Level 4 Certificate in Canine Hydrotherapy for Musculoskeletal Practitioners

This course is aimed at aspiring hydrotherapists who are already in the animal therapies industry e.g. currently working as a veterinary physiotherapist. 

Learners will engage in reflective practice, enhance their clinical reasoning and critical thinking skills and understand the importance of working within their scope of practice. They will recognise the legal, ethical, and professional standards, obligations, and accountability required of a professional canine hydrotherapist.

Learners will gain knowledge of the optimum design of the hydrotherapy suite, sustainable practice models, and current health and safety standards in canine hydrotherapy. Learners will also understand the contextual nature of canine behaviour, the ethical responsibility of working with consent, and the importance of Therapeutic Handling techniques in hydrotherapy.

Additionally, learners will learn about canine functional anatomy and biomechanics, Learners will demonstrate clinical risk assessment skills, risk rating, health monitoring, and emergency canine first aid, as well as assessment processes, clinical reasoning, and advanced hydrotherapy treatment techniques. Finally, learners will develop skills in evaluating and analysing hydrotherapy water management.

Compulsory units:

1. Clinical Risk Assessment, Health Monitoring and First Aid
2. Water Management and Sustainable Practice
3. Canine Behaviour, Enrichment and Therapeutic Handling

Optional units: you must complete 1 of these 2. If you wish to complete both, this can be discussed.

1. Advanced Techniques in Aquatic Treadmill Therapy for Canine Hydrotherapists
2. Advanced Techniques in Hydrotherapy Pool Treatment for Canine Hydrotherapists

1. Clinical Risk Assessment, Health Monitoring and First Aid

This unit aims to equip learners with a thorough understanding of Clinical Risk Assessment (CRA), health monitoring, appropriate health checks, and canine emergency first aid to support the health and welfare of canine clients undergoing clinical hydrotherapy. Learners will develop the ability to conduct effective risk assessments, enhance safety within a canine hydrotherapy setting, and justify the use of hydrotherapy as a treatment modality. Additionally, learners will learn to identify and manage canine health issues and emergency first aid situations while adhering to their professional responsibility to operate within their scope of practice.

2. Water Management and Sustainable Practice

The unit aims to equip learners with the clinical skills, knowledge, and understanding necessary for effective water testing and developing actionable solutions, which are essential for safe practice and fulfilling both professional and legal responsibilities. The unit will enable learners to address water management challenges within a canine hydrotherapy setting, supporting successful centre operations and the delivery of a highquality professional service. Adhering to legal frameworks and implementing effective policies and protocols for safe, up-to-date practice is a fundamental requirement for all healthcare professionals.

3. Canine Behaviour, Enrichment and Therapeutic Handling

In this unit, learners will develop their knowledge and understanding of canine behaviour within the context of a hydrotherapy environment. Learners will also develop the skills to assess and apply canine therapeutic handling techniques and clinic enrichment strategies.

4. Advanced Techniques in Aquatic Treadmill Therapy for Canine Hydrotherapists

In this unit, learners will develop their clinical competencies and proprioceptive treatment techniques when using an aquatic treadmill, with the goal of achieving positive outcomes for each canine client. Learners will apply their knowledge of canine assessment processes, behaviour, functional anatomy, breed biology, and the pathophysiology of underlying conditions to make informed decisions when selecting aquatic treatment techniques. Learners will combine clinical theory with practical application, ensuring that they are equipped to create tailored treatment plans that address the individual functional and mobility needs of each canine.

5. Advanced Techniques in Hydrotherapy Pool Treatment for Canine Hydrotherapists

In this unit, learners will advance their clinical competencies and proprioceptive treatment techniques in the use of a hydrotherapy pool, focusing on achieving optimal outcomes for each canine client. Learners will integrate their knowledge of canine assessment processes, behaviour, functional anatomy, breed biology, and the pathophysiology of underlying conditions to make clinically reasoned decisions when selecting aquatic treatment techniques. Learners will further develop both clinical and practical application skills, enabling them to develop tailored treatment plans that address the unique functional and mobility needs of each canine.

You will be assessed through a combination of written portfolio completion and practical assessment.

• You will undergo an informal interview prior to the course
• You must be 19 + years old
• This qualification is available to learners who have already achieved a degree or regulated qualification at Level 6 in animal musculoskeletal therapies, for example in veterinary physiotherapy or osteopathy
• Due to the nature of the qualification content, those undertaking the qualification must have a proficient level of spoken and written English (e.g. GCSE Grade C / Grade 4 or above or equivalent

Delivery Method

You will learn through a blend of online and on-campus teaching.

• Online: self-paced by accessing pre-recorded lecturer and completing learning activities combined with online tutorials.
• On-campus: 5 days of practical sessions with canine patients.
• this course is 75% theory, 25% practical 

What does a typical week look like? 

•  2 days per week over 10 weeks of study.
• The first 5 weeks are purely theory based to build the foundation before 5 days of practical commence, completed as one day per week.
• Coursework will also be required to be completed in addition to the study outlined above.

PPE Required

•  A wetsuit plus water shoes or a pair of waders are required for practical days. If wearing a wetsuit, it is advisable to bring a fleece that can be worn over this when you are out of the water to stay warm between patients.
• Learner changing and showering facilities are available next to the hydrotherapy suite.

Course Cost

£1156