Veterinary Physiotherapy with Hydrotherapy Level 6 Diploma (RQF) - Part 1
Key Points
- Qualify as a Veterinary Physiotherapist
- Learn the advanced therapy methods used to treat animals on land and in water
- Complete 25 days of physiotherapy training
- Access veterinary physiotherapy clinics to complete 800 hours of clinical practice
- Gain a recognised Ofqual regulated qualifications
About your Diploma
This Level 6 Diploma in Veterinary Physiotherapy with Hydrotherapy is an advanced degree equivalent Ofqual regulated qualification.
This course will allow students to qualify as a Veterinary Physiotherapist with the added benefit of Advanced Animal Hydrotherapy. After completing the three parts, students will have gained the skills, knowledge and practical training required to treat animals in the water and on land.
The qualification is a Level 6 Diploma, split across three parts.
- Part 1 includes Advanced Small Animal Hydrotherapy.
- Part 2 includes Veterinary Physiotherapy with Hydrotherapy. (Not included in this payment)
- Part 3 includes Veterinary Physiotherapy which is the final stage. (Not included in this payment)
For more information about Stage 2, click here. For more information about Stage 3, click here.
Part 1
An Introduction to Hydrotherapy
On completion of this unit you will:
- Have background information about small animal hydrotherapy
- Gain an understanding of the properties of water
- Know the types of equipment used in hydrotherapy
- Understand the intended outcomes of hydrotherapy
Anatomy and Physiology of Small Animals
On completion of this unit you will:
- Have an introduction into the subjects of anatomy and physiology
Gait Analysis and Biomechanics
On completion of this unit you will:
- Have studied gait patterns
- Know relevant terminology
- Be familiar with posture and muscle contractions relevant to hydrotherapy treatment
Hydrotherapy and Related Conditions
On completion of this unit you will:
- Be familiar with the conditions that are commonly presented for hydrotherapy, including medical, orthopaedic, and neurological conditions
Introduction to Small Animal Massage
On completion of this unit you will:
- Have explored the benefits of small animal massage
- Understand the techniques used in small animal massage
- Be familiar with the various forms of massage
- Understand the benefits of massage on common injuries
Maintenance of Hydrotherapy Equipment and Water Balance
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand water testing
- Know how to interpret results from water tests
Practical Administration of Hydrotherapy
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the practical application of hydrotherapy
- Know the initial assessment process
- Know how to prepare the patient
- Understand how to provide hydrotherapy treatment and aftercare
Practical Advanced Aquatic Treadmill Techniques
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the practical application of advanced aquatic treadmill techniques
- Know how to adjust hydrotherapy treatment
- Know how to review patient performance
Practical Aquatic Treadmill Therapy
On completion of this unit you will:
- Have learned about the aquatic treadmill
- Know how to create treadmill sessions for patients
Professional Practice Management
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the importance of CPD
- Understand professional conduct within the workplace
- Know about the roles and responsibilities within a hydrotherapy centre
- Know about the administration carried out in an animal hydrotherapy centre
Small Animal Assessment for Hydrotherapy
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the veterinary referral process
- Understand the importance of health checking small animals
- Have learned about the various professional team members that are involved in assessing patients suitability for hydrotherapy and the patients subsequent treatment
Small Animal Behaviour
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand small animal behaviour in relation to hydrotherapy
- Understand safe handling
- Know how to understand body language in small animals
Small Animal First Aid
On completion of this unit you will:
- Know the aims of first aid
- Understand the different types of emergencies that you may come across in a hydrotherapy centre
- Know the practical application of first aid techniques
Tissue Healing Process
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the tissue healing process, including factors that may affect this process
- Have learned about types of pain
- Understand the timing of hydrotherapy treatment
Advanced Pool and Treadmill Techniques
On completion of this unit you will:
- Know how to conduct hydrotherapy sessions using advanced pool and treadmill techniques
Business Management in Small Animal Hydrotherapy
On completion of this unit you will:
- Gain knowledge of how to establish a hydrotherapy company
- Understand the importance of branding and marketing
- Know how to manage hydrotherapy business accounts
Canine Nutrition
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the role of nutrients for canines and how they support bodily functions
- Understand the structure and function of the canine digestive system
- Understand what nutritional benefits the canine diet provides
Conditions and Surgical Procedures in Small Animals
On completion of this unit you will:
- Know common orthopaedic and neurological conditions that may benefit from hydrotherapy treatment
- Understand how to manage small animals with these conditions
Feline Behaviour, Nutrition and Handling
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand common feline behaviour
- Know how to handle felines correctly and safely in a hydrotherapy setting
Higher Anatomy and Physiology
On completion of this unit you will:
- Have explored in detail the muscles and joints, and their role within the skeletal system
- Be familiar with the anatomical terminology used in referrals
Introduction to Canine Laser Therapy
On completion of this unit you will:
- Know about laser therapy and the different types of class IV laser equipment
- Be familiar with the different types of wavelengths and their importance in laser therapy
- Know the types of conditions in small animals that will benefit from laser therapy
- Understand the health and safety responsibilities of a laser therapist
Introduction to Small Animal Physiotherapy
On completion of this unit you will:
- Know the structure and function of the canine musculoskeletal system
- Be familiar with common orthopaedic conditions that are suitable for physiotherapy
- Discover the professional duties of a physiotherapist
- Know the range of equipment required
Land-based Exercise for Small Animals
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand the importance of clinical reasoning of land-based manual exercise
- Have investigated the risk and contraindications of basic land-based therapy
- Understand the reasons for integration and transfer of land to water-based therapy
Pool and Treadmill Operations and Water Management
On completion of this unit you will:
• Know how to maintain hydrotherapy pools and treadmills effectively
• Understand the potential risk and hazards of inadequate maintenance
Practical Skills in Small Animal Hydrotherapy
On completion of this unit you will:
- Have studied a range of practical skills required in small animal hydrotherapy
- Have had the opportunity to design and evaluate plans and programmes for hydrotherapy and treadmill treatment plans
Professional Practice in a Hydrotherapy Centre
On completion of this unit you will:
- • Understand what duty if care is required in relation to running a hydrotherapy centre
- • Know the implications health and disease have in a hydrotherapy centre
- • Appreciate the importance of accurate record-keeping
Small Animal Massage Therapy
On completion of this unit you will:
- Understand what small animal massage entails and the impact on the anatomical structures of small animals.
- Be familiar with the different types of small animal massage technique
- Understand the benefits for certain conditions experienced by small animals
Stress and Small Animal Hydrotherapy
On completion of this unit you will:
- Know how to recognise signs of stress during small animal hydrotherapy
- Know how to reduce stress during hydrotherapy
- Understand the safe handling techniques to be used on small animals
For more information about Part 2, click here. For more information about Part 3, click here.
Assessment
Students will be assessed by a portfolio of evidence and several practical 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 your portfolio of evidence and the practical assessment across all parts (1,2 and 3) you will receive your certificate of completion alongside your qualification.