This undergraduate programme is accredited by the Animal Health Professions’ Register and recognised by the National Association of Veterinary Physiotherapists for membership. It will provide the knowledge and skills for you to become a veterinary services professional and work closely with veterinary surgeons. Physiotherapy following veterinary referral can help animals recover from a variety of conditions such as back pain, sprains, strains, fractures and sporting injuries. It can also be used following orthopaedic, neurological or general surgery, as well as improve biomechanics and athletic ability. As such its use within the veterinary field is increasing. Animals can undergo a wide range of treatments including manual techniques, electrotherapies and exercise therapy.

Work placement

This course will provide you with the opportunity to work closely with animals during a year-long placement during the third year, supervised by Harper Adams. The placement will help you develop practical competences and build confidence as you enhance your interpersonal skills. This is augmented by further clinical placement during your fourth year, when you will work alongside an experienced veterinary physiotherapist, to hone your physiotherapy competences in preparation for your chosen career.

Accreditation

Accredited by: Animal Health Professions’ Register (AHPR) (AHPR). Professional accreditation arrangements: This programme satisfies the requirements of the Animal Health Professions’ Registerand recognised for membership by the National Association of Veterinary Physiotherapists (NAVP). This will give graduates the opportunity to register directly with the AHPR and join NAVP. In addition to the clinical practice elements within the programme graduates will need to satisfy the additional professional requirements as set out by the AHPR and NAVP. Students that do not satisfy these requirements as embedded within the programme may be awarded one of the interim awards identified as appropriate to their completed study.

Careers

Veterinary physiotherapists work alongside veterinary surgeons and nurses within vet practices and hospitals in the treatment of animals. A number of physiotherapists work closely with the equine sports industry within racing or other sporting disciplines. Others work independently, setting up their own businesses working with horse and dog owners.