Modules

Advanced Anatomy and Physiology 

• This unit covers the anatomical structures contained within the cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, and urinary systems. Students will discover the impact of physiotherapy on the body functions and the physiology of each area.

• Learners will study the behavioural implications due to pain and understand how a patient’s behaviour may change in response to fear. The unit also looks at how to deal with aggressive canine and feline patients and how to use behavioural modification and training techniques to make the session a positive experience for the animal patient.

• In this unit, learners will gain a greater understanding of the anatomy of the central and peripheral nervous systems. This unit looks at spinal reflexes and the information they give about a patient’s neurological function. Learners will study how to perform a neurological exam on an animal patient.

• Learners will undertake a minimum of 800 clinical practice hours across the duration of their training. This training will be supervised and will allow learners to observe and apply aspects of learning and practical skills required for the veterinary physiotherapy profession.

• This unit looks at clinical reasoning in the rehabilitation setting and how clinical reasoning errors occur.

• Learners will have the opportunity to explore the common injuries for which patients are referred for rehabilitation and learn how to create treatment goals for patient rehabilitation. This unit teaches students how to develop and evaluate a hydrotherapy and physiotherapy treatment plan.

• This unit covers the anatomical structure of the cell and the function of the components which make up the cell. Learners will examine the causes of cellular damage and how different types of injury affect the cell.

• Learners will study how to ensure the home environment is suitable for the patient. The unit will look at how the stage of the healing effects the exercises prescribed and how to develop an exercise prescription for a specific patient.

• This unit focuses on the different physiotherapy techniques used in rehabilitation. Learners will look at various techniques used in a physiotherapy session, how to use the equipment and how to enhance a patient’s strength, range, and balance.

• This unit looks at the principles and goals of rehabilitation. Learners will study how differences in morphology can impact the rehabilitation efforts of small animal patients. Learners will also consider the different rehabilitation settings in which therapies can take place.

• Learners will understand the professional practice in veterinary physiotherapy and small animal hydrotherapy setting. Learners will study how to effectively use communication and codes of conduct relating to the industry.

• Learners will examine the ethics and legislation surrounding professional rehabilitation practice. The unit will also look at professional membership for Physiotherapists.

• Through conducting a supervised project, learners will develop skills to formulate, analyse and present a project.

• This unit focuses on implementing competent, compassionate, and safe animal handling, including the type of health and safety precautions are required to deliver a safeguarded service. Learners will understand the professional behaviour requirements for a Veterinary Physiotherapist and how to keep professional records.

• This unit covers the skeletons development and the differences amongst juvenile patients, considering the exercise considerations for immature animals. Learners will look at the common conditions found in juvenile patients and how to refer them for rehabilitation.

• Learners will explore ethics relating to small animals with a focus on dogs, cats, and rabbits. Learners will explore different ethical viewpoints of sentience and apply these topics to small animal legislation.

• The learner will construct a 2500–3000-word case study about a particular patient and their treatment session.

• Learners will have the opportunity to understand the physiological mechanisms surrounding pain and the complexity of managing chronic pain. Learners will also look at how patient behaviour may be affected by pain and the pharmaceuticals commonly prescribed by veterinary surgeons to treat pain.

For more information about Part 1, click here. For more information about Part 2, click here.

Requirements

The minimum age to access this qualification is 18. Learners must be able to access veterinary physiotherapy clinics to complete 800 hours of clinical practice and attend practical training and assessment.

• Handling a variety of dogs with varying mobility.
• The ability to handle the dog at their level (knelt).
• Moving around the dog to accommodate their body language and behaviour.
• Strength, stability, and balance when working with a patient in the confinement of an aquatic treadmill.
• Suitable mobility to get in an above-ground pool and walk through a 1 metre water level under the resistance and hydrostatic pressure of a heated hydrotherapy pool.
• If attending an advanced treadmill course, students must be able to stand, bend over and kneel in the treadmill and deliver the techniques for a variety of breeds.
• Suitable fitness to perform 40 hours or practical training.

Assessment

When studying the Level 3 Diploma in Small Animal Hydrotherapy and Level 6 Diploma in Veterinary Physiotherapy with Hydrotherapy 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. Students will be assessed on their portfolio of evidence which includes practical assessments taken throughout the qualification.
 
Your written online assessments will be marked by a subject specialist tutor, with vast experience of delivery and Veterinary Therapies.

You will be required to submit a portfolio of evidence and complete 25 days of practical demonstration at The Canine Fitness Centre.

Part 3: Level 6
You will be required to submit a portfolio of evidence and complete a practical assessment. Learners must also complete 800 clinical practice hours at a veterinary physiotherapy clinic.

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. 

Qualifications

Open College Network West Midlands

    

Part 3: Veterinary Physiotherapy

• Study advanced anatomy and physiology
• Discover advanced canine and feline behaviour
• Learn advanced neuro physiotherapy 
• Gain clinical practice hours and experience
• Practise hydrotherapy and physiotherapy programmes
• Study the principles and practice of rehabilitation
• Learn physiotherapy exercise prescription
• Gain professional skills for veterinary physiotherapists
• Understand animal ethics and legislation
• Build a treatment case study
• 800 hours of clinical practice

After successful completion, students will be awarded the Open College Network West Midlands Level 3 Diploma in Small Animal Hydrotherapy and Level 6 Diploma in Veterinary Physiotherapy with Hydrotherapy. 

To achieve the Level 3 Diploma in Small Animal Hydrotherapy and Level 6 Diploma in Veterinary Physiotherapy with Hydrotherapy, learners must achieve the 502 credits from the 65 units in parts 1, 2, and 3.

Open College Network West Midlands are a national Awarding Organisation, regulated by Ofqual, the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) and Qualifications Wales, to develop and award nationally recognised qualifications.

Open College Network West Midlands work in partnership with employers, training providers, colleges, universities, schools and voluntary and community organisations to offer vocational credit-based qualifications, Access to Higher Education Diplomas and quality assured Customised Accreditation that enables learners gain employment or to progress into further learning and Higher Education. They also Quality Endorse organisations internal training and skills delivery.

Careers

This qualification is designed for those who want to be able to practice Veterinary Physiotherapy with Small Animal Hydrotherapy or for those who wish to start their own small animal business as a qualified Animal Physiotherapist.
Register as a qualified Small Animal Hydrotherapist with IAAT and CHA.

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