A How To Guide … Becoming a Veterinary Physiotherapist
INTRODUCTION
Choosing your first career- or even a change in career- is both a big and intimidating step. When I originally looked into Physiotherapy as a career at the grand old age of 16, I really struggled to find information online to help me guide that decision. Now that I have completed my second year of my Veterinary Physiotherapy Masters Degree at Hartpury University, I thought what better way to impart my new found wisdom than to put it all online in the off chance that at least one person benefits from it!
Where to begin… This is a tricky one, as there are now many different avenues into becoming a Vet Physio (both a positive and a drawback!). Back in the day, in order to call themselves a “Chartered Veterinary Physiotherapist” one had to complete their undergraduate degree to become a Chartered Human Physiotherapist first. They then had to complete a certain amount of work experience and evidence based research in order to present coursework in order to receive their Veterinary Physiotherapy diploma.
| We were very lucky for the many different opportunities during our degree… for instance, dissecting rider biomechanics using Margaret the mechanical horse! |
ACPAT AVENUE
Nowadays, in order to become an ACPAT registered Vet Physio (we no longer used the term “Chartered Veterinary Physiotherapist” loosely as Vet Physio is not currently a protected title), a registered Veterinary Physiotherapy Master’s Degree course must be completed.
What is ACPAT you ask? Well upon completion of an accredited Physiotherapy degree (either undergraduate or Master’s), Chartered Physiotherapists have the option to register with the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, who host a specialist group known as “ACPAT” (Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy). Now this is the route I am most qualified to talk about, as this is the one I took!
As mentioned, at the grand old age of 16 when first considering my UCAS application for University, I knew I wanted to be a Physiotherapist. Knowing now how much I enjoy variety, looking back it was a fantastic decision on my part to choose to do both my undergraduate and my Master’s Degree (if I do say so myself!), which gives me the option to treat both humans and animals. However, this is not always the case…
UNDERGRADUATE UNDERTAKINGS
The alternative to completing two different degrees- which for many may be both too time consuming and expensive- is to complete an undergraduate degree in Veterinary Physiotherapy, a relatively new concept. This will not allow you to register with ACPAT- but there are options to register with other groups, such as “IRVAP” (The Institute of Registered Veterinary & Animal Physiotherapists).
There are discussions at present surrounding the protection of the title “Veterinary Physiotherapist”. There is currently no right or wrong, but my suggestion would be to monitor the advancements of this if considering becoming a Vet Physio. The RAMP register (Register of Animal Musculoskeletal Practitioners) is important to consider as they are an official register with a fairly rigorous registration process ensuring quality of practitioner, so I would suggest that you ensure your course allows you to register with them.
THE APPLICATION PROCESS
I believe it is key to study in an environment which suits your personality and learning style. Therefore, my advice would be to explore the modules, learning environment and facilities at each University prior to applying- I also found it important to visit the campus or city I would be living/studying in as it can make a huge difference to wellbeing!
Once you have made your decision- or decisions if you are considering more than one University- you may need to apply directly via the University website, or via UCAS. My application to Hartpury University was via their website itself, so if this is the case make sure to stay on top of your emails so that you don’t miss anything!
From personal experience, my application process involved submission of evidence to prove I was competent in Physiotherapy (namely my undergraduate certificate!) and also competent with equine and canine handling. I used certificates from my Pony Club B test and my Kennel Club Bronze award but again requirements may vary amongst different Universities. This part of the application process is important! I believe the ability to be able to understand animal behaviour and safe handling is often undermined- after all it is the basis of our profession and allows us to monitor efficacy of our treatment.
I then completed an interview via telephone call with the course leader, which sounds scary but is a great opportunity to ask some crucial questions you may have! This was completed in the Summer, so the next few months are a great chance to complete some early ‘reading’ to prepare for your first modules. However, don’t panic and rush out and buy a lot of expensive books to prepare (unless you really want to!), as the University library will likely host everything you need upon enrolment with the University.
Above all, good luck and enjoy every second if you do decide to commence your Veterinary Physiotherapy journey. Remember that if you love animals and you have a passion for helping others, there is no more fulfilling job!
Useful Links to get you Started…
ACPAT | https://acpat.org
RAMP | https://www.rampregister.org
Hartpury University | https://www.hartpury.ac.uk
Liverpool University | https://www.liverpool.ac.uk
UCAS | https://www.ucas.com
TOP TIPS…
1. Look into accreditations and associations of each course- aka checking who you can register with on completion of your degree.
2. Ensure you pick a University which suits your learning style and which is within a campus or city you feel comfortable in.
3. Make sure you have the relevant experience with animals (at bare minimum with horses and dogs) prior to applying- do not try to cheat your way with this as animal handling and behaviour is a key part of Physiotherapy!
4. Ensure you are on top of registering for student loan via GOV.UK (if required).
5. Have a little think about animal behaviour before commencing your degree; the equine and canine grimace scales, ridden horse pain ethogram and canine ladder of aggression are three very useful places to start.