Level 3 Diploma in Small Animal Hydrotherapy Top up for Veterinary Physiotherapists (RQF)

Level 3 Diploma in Small Animal Hydrotherapy Top up for Veterinary Physiotherapists (RQF)

Key Points

• Learn about the benefits of hydrotherapy
• Complete this qualification within the year
• Gain a recognised RQF qualification approved by the CHA
• Gain membership with IAAT
• Contribute to your CPD
• Includes a 6-day practical placement in a Covid-secure venue
• Choice of placement locations available 

About your Course

The Level 3 Diploma in Small Animal Hydrotherapy (Top up for Veterinary Physiotherapists) has been specifically designed for Veterinary Physiotherapists who want to add to their skillset and further their professional development in animal hydrotherapy.

This Ofqual regulated qualification is suitable for qualified animal and veterinary physiotherapists. The qualification includes online theory and 6 days of practical experience in gait analysis, hydrotherapy, and aquatic treadmill training at a choice of locations.

The Canine Hydrotherapy Association (CHA) recognises this qualification as part of their criteria for joining their membership for qualified Small Animal Hydrotherapists. Plus, qualified Small Animal Hydrotherapists can apply for official membership of the International Association of Animal Therapists (IAAT).

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.

You will have access to the course for 2 years, after which, extensions are available to purchase.

Modules

Unit 1: Introduction to Small Animal 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: Conditions Presented for Hydrotherapy

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 3: Water Maintenance, Balance and Testing

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 4: Practical Skills in Small Animal 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 5: Practical Advanced Aquatic Treadmill Therapy

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 6: Practical Aquatic Treadmill Treatment

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 7: Administration in a Hydrotherapy Centre

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 8: Assessing Suitability of Animals 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 9: Animal Behaviour

On completion of this unit you will:

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

Unit 10: First Aid for Small Animals

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 11: Tissue Healing

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 should be aged 16 or above and will need to provide evidence of Vet or Veterinary Nurse qualifications in order 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

This course includes 6 days of practical training.

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 the Level 3 Diploma in Small Animal Hydrotherapy (Top up for Veterinary Physiotherapists) 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. Your written online assessments will be marked by a tutor.

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

After completion, students will be awarded the AIM Qualifications Assessment Group Level 3 Diploma in Small Animal Hydrotherapy (Top up for Veterinary Physiotherapists).

To achieve this qualification, learners must achieve 44 credits.

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.

This qualification has been designed as a top-up qualification for Physiotherapist Professionals who would like to expand their medical training and contribute to their continued professional development.

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