So you want to be a physiotherapist?

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 yearContent
• 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.