Level 3 Certificate in Small Animal Hydrotherapy (RQF)

Level 3 Certificate in Small Animal Hydrotherapy (RQF)

This course at a glance

• Learn about hydrotherapy and its benefits using the pool
• Study the structure and function of small animal physiology
• Understand the different conditions that hydrotherapy can treat
• Gain a recognised qualification in animal hydrotherapy
• Broaden your treatment offering
• Approved by the CHA and gain membership with IRVAP (ICH)

About your Course

This blended course in small animal hydrotherapy will teach you the core principles and approaches to small animal hydrotherapy.

This course will help you to understand what hydrotherapy is and how it can be used to treat certain conditions found in small animals. Learn about common orthopaedic and neurological conditions and the surgeries performed to correct them to provide effective hydrotherapy treatment.

You will learn about the structure and function of animal anatomy and the processes required both before and after hydrotherapy sessions to ensure treatment is as safe and effective as possible.

As such you will learn how to assess an animal, identify potential problems and recommend treatments. This will include producing a treatment plan and a method of tracking progress to ensure the hydrotherapy is working.

The course will also cover appropriate animal handling – for your safety and that of the animal, and animal first aid.

This course includes a 4 day practical within our busy rehabilitation centres alongside our experienced qualified hydrotherapists and physiotherapists. This will give you the opportunity to learn pool therapy techniques with a variety of patients. You will also learn how to manage correct water chemistry and regular equipment maintenance. 

The centres offer state of the art equipment including gait analysis and underwater treadmills and hydrotherapy pools and spas.

You will be required to get in and out of the hydrotherapy pool. Therefore, should you require any support in doing so, ensure this is in place and the centre is aware.

Getting Started

Upon completion of this level 3 certificate, you will be confident in the benefit and use of small animal hydrotherapy.

You will understand how to develop and administer treatment programmes and track progress. If you are already qualified in small animal care, this course will allow you to broaden your treatment offering.

learndirect is the UK’s leading distance learning provider. Our industry-leading offering allows you to learn from anywhere. Just log in to our online learning portal to access your course materials, any time of the day or night.

You will be supported throughout your learning by a specialist, dedicated tutor who will mark your assignments and answer any questions relating to the course material.

By choosing to study the theory element of your course online you are the one taking charge of your education. With the option to choose from a range of dates for your practical training, you will have the flexibility to study around your work and family commitments.

Modules

The units are broken down for you here so that you can see what your qualification will include. However, the assignments you complete have been designed so that you can complete multiple tasks together where possible and you will see a different number of assignments in your personal portfolio; you will still be completing the whole qualification.

Unit 1: An Introduction to Hydrotherapy

Upon 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 in relation to hydrotherapy

Unit 2: Small Animal Anatomy and Physiology

Upon completion of this unit you will:

• Understand the structure and function of body systems of small animals
• Understand the structure and function of body tissues in small animals
• Understand joint anatomy and physiology

Unit 3: Biomechanics and Gait

Upon completion of this unit you will:

• Understand terminology used in hydrotherapy
• Understand gait patterns
• Evaluate normal and abnormal postures
• Understand the process of a muscle contraction

Unit 4: Conditions Presented for Hydrotherapy

Upon 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 5: Water Maintenance, Balance and Testing

Upon 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 6: Practical Skills in Small Animal Hydrotherapy

Upon 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 7: Administration in a Hydrotherapy Centre

Upon 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

Upon 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

Upon completion of this unit you will:

• Understand small animal behaviour in relation to safe handling for hydrotherapy
• Understand small animal body language

Unit 10: Animal First Aid

Upon 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

Entry Requirements

Learners must be age 16+ to enrol.

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 4 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.

SEG Awards

Upon successful completion of this course you will be awarded the Level 3 Certificate in Small Animal Hydrotherapy.

This course is approved by the Canine Hydrotherapy Association (CHA).

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.

Frequently Asked Questions