Level 3 Diploma in Canine Massage (RQF)

Level 3 Diploma in Canine Massage (RQF)

Key Points

• Prepare for a fulfilling career improving the health and welfare of dogs through massage
• Learn practical massage skills
• Achieve a Level 3 Diploma qualification
• Start and study at any time
• Contributes to UCAS points*

About Your Qualification

This Level 3 Diploma in Canine Massage qualification will fully prepare you to work in the canine massage industry or to set up your own canine massage therapy business. You will learn professional canine massage techniques, therapeutic massage care for a range of canine health conditions, customer care and business management skills. You will also gain 6 days of practical hands-on training where you will be able to practise assessments and perform massage techniques. 

As part of the qualification, you will have the chance to learn about massage techniques and advanced techniques, such as those used for canine athletes.

All the material is readily available once you enrol, so you’re able to start right away!

*UCAS Tariff points apply to Level 3/SCQF Level 6 qualifications. We advise checking on the UCAS website for course tariff points and your further training course entry criteria.

Getting Started

learndirect is the UK’s leading online course and qualification provider. Our online courses and qualifications 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 qualification. As well as all the material being readily available as soon as you enrol so you’re able to start right away.

Accreditation by the Animal Health Professions' Register (AHPR) means that the Canine Massage Diploma Level 3, has undergone scrutiny and has met the criteria for educational standards as set by the Massage and Soft Tissue subgroup of the Register. Graduates are ensured that they qualify with an award that fully equips them to provide animal health services that protect animal welfare, the interests of the animal owners and the veterinary surgeons who will refer cases to them.

"AHPR are determined to maintain high standards in all forms of animal therapy education and are very pleased to welcome learndirect to the Register on completion of the course."

Modules

Unit 1: Fundamentals of Canine Massage

On completing this first unit, students will be able to:

• 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: Comprehensive Canine Anatomy

On completing this second unit, students will be able to:

• Understand the muscular system
• Understand the skeletal system
• Understand connective tissue
• Understand the nervous system
• Understand the circulatory system and accessory systems

Unit 3: Canine Handling Techniques

On completing this third unit, students will be able to:

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

Unit 4: Canine Behaviour Dynamics

On completing this fourth unit, students will be able to:

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

Unit 5: Fundamentals of Canine Assessment

On completing this fifth unit, students will be able to:

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

Unit 6: Tissue Healing and Pain Management in Canine Massage

On completing this sixth unit, students will be able to:

• 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 7: Common Canine Medical Conditions and How to Manage Them

On completing this seventh unit, students will be able to:

• 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 8: Fundamentals of Aquatic Massage

On completing this eight unit, students will be able to:

• 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 9: Advanced Canine Massage Techniques

On completing this ninth unit, students will be able to:

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

Unit 10: Professional Practices in Canine Massage

On completing this tenth unit, students will be able to:

• 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 11: Customer Service Excellence in Canine Massage

On completing this eleventh unit, students will be able to:

• 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 12: Business Essentials for Canine Massage Practitioners

On completing this twelfth unit, students will be able to:

• 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 13: Practical Skills in Canine Massage Therapy

On completing this thirteenth unit, students will be able to:

• 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

Entry Requirements

Learners need to be aged 16 or above and hold qualifications in Maths and English at Level 2 to enrol on this course.

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

Learners will need to complete 6 days of practical training. Learners will also have to provide their own case studies.

If placement or practical required, when?

Learners must complete all theory elements and pay for their course in full before they can complete the practical element.

Additional requirements

Learners can become a 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.

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.

To successfully gain the Level 3 Diploma in Canine Massage, students must achieve 84 credits.

You will be assessed through internal assessments conducted online at the end of each unit including a practical skills demonstration. You will be assessed by one of our qualified animal tutors.

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.

SEG Awards

Upon successful completion of this diploma, you will be awarded a Level 3 Diploma in Canine Massage, an Ofqual regulated qualification Ofqual code: 610/3556/7.

Skills and Education Group Awards offer qualifications and assessments which are regulated by CCEA, Ofqual and Qualifications Wales. They are driven by delivering a high-quality and trusted service to Centres and learners, so that everyone gets the education they deserve.

The Level 3 Diploma in Canine Massage is a perfect choice if you’re seeking a career in canine massage or setting up your own canine massage business. On completion of this qualification, some learners move directly into employment and some choose to progress on to further related study.

Frequently Asked Questions