Course overview
Veterinary physiotherapists combine scientific knowledge and clinical
expertise to provide treatment and rehabilitation for musculoskeletal conditions
in animals, working to reduce pain, improve movement and restore normal muscle
control and function.
Once perceived as an ‘extra’, veterinary physiotherapy has undergone a period
of considerable growth over the last 10-15 years and practitioners now work in a
range of settings – veterinary practices, veterinary therapy centres and
independent practice – and always with the consent of a veterinary surgeon.
About this course
This degree introduces the methods and practices of veterinary physiotherapy,
allowing you to become acquainted with the basic principles and practices.
Designed to provide the knowledge and skills required to practice as a
veterinary physiotherapist, graduates meet Day-One Competency requirements and
thus are eligible for independent registration with professional bodies within
the industry.
Why Choose Us?
- Delivered via Blended learning which allows for a flexible, affordable way
of studying - Opportunity to receive the most current and up-to-date guidance within the
field from a highly qualified teaching team, who remain practicing within
Veterinary Physiotherapy - Opportunities to experience shadowing days with experts within the
Veterinary Physiotherapy industry - Develop in-depth knowledge of small animals in therapies, treatments and
rehabilitation - Students will develop independence in their study skills resulting in a
sound academic basis for further progression through post-graduate
professional education and training with particular emphasis on the specialist
veterinary physiotherapy and rehabilitation elements
Modules
Year 1Students are required to study the following compulsory modules.
- Study Skills and Introduction to Data Handling (15 credits)
- Animal Behaviour, Husbandry and Welfare (15 credits)
- Cellular Anatomy and Physiology (15 credits)
- Musculoskeletal Anatomy (30 credits)
- Professional Practice, Legalities and Business Management (15 credits)
- Massage Therapy (30 credits)
- Clinical Competencies 1
Year 2Students are required to study the following compulsory modules.
- Research Skills and Data Analysis (15 credits)
- Biomechanics (15 credits)
- Exercise Physiology (15 credits)
- Musculoskeletal Dysfunction, Tissue Damage and Repair (15 credits)
- Orthopaedics and Neurology (15 credits)
- Rehabilitation and Remedial Exercise Prescription (15 credits)
- Veterinary Rehabilitation (30 credits)
- Clinical Competencies 2
Year 3Students are required to study the following compulsory modules.
- Honours Research Project/Dissertation (30 credits)
- Electrophysical Agents (30 credits)
- Specialist Skills (30 credits)
- Veterinary Physiotherapy (30 credits)
- Clinical Competencies 3
How will I be assessed?
-
unseen written examinations
-
essays and case-study reports
-
presentations and group work
-
statistical analysis and research activities
-
a final research dissertation
-
practical assessments of clinical competencies
-
clinical practice logs and supervised skills development
What is it like to be a student on this course?
This is a flexible, distance-learning programme, giving you the freedom to study online while fitting your learning around other commitments. You will usually attend Plumpton College for just four to five block weeks of in-person training each year, where you will put your knowledge into practice and work directly with horses and dogs.
Through interactive theory sessions delivered online, you will build a strong foundation of knowledge before developing your practical and clinical skills in our specialist training suite and equine yard. You will learn from experienced veterinary physiotherapists who actively work in the profession, alongside guest lecturers who bring additional expertise in areas such as dissection, lameness and electrophysical agents.
As well as preparing you for clinical practice, the programme will help you develop the professional knowledge, critical thinking and business skills needed to establish your own practice and build a successful career in veterinary physiotherapy.
Industry links
Plumpton College is well connected to the veterinary, animal health and rehabilitation industries, giving you opportunities to learn from experienced practitioners and engage with current professional practice.
The course is accredited by the Animal Health Professions’ Register (AHPR) and is designed around the professional, clinical and ethical standards expected within the veterinary physiotherapy sector. You will develop your skills through practical training with canine and equine patients, supported clinical practice and work-based experience with approved external practitioners.
You will also benefit from Plumpton’s wider industry connections, including its links with veterinary professionals, animal rehabilitation practitioners and the wider multidisciplinary team. The College regularly brings together professionals from across the sector and hosts the annual Vet Fusion conference, providing an opportunity to hear from industry experts, explore current developments and connect with others working in veterinary and animal health professions.
These links will help you understand how veterinary physiotherapy contributes to the wider veterinary team and prepare you for a professional career supporting animal health, welfare, performance and rehabilitation.
Student testimonial
“Studying the BSc Veterinary Physiotherapy degree has given me new perspectives, practical experience and incredible opportunities — including a life-changing trip to South Africa. The modules and attended weeks bring everything together, helping me develop into a confident and reflective practitioner. I’ve also completed Plumpton’s Level 3 Small Animal Hydrotherapy qualification and am now progressing to Level 4, enabling me to broaden my expertise and develop my canine-care business. Plumpton has given me the skills, knowledge and confidence to build an exciting future in veterinary physiotherapy.” Current Student (Veterinary Physiotherapy).
Progression routes
On successful completion of the course, you can begin an exciting and rewarding career as a Qualified Veterinary Physiotherapist, working with canine and equine patients in a wide range of professional settings.
Our alumni have gone on to support international polo teams, competitive equestrians and high-level canine competitors, including dogs involved in events such as Crufts. Others work alongside veterinary practices, rehabilitation centres, animal charities and performance teams, both in the UK and overseas.
There are also opportunities to explore careers working with professional and military organisations, including canine and equine units, as well as supporting professional athletes and elite performance animals. You could become part of a multidisciplinary veterinary or performance team, or develop your own independent practice and build a career around the animals and clients you are passionate about.
With a specialist focus on canine and equine veterinary physiotherapy, the course gives you the knowledge, practical skills and professional confidence to support rehabilitation, mobility, performance and long-term wellbeing. Whether your ambition is to work with family pets, competition animals, international polo teams, military units or elite athletes, this qualification can be the first step towards an inspiring career in veterinary physiotherapy.
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