Level 3 Diploma in Canine Massage (Top up for Veterinary Nurses, Veterinary Surgeons, and Veterinary Physiotherapists).

Learners should be aged 16 or above and will need to provide evidence of Vet, Vet Physio or Vet Nurse qualifications in order to enrol on this course.

Minimum Age restriction

16

Average completion timeframe

You have 24 months to complete your course.

Assessement 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

Learners will need to complete 11 days of practical training. Learners will also have to provide their own case studies.

If placement or practical required, when?

Learners must complete the first unit of their course to access the first set of placement days. Learners must complete all theory elements within the course before they can complete the remaining placement days.

Additional requirements

Learners can become member of the Animal Health Professions' Register (AHPR) 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.

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.

Unit 1: Fundamentals of Canine Massage

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand basic massage techniques
• Understand when to use basic massage and stretching techniques
• Understand the intended outcomes for massage treatments
• Understand fascia in relation to massage treatment

Unit 2: Canine Handling Techniques

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand how training methods influence handling skills
• Understand handling techniques

Unit 3: Canine Behaviour Dynamics

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand canine communication
• Understand how pain can affect behaviour
• Understand how stress can affect behaviour

Unit 4: Fundamentals of Canine Assessment

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand canine assessment
• Understand canine gait
• Understand posture in canines
• Understand muscle testing

Unit 5: Tissue Healing and Pain Management in Canine Massage

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the tissue healing process
• Understand pain management in relation to massage treatment
• Understand the timing of massage treatment in relation to tissue healing

Unit 6: Common Canine Medical Conditions and How to Manage Them

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand orthopaedic conditions referred for massage treatment
• Understand neurological conditions referred for massage treatment
• Understand common medical conditions
• Understand how to manage conditions presented for massage treatment

Unit 7: Fundamentals of Aquatic Massage

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the properties of water
• Understand the equipment used for aquatic massage
• Understand how to apply aquatic massage techniques
• Understand post-session treatment for aquatic massage

Unit 8: Advanced Canine Massage Techniques

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand advanced canine massage techniques
• Understand how massage techniques can be used for canine athletes

Unit 9: Professional Practices in Canine Massage

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the role of the Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) in relation to massage treatment
• Understand professional development
• Understand the importance of professional behaviour in the workplace
• Understand legislation in relation to massage treatment
• Understand the health and safety requirements for massage treatment

Unit 10: Customer Service Excellence in Canine Massage

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the principles of customer service
• Understand how to add value to customer relationships and exceed customer expectations
• Be able to handle customer complaints

Unit 11: Business Essentials for Canine Massage Practitioners

On completion of this unit you will:

• Understand how to create and run a company
• Understand “branding”
• Know how to manage business accounts for a canine massage business
• Understand the importance of marketing for a business

Unit 12: Practical Skills in Canine Massage Therapy

On completion of this unit you will:

• Be able to handle canines in a massage setting
• Be able to assess patients prior to massage treatment
• Be able to administer massage treatments
• Be able to complete massage treatment documentation
• Be able to administer canine sports massage

To gain the Level 3 Diploma in Canine Massage (Top up for Veterinary Nurses, Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Physiotherapists) you must achieve 84 credits.

A practical skills demonstration is required, and each unit will be assessed by a range of in-depth theory assessments. Students will need to show sufficient evidence that they have the required knowledge, skills and understanding of the assessment criteria.

When are you assessed?

Once you have successfully completed the practical skills demonstration and each unit assessment you will receive your certificate of completion alongside your qualification.