Veterinary Physiotherapy & Clinical Rehabilitation

Program Overview

This two to three-year part-time MSc/PGDip Veterinary Physiotherapy and Clinical Rehabilitation program equips students with the knowledge and practical skills to become certified veterinary physiotherapists. Through a blended learning approach of online sessions and practical hands-on days, the program emphasizes a multi-disciplinary perspective in treating both acute and chronic conditions in animals. Graduates can pursue careers in therapy centers, veterinary practices, or self-employed work.

Program Outline

Veterinary Physiotherapy & Clinical Rehabilitation, MSc

Degree Overview:

This MSc/PGDip Veterinary Physiotherapy and Clinical Rehabilitation program is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to practice as qualified veterinary physiotherapists. The program aims to develop students' underpinning knowledge, professional skills, and clinical skills. Upon completion, graduates will be eligible to work in therapy centers, veterinary practices, or on a self-employed basis.

Outline:

The program is delivered part-time over two to three years, blending in-person practical hands-on days with online learning sessions. This flexible structure allows students to balance their studies with existing work and home commitments.

Year 1:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Practical Skills for Veterinary Physiotherapy Portfolio:
This module focuses on developing the practical and professional skills required for veterinary physiotherapy practice. It includes 250 hours of clinically relevant, hands-on practice, contributing towards accreditation requirements.
• Therapeutic Management of Pain in Animals: This module explores animal behavioral science, welfare, pain assessment, pain mechanisms, inflammation, healing, and various pain management interventions.
• Integrated Veterinary Neuromuscular Health and Locomotion: This module analyzes and integrates veterinary neurological and musculoskeletal anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, gait analysis, and locomotor disorders to develop practical and clinical skills.
• Evidence Based Veterinary Physiotherapy: This module covers professional skills like legal requirements, animal handling, communication skills, and research skills.
It also explores the evidence base for veterinary physiotherapy.

Year 2:

• Compulsory Modules:
It is delivered in an animal environment with an approved musculoskeletal practitioner.
• Veterinary Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation for Acute and Critical Care: This module develops skills for working in a multi-disciplinary team in acute and critical care settings, applying physiotherapy skills to acutely or critically sick and injured patients.
It also emphasizes communication and ethical decision-making.

Year 3:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Research Project:
This module involves designing, conducting, and interpreting a research project in a veterinary context. It includes an online course and exam, followed by proposal development, ethical approval, journal article writing, and project presentation.

Assessment:

Assessment is progressive throughout the course, with feedback from each assessment informing the next. Early assessments focus on key knowledge and skills, including literature review and case study development. Later assessments build towards a portfolio, showcasing communication skills through scientific posters, videos, or podcasts. Practical and clinical assessments evaluate the skills required for independent practice as a veterinary physiotherapist.

Teaching:

The program utilizes a blended approach, combining online e-learning with in-person practical teaching at the School of Veterinary Medicine. Content is delivered through various formats, including presentations, videos, podcasts, directed activities, and directed reading, all accessible within an interactive digital learning environment. Students engage with staff and peers through online tutorials, discussion boards, and in-person practical teaching days.

Careers:

Upon graduation, students will be qualified to practice as veterinary physiotherapists. They can work in therapy centers, veterinary practices, or establish their own self-employed practices. Veterinary physiotherapists often work as part of a vet-led team, providing a holistic service to veterinary patients. The program also equips students with the skills to specialize in a preferred area of clinical practice through further study.

Other:

The program emphasizes a multi-disciplinary approach, highlighting the role of veterinary physiotherapists in clinical rehabilitation for both acute and chronic cases. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including a Physiotherapy and Clinical Rehabilitation Suite with hydrotherapy treadmill, consulting rooms, clinical skills room, clinical anatomy room, and a digital anatomy room. The program also provides opportunities for students to gain practical and clinical experience through placements with qualified veterinary physiotherapists.