A physiotherapist uses physical techniques, from soft-tissue mobilisation to ultrasound, to treat movement dysfunction and reduce pain.
TRAINING FACT FILE
Courses
MSc followed by a postgraduate Diploma in Veterinary Physiotherapy at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) or the National Association of Animal Therapists (NAAT).
Chartered physiotherapists can apprentice themselves to an established animal physiotherapist and take a shorter course.
Location
RVC is part of the University of London.
NAAT postgraduate course is in Aylesbury and at various other locations.
Duration
MSc in Veterinary Physiotherapy – 2 years’ part-time study
RVC postgraduate Diploma – 18 months
NAAT postgraduatecourse – 1 year
Content
MSc/Diploma: topics include pharmacology, comparative anatomy and nutrition; plus there are practical sessions.
NAAT postgraduate course includes pain management and orthopaedics, plus practical work and business management.
Time commitment
RVC Diploma: 1 weekend a month for 18 months, plus home study.
NAAT’s postgraduate course: 12 hours’ home study a week; 1-2 seminars a month.
Normal entry requirements
Veterinary Physiotherapy at the Royal Veterinary College: Honours degree or equivalent in human physiotherapy, plus relevant experience; membership of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.
The National Association of Animal Therapists’ postgraduate course:
All previous qualifications and experience will be considered.
To become a member of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy (ACPAT), you need to be a Chartered hysiotherapist with a minimum of two years’experience within human general practice. You must then attend ACPAT-certified courses and either train as an apprentice or undertake an MSc in Veterinary Physiotherapy.
Course fees
Veterinary Physiotherapy MSc – £3,325.
Postgraduate Diploma – £2,495.
The National Association of Animal Therapists’ Introductory course: £500 + VAT midweek or £650 + VAT at weekends. Postgraduate course: about £6000 + VAT.
Contact
The Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy. Tel: (01962) 844 390; email: secretary@acpat.org web: www.acpat.org.uk
The Royal Veterinary College, Royal College Street, London NW1 0TU. Tel: (020) 7468 5000; visit: www.rvc.ac.uk l The National Association of Animal Therapists, Tyringham Hall, Cuddington HP18 0AP, tel: (01844) 291 526.
| Click here to subscribe to HORSE magazine, which is packed with horsecare features every month. Look our for more career advice in the FEBRUARY issue on sale NOW |
