Hartpury University is proud to announce a brand-new part time Undergraduate Certificate in Small Animal Hydrotherapy short course. Lasting for one academic year (12 months), this is the first standalone level four qualification in this field awarded by a university.
It has been designed in conjunction with the small animal hydrotherapy professional bodies that operate in the UK, endorsed by the Institute of Registered Veterinary and Animal Physiotherapists (IRVAP). Upon successful completion, it allows for application of membership of the Institute of Canine Hydrotherapists (ICH) subgroup as a Canine Hydrotherapist.
The course is ideal for a wide spectrum of professionals, whether looking to start their career in small animal hydrotherapy, or enhancing existing skills. For graduates of relevant degrees, such as veterinary physiotherapy, there may be opportunities for recognition of prior learning, allowing them to focus on the specialist hydrotherapy modules.
There are numerous course highlights, including:
- Hands-on experience – The programme will be partially delivered at the on-site commercial hydrotherapy centre Empowered Canine Physio, allowing students to gain practical experience working with real clients to deliver pool and treadmill-based hydrotherapy.
- Comprehensive curriculum - The theory elements of the course cover essential topics such as anatomy and physiology, small animal health and disease, and the principles of hydrotherapy. It includes an embedded small animal first aid certificate, also endorsed by both IRVAP and Canine Hydrotherapy Association (CHA).
- Flexible Learning: Theoretical content is taught online, while practical sessions are conducted on site, allowing students to balance their studies with other professional and personal commitments. The programme includes 10 days of practical delivery run in five 2-day blocks which happen mid-week.
Student benefits include:
- Access to university resources: Unlike similar short courses delivered by other providers, students will have full access to Hartpury University's extensive support network, including academic, employability, and wellbeing teams, as well as library resources and career support through the Innovation, Careers, and Enterprise (ICE) centre.
- Real-world experience: The programme provides practical industry experience through clinical case studies and hands-on sessions at the commercially operating Empowered Canine Physio centre.
- Career opportunities: Graduates will be well-equipped to apply for membership of the ICH subgroup as a Canine Hydrotherapist, opening doors to a rewarding career in small animal hydrotherapy.
Dr Wanda McCormick, Head of Animal and Agriculture at Hartpury University said: “In recent years, the small animal hydrotherapy sector has grown enormously with practitioners really striving to improve the health and welfare of the animals in their care. We have worked closely with the professional bodies to develop this course to give graduates a really strong grounding in what they need, in order to progress with a successful career in this field. The certificate combines scientific theory with essential real-world practice and we are really excited to be able to deliver it with our on-site partner, Empowered Canine Physio.”
Hartpury University’s animal degrees are varied, with undergraduate and postgraduate options in areas of human-animal interaction, welfare, zoology, and conservation.
