Level 3 Diploma in Small Animal Hydrotherapy

This Level 3 Diploma in Small Animal Hydrotherapy is an extensive Ofqual approved qualification that enables students to develop the required knowledge for working as an animal hydrotherapist – providing small animal hydrotherapy for a variety of small animals including dogs, cats, rabbits and other small animals that the hydrotherapist may come across in day to day practice.

To achieve the Level 3 Diploma in Small Animal Hydrotherapy, students are required to achieve 44 credits. The theory aspect is studied online through Moodle at the student’s own pace with full Tutor support. The practical training and assessment take place over 6 days. Assessment takes place through a series of written and practical assessments.

On completion, students can progress into employment or continue into further education and training related to this specialist subject area. Students can progress onto the Level 6 Diploma in Veterinary Physiotherapy with Hydrotherapy.

Students will gain knowledge of the techniques involved in the provision of hydrotherapy and the assessment required before small animal hydrotherapy commences. They will gain knowledge of medical conditions and their impact on hydrotherapy treatment. This qualification also develops students’ knowledge around tissue healing, small animal behaviour and professional practice management.

There is a focus on Practical Aquatic Treadmill Therapy and Advanced Treadmill Techniques – something that is not offered in any other qualification.

Additionally, students will learn terminology to be able to practically conduct gait analysis and review patient performance.

*You will have access to the course for 24 months only.

As well as the theoretical study, the Level 3 Diploma in Hydrotherapy for Small Animals also involves a large amount of practical training and assessment spread over 6 days. This includes:

• Working with highly qualified, experienced hydrotherapists and veterinary physiotherapists learning how the treatment is used in a working rehabilitation clinic. This includes pool hydrotherapy and hydrotherapy treadmill treatments, including innovative advanced aquatic treadmill techniques.
• Gain hands-on training with a variety of dogs attending for rehabilitation and sports conditioning.
• The basic fundamentals of administering hydrotherapy, such as assessment, handling of the patient, managing the equipment and other elements that are essential for effective treatment.
• Learning to manage aftercare for an animal that has experienced a session of hydrotherapy, and how to interact with pet owners to discuss performance during the session.
• All paperwork requirements are discussed and information provided regarding the completion of this element for report writing in hydrotherapy.
• Practical first aid training to learn how to deal with potential emergency situations within a hydrotherapy centre.
• 6 days of intensive hands-on training and assessments with our team of experienced Vets, Physiotherapists and Hydrotherapists at Woozelbears, a well established canine hydrotherapy company. This centre has top of the range equipment including underwater treadmills, large bespoke pools, a hydrotherapy spa, the 2nd gait analysis treadmill in the UK and a team of highly qualified personnel.

This practical placement enables students to learn from experienced professionals in the industry whilst working with a range of cases at different stages of treatment.

This small animal hydrotherapy course will ensure you are employable as an animal hydrotherapist; there are many companies around the country that are recruiting for Qualified Canine Hydrotherapists. Woozelbears Hydrotherapy offers franchise opportunities in various parts of the UK if you have the ambition to own your own business.

The Level 3 Diploma in Small Animal Hydrotherapy is an Ofqual regulated qualification.  When achieved, students will gain 44 Credits at Level 3.

Progression Routes:

This qualification can be used by students to gain employment in the animal care sector, to set up their own animal hydrotherapy business or to progress to further study in the animal hydrotherapy/physiotherapy sector.

Entry requirements:

Students must demonstrate previous experience with animals. The minimum age for access to this qualification is 16 years.  Students are required to have a good understanding of English language,  have good physical mobility and physical fitness and be a confident swimmer.

Funding:

We accept payment by instalments for this course.  This qualification is approved for funding by the Ministry of Defence Enhanced Learning Credits Scheme (ELC)

If you’ve already invested some time into learning how to work efficiently and safely with small animals, you’re potentially the ideal participant for this vigorous qualification course. From veterinarian nurses interested in moving their careers forward to animal welfare workers eager to learn more about the care of animals in their charge, many students over the age of 16 find this program a suitable way to advance their knowledge and perfect their skills. Most students have some experience handling animals before starting the coursework.

What will you learn if you sign up for this qualification? You’ll discover valuable information regarding the use of hydrotherapy to treat small animals. This includes answering some critical questions:

• How can this unique form of therapy benefit small animals in varying states of physical health?
• Which medical conditions respond best to hydrotherapy?
• What are the safest and most effective procedures for applying hydrotherapy techniques?

While a variety of hydrotherapy techniques are introduced through this course, it’s important that every student act in accordance with their personal qualifications. Participants are never required to perform skills that they can’t competently and confidently implement.

It is fair to say that animal medicine and understanding has come a long way over the past few decades. As a result of this continual dedication to development, our pets are now able to enjoy longer, healthier and happier lives.

One such innovation that has helped to contribute to the overall well-being of the nation’s pets is animal hydrotherapy. Hydrotherapy has long been a popular treatment technique for humans; it is non-weight bearing, so is comfortable for the vast majority of users. Expanding the inherent benefits of hydrotherapy to the animal world was inevitable, and the practice has now been perfected.

Furthermore, there is a huge demand for qualified animal hydrotherapists, therefore working as a qualified animal hydrotherapist or setting up an animal hydrotherapy business can be a excellent career option.

For those wishing to be involved in the medical care of animals, learning more about the benefits of hydrotherapy and hydrotherapy treadmill therapy is incredibly important. To address this need, there is now a specially tailored qualification that has been designed to teach students all they need to know about using hydrotherapy with animal patients. This Level 3 Diploma in Small Animal Hydrotherapy course equips students with the knowledge and expertise they require to deliver safe, competent and beneficial hydrotherapy to animals under their care.

This small animal hydrotherapy course is extremely comprehensive and highly sought after. Rather than focusing specifically on hydrotherapy itself, the external theory is also included in the qualification syllabus.

Course fees for this small animal hydrotherapy course are inclusive of 6 x Intensive Practical Training Days. Course fees must be paid in full prior to attending the practical placement.

Fees are also inclusive of tutoring fees, assessments, course materials, course registration and practical placement.  There is nothing extra to pay.

Approved by the Canine Hydrotherapy Association (CHA)

“We are really impressed with the additions and style of qualification and are pleased to let you know that we will accept this new qualification as a part of the membership criteria for joining the CHA”.