This unit covers the anatomical structures contained within the cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, and urinary systems. Students will discover the impact of physiotherapy on the body functions and the physiology of each area.

Advanced Canine and Feline Behaviour

• Learners will study the behavioural implications due to pain and understand how a patient’s behaviour may change in response to fear. The unit also looks at how to deal with aggressive canine and feline patients and how to use behavioural modification and training techniques to make the session a positive experience for the animal patient.

Advanced Neuro Physiotherapy

• In this unit, learners will gain a greater understanding of the anatomy of the central and peripheral nervous systems. This unit looks at spinal reflexes and the information they give about a patient’s neurological function. Learners will study how to perform a neurological exam on an animal patient.

Clinical Practice

• Learners will undertake a minimum of 800 clinical practice hours across the duration of their training. This training will be supervised and will allow learners to observe and apply aspects of learning and practical skills required for the veterinary physiotherapy profession.

Clinical Reasoning

• This unit looks at clinical reasoning in the rehabilitation setting and how clinical reasoning errors occur.

Hydrotherapy and Physiotherapy Programmes for Rehabilitation of the Injured Patient

• Learners will have the opportunity to explore the common injuries for which patients are referred for rehabilitation and learn how to create treatment goals for patient rehabilitation. This unit teaches students how to develop and evaluate a hydrotherapy and physiotherapy treatment plan.

Pathology

• This unit covers the anatomical structure of the cell and the function of the components which make up the cell. Learners will examine the causes of cellular damage and how different types of injury affect the cell.

Physiotherapy Exercise Prescription

• Learners will study how to ensure the home environment is suitable for the patient. The unit will look at how the stage of the healing effects the exercises prescribed and how to develop an exercise prescription for a specific patient.

Physiotherapy Techniques

• This unit focuses on the different physiotherapy techniques used in rehabilitation. Learners will look at various techniques used in a physiotherapy session, how to use the equipment and how to enhance a patient’s strength, range, and balance.

Principles and Practise of Rehabilitation

• This unit looks at the principles and goals of rehabilitation. Learners will study how differences in morphology can impact the rehabilitation efforts of small animal patients. Learners will also consider the different rehabilitation settings in which therapies can take place.

Professional Practice Including Communication and Conduct

• Learners will understand the professional practice in veterinary physiotherapy and small animal hydrotherapy setting. Learners will study how to effectively use communication and codes of conduct relating to the industry.

Professional Practice for Veterinary Physiotherapists

• Learners will examine the ethics and legislation surrounding professional rehabilitation practice. The unit will also look at professional membership for Physiotherapists.

Professional Project

• Through conducting a supervised project, learners will develop skills to formulate, analyse and present a project.

Professional Skills for Veterinary Physiotherapists

• This unit focuses on implementing competent, compassionate, and safe animal handling, including the type of health and safety precautions are required to deliver a safeguarded service. Learners will understand the professional behaviour requirements for a Veterinary Physiotherapist and how to keep professional records.

Rehabilitation of the Juvenile Patient

• This unit covers the skeletons development and the differences amongst juvenile patients, considering the exercise considerations for immature animals. Learners will look at the common conditions found in juvenile patients and how to refer them for rehabilitation.

Small Animal Ethics and Legislation

• Learners will explore ethics relating to small animals with a focus on dogs, cats, and rabbits. Learners will explore different ethical viewpoints of sentience and apply these topics to small animal legislation.

Treatment Case Study

• The learner will construct a 2500–3000-word case study about a particular patient and their treatment session.

Understanding Pain

• Learners will have the opportunity to understand the physiological mechanisms surrounding pain and the complexity of managing chronic pain. Learners will also look at how patient behaviour may be affected by pain and the pharmaceuticals commonly prescribed by veterinary surgeons to treat pain.

Entry Requirements

Learners must be at least 18 years of age to enrol. Learners must also be able to access veterinary physiotherapy clinics to complete 800 hours of clinical practice.

Minimum Age restriction

18

Average completion timeframe

You have 3.5 years to complete your course.

Assessment requirements

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

Placement or Practical required

Learners need to attend 25 days of practical training and assessment (at one of our centres), PLUS 6 days of hydrotherapy training and assessment, PLUS 800 hours of physiotherapy clinical practice that they need to arrange themselves.

If placement or practical required, when?

The provided placements are completed at a chosen Woozlebears centre, PLUS our canine fitness centre. Placement dates can be chosen to suit the learner.

Additional requirements

Learners can become a member of the Register of Animal Musculoskeletal Practitioners (RAMP) 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 the Level 3 Diploma in Small Animal Hydrotherapy and Level 6 Diploma in Veterinary Physiotherapy with Hydrotherapy you will be asked to show your knowledge and provide evidence of your studies.

Assessment will take the form of a range of in-depth theory assessments for each unit. Students will be assessed on their portfolio of evidence which includes practical assessments taken throughout the qualification.

Your written online assessments will be marked by a subject specialist tutor, with vast experience of delivery and Veterinary Therapies.

Part 1: Small Animal Hydrotherapy

You will be required to submit a portfolio of evidence and 6 days of practical training and assessments at a Woozelbears Canine Hydrotherapy training centre.

Part 2:

You will be required to submit a portfolio of evidence and complete 25 days of practical demonstration at The Canine Fitness Centre.

Part 3: Level 6

You will be required to submit a portfolio of evidence and complete a practical assessment. Learners must also complete 800 clinical practice hours at a veterinary physiotherapy clinic.

When are you assessed?

As you’re in control of how 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.

AIM Qualifications Assessment Group

Following completion of this qualification, learners can join the membership organisations such as the Register of Animal Musculoskeletal Practitioners (RAMP) the Canine Hydrotherapy Association (CHA) and the International Association of Animal Therapists (IAAT).

This course includes two qualifications, split into three parts.

Qualification 1: Level 3 Diploma in Small Animal Hydrotherapy

Part 1: Small Animal Hydrotherapy

• 6 days of practical training at a canine hydrotherapy centre
• Study theoretical principles of small animal hydrotherapy
• Focus on aquatic treadmill therapy and advanced treadmill techniques
• Includes 6 days of practical hydrotherapy training with a team of experienced vets and Hydrotherapists at a well-established canine hydrotherapy training company
• Conduct gait analysis and review an animal patient’s performance
• Learn canine and feline behaviour and first aid
• Study advanced pool and treadmill techniques
• Learn canine and feline nutrition and handling
• Discover laser therapy and higher anatomy and physiology
• Learn pool and treadmill operations and water management
• Study business management in small hydrotherapy

Qualification 2: Level 6 Diploma in Veterinary Physiotherapy with Hydrotherapy

Part 2: Veterinary Physiotherapy with Hydrotherapy

• 25 days of physiotherapy training
• Study advanced gait assessment and massage techniques
• Discover advanced canine nutrition
• Learn the application and principles of electrophysical agents
• Study canine athlete physiotherapy programmes
• Learn about tissue response to exercise, conditioning and training
• Discover the principles of strength training and cardiovascular conditioning
• Learn about the rehabilitation of the geriatric patient
• Understand locomotion and kinesiology
• Study lifelong learning skills, multidisciplinary team working and business management

Part 3: Veterinary Physiotherapy

• Study advanced anatomy and physiology
• Discover advanced canine and feline behaviour
• Learn advanced neuro physiotherapy
• Gain clinical practice hours and experience
• Practise hydrotherapy and physiotherapy programmes
• Study the principles and practice of rehabilitation
• Learn physiotherapy exercise prescription
• Gain professional skills for veterinary physiotherapists
• Understand animal ethics and legislation
• Build a treatment case study
• 800 hours of clinical practice

After successful completion, students will be awarded the AIM Qualifications Assessment Group Level 3 Diploma in Small Animal Hydrotherapy and Level 6 Diploma in Veterinary Physiotherapy with Hydrotherapy.

To achieve the Level 3 Diploma in Small Animal Hydrotherapy and Level 6 Diploma in Veterinary Physiotherapy with Hydrotherapy, learners must achieve the 502 credits from the 65 units in parts 1, 2, and 3.

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.

Careers

This qualification is designed for those who want to be able to practice Veterinary Physiotherapy with Small Animal Hydrotherapy or for those who wish to start their own small animal business as a qualified Animal Physiotherapist.
Register as a qualified Small Animal Hydrotherapist with IAAT and CHA.

Students who have completed the Level 3 Diploma in Small Animal Hydrotherapy, can apply for a membership at the Canine Hydrotherapy Association (CHA) and the International Association of Animal Therapists (IAAT).