Veterinary physiotherapist

You'll usually need to study one of the following qualifications:

• a degree in veterinary physiotherapy
• a degree in human physiotherapy, approved by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy

If you have completed a degree in human physiotherapy, or animal science, you could apply for a place on a postgraduate master's course in animal physiotherapy.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science

• 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including biology for a degree

• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• finance for postgraduate courses|https://www.gov.uk/funding-for-postgraduate-study
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

You could start your career by doing a Physiotherapist Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship. You could then go on to complete a postgraduate award in veterinary physiotherapy.

This apprenticeship can take around 4 years to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, preferably including biology, for a degree apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

You could train in animal massage or animal hydrotherapy, if you do not have a degree but want to work in a related area.

You can get more details about training from the:

• Equine Sports Massage Association
• National Association of Registered Canine Hydrotherapists
• Canine Massage Therapy Centre

Professional and Industry Bodies

You can join the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy for professional development and training opportunities.

Further Information

You can find out more about becoming a veterinary physiotherapist from the:

• National Association of Veterinary Physiotherapists
• Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy
• Institute of Registered Veterinary and Animal Physiotherapists

As an animal physiotherapist, you could:

• learn about an animal's medical history from its owner, keeper or vet
• work with animals in recovery after operations or accidents
• plan exercise programmes
• use manual and electrotherapy methods to reduce pain and help movement
• write reports on an animal's rehabilitation progress
• use massage and hydrotherapy techniques

You could work at a veterinary practice, in a therapy clinic, on a farm, at a wildlife park or at a zoo.

Your working environment may be physically demanding.

You may need to wear a uniform.