Join today
Level 6 Diploma in Applied Advanced Equine Hydrotherapy
This is the only qualification that is recognised by the Institute of Registered Veterinary and Animal Physiotherapists (IRVAP) and the Institute of Equine Hydrotherapists (IEH), that on successful completion of the courses allows candidates to use the title Advanced Equine Hydrotherapist.
This is the first of it's type and is written by a team of industry experts that value clinical hours, detailed theory and blended learning delivery.
Format
Blended Learning
Starting date
Ongoing
Applications Opened
September
24
Clinical Hours
150 hours
Price
£4500
Duration
72 weeks
380+ hours
What you will study on the Level 6
Here is an overview of the course, to find out more, please download the qualification specification.
1. Introduction to Equine Hydrotherapy
This unit will form the foundation for other modules by giving the candidate an overall understanding of the context in which the equine hydrotherapy industry operates; law, regulatory, and professional bodies, the modalities it uses, how they function and their safe and ethical application in performance and rehabilitation. Best practice will be explored as well as malpractice and how predicted future developments to the therapy industry, such as regulation may affect practice.
3. Equine First Aid and Health Monitoring
Candidates will understand how to monitor a horse’s health pre-, during, and post-hydrotherapy sessions to reduce the risk of injury or inducing further complications, such as colic. Candidates will be equipped with the skills to perform basic equine first aid including bandaging and wound management and understand the implications of management as a preventative measure. Candidates will be able to assess a horse's vital statistics such as pulse and respiratory rate and how to reduce stress and anxiety. This unit will also look at the management required for inpatient and outpatient care.
5. Equine Assessment and Biomechanics
Candidates will take a closer look at how and what a vet and a range of therapists assess for when looking for lameness and biomechanical dysfunction. This will cover both static and dynamic assessment and how these findings can impact the practice of an equine hydrotherapist. Candidates will learn how to assess for practice and how to keep records and relay findings accurately. Candidates will understand what a normal gait looks like for a ‘sound’ horse and how this may alter in the pool or on the treadmill.
7. Equine Rehabilitation Management and Welfare
Candidates will examine managing rehabilitative clients in both in-patient and out-patient settings, focusing on minimising stress, maintaining social stimulation, and following veterinary instructions, including medication and side effects. They will learn safe handling of horses on long-term rest or during travel, explore welfare improvements through environmental enrichment and varied rehab programs, and understand relevant legal and legislative frameworks.
8. Treatment Pathways and Clinical Reasoning
Candidates will further develop their underpinning knowledge of treatment pathways and complicating factors, to be able to work through a series of case studies. These case studies will encourage an understanding of conditions/injuries, ethical conflicts, and practical solutions that are justified by the therapist. Using clinical reasoning to defend the chosen treatment pathway and developing an understanding of how this would fit alongside other musculoskeletal practitioners, candidates will further refine their skills to work within a team of allied professionals.
9. Equine Hydrotherapy for Performance
Candidates will establish an understanding of equine exercise physiology and what is required from the primary sports that utilise hydrotherapy in their training, such as horse racing, dressage, and eventing. Candidates will develop an understanding of the demands on the physiological systems of the horse and the implications of this in their hydrotherapy training. Candidates will understand how to tailor the work that is prescribed to suit the equine athlete without increasing the risk of injury.
10. Professionalism and Communication
Candidates will grasp professional standards, codes of conduct, legislation, and prioritising animal welfare. Candidates will learn about working within their scope of practice, preventing professional negligence, and ensuring a duty of care. Understanding the importance and benefits of professional membership for hydrotherapists will be emphasised. Candidates will also navigate challenging situations, develop skills to manage conflicts, and prioritise resolution. Communication protocols with allied professionals, owners, and the public, including social media etiquette, will be covered. Candidates will comprehend client confidentiality and the significance of record keeping.
11. Equine Clinical Hydrotherapy
Candidates will further develop practical skills through 150 hours of clinical placements to refine their assessment techniques, managerial and leadership skills. Working autonomously, candidates will set out fitness and rehabilitation treatment pathways and integrate the multi disciplinary team. Emphasis here is on what it takes to run a centre and using reflective practice to identify where improvements and refinement may be necessary.
Created with
