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TRAINING ADVICE - 

VETERINARY & ANIMAL PHYSIOTHERAPY

We are frequently asked for advice on what training and qualifications are required to become a Veterinary or Animal Physiotherapist (in the UK).  This page has been compiled to answer some of the most common questions.  If you have any further queries please email info@taranet.co.uk and we will try to help, or alternatively contact the organisations listed at the end of this page for further advice.

Are qualifications needed?

Yes and no!  The title 'animal physiotherapist' is not protected by law and anyone can call themselves an animal physiotherapist.  It should be noted that there are various courses that can be undertaken that do not lead to widely recognised qualifications. 

However, the title 'Chartered Physiotherapist' is protected by law and can only be achieved by obtaining certain recognised qualifications.  A Chartered Physiotherapist is someone who has undergone thorough training to achieve their status and has the necessary knowledge to practice human physiotherapy.  You may then do further specific acknowledged training in animal or veterinary physiotherapy. 

What qualifications do I need & how do I get them?

1. Chartered Physiotherapist 

To become a chartered physiotherapist you need to train as a human physiotherapist at University and upon successful completion of your course, become a State Registered Physiotherapist (registering with the Health Professions Council). A typical physiotherapy course may comprise 3-4 years of full-time study and will include clinical placements.  There are some programmes which allow for part-time study, and it is also possible with a relevant degree, to study for an accelerated physiotherapy degree programme.

Once you are a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, you can then specialise and train to become a Veterinary or Animal Physiotherapist.  NB. You will normally have to practice as a human physiotherapist prior to and during specialisation.

2. Animal Physiotherapist or Veterinary Physiotherapist?

2. 1. Qualifications to become a Veterinary Physiotherapist - 

2.2. Qualifications to become an Animal Physiotherapist

What benefit is there in first training as a human physio - I want to work with animals?

1. You will be able to be a State Registered Physiotherapist and become a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (and use the title 'MCSP') - these are necessary to train as a Veterinary Physiotherapist with the Royal Veterinary College and to achieve ACPAT membership.

2. You will also be able to work with humans thus increasing your knowledge and experience.  As a high level of training is required you can demonstrate that you have a wide breadth of knowledge when dealing with clients, both human and animal.

3. Having a good working knowledge of human physiotherapy maybe able to help you to help the horse and rider in combination - and therefore help them both to achieve optimum performance.

4. It is only Chartered Physiotherapists (trained in human physiotherapy) once they have received the relevant training in animal therapy who can officially state that they are members of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy (ACPAT).

What difference do qualifications make to a customer?

A Chartered Physiotherapist means that you are suitably qualified to carry out physiotherapy.  By proving that you have undertaken a rigorous training and achieved nationally recognised qualifications, potential customers know that they are going to receive a good standard of expertise. 

Plus being a registered Member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (MCSP) (or Fellow of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (FCSP)), will mean that customers know that you will be governed by a professional code of conduct, and are covered by professional liability insurance.

Furthermore, Veterinary Surgeons are more likely to refer customers to you if you are fully qualified in animal or veterinary physiotherapy and are a MCSP (or FCSP).  Remember - It is an offence for any person, other than the owner of the animal, to treat an animal unless the permission of the vet in charge of the case or to whom the animal would be referred is sought and obtained.

A fully qualified Veterinary/Animal Physiotherapist will always work within the permission of and liaise with the Veterinary Surgeon of the animal.

What salary and working conditions can I expect?

Salaries will depend on workload and therefore can vary widely.  As a rough guide, initial consultation sessions (30minutes to 2hours) can cost from £20 to £70 and follow-up consultations (30minutes to 1 1/2 hours) can cost from £20 to £60.

Although positions do sometimes become available in large veterinary practices or private animal physiotherapy practices, most animal/veterinary physiotherapists are self-employed.  As a physiotherapist you could work full or part-time, however, you are likely to need to work flexibly to suit the customer.  Treatments may take place in stable-yards, veterinary surgeries or hospitals or for small animals, you may also be in the customer's home.

copyright Taranet April 2004

Contacts:

Association of Chartered Animal Physiotherapists or Tel: 01962 844390

Royal Veterinary College or Tel: 01707 666333

Chartered Society of Physiotherapy or Tel: 0207 7306 6666

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To contact Taranet email -  info@taranet.co.uk