Level 3 Certificate in Small Animal Hydrotherapy (RQF)

Level 3 Certificate in Small Animal Hydrotherapy (RQF)

This Course at a Glance

• Gain an industry recognised hydrotherapy qualification
• Benefit from 5 days of practical training with industry professionals
• Prepare for employment or self employment within the small animal hydrotherapy sector
• Endorsed by the Canine Hydrotherapy Association (CHA)

About your Course

The Level 3 Certificate in Small Animal Hydrotherapy is perfect for those with experience working with small animals, whether in paid roles like veterinary nursing or voluntary positions such as animal care assistance. This qualification builds on your existing skills, focusing on the transformative benefits of hydrotherapy for dogs and other small animals with various conditions. It provides the knowledge and confidence to administer hydrotherapy safely and effectively while formalising the expertise of those already in the field.

This engaging and comprehensive course blends in-depth theory with practical experience. Learners will take part in five days of hands-on training, developing the professional skills, knowledge, and behaviours essential for a successful career in this specialised sector.

Recognised by Ofqual, the qualification meets strict industry and legislative standards, ensuring that practitioners deliver hydrotherapy responsibly. Endorsed by the Canine Hydrotherapy Association (CHA), it’s a trusted step toward a rewarding career in animal rehabilitation.

Getting Started

learndirect is the UK’s leading online course provider. Our online courses give you the flexibility to engage with your studies whenever suits you best.

The benefit of online learning means that you can plan your studies around your existing commitments. So, you’re able to progress with your learning in a way that works for you, without the stressful balancing act. With no classes to attend or a timetable to stick to, you’re in control of the pace and place of your learning.

What’s more, we have dedicated and experienced online tutors to support you throughout your course. As well as all the material being readily available as soon as you enrol so you’re able to start right away. 

Modules

Introduction to Small Animal Hydrotherapy

On completing this unit, students will be able to:

• Be able to understand what is meant by ‘hydrotherapy’
• Be able to understand the properties of water which are utilised in hydrotherapy
• Be able to understand the referral process
• Be able to understand the main methods of small animal communication
• Be able to understand ways to approach and handle small animals in a hydrotherapy setting

Small Animal Anatomy and Physiology – Skeletal and Muscular

On completing this unit, students will be able to:

• Be able to use accurate veterinary terminology
• Be able to understand small animal breeds commonly referred for hydrotherapy
• Be able to understand non-canine small animals referred for hydrotherapy
• Be able to understand the anatomy of a small animals skeletal and muscular system
• Be able to understand the functions of a small animal skeletal and muscular system
• Be able to understand bony landmarks and major muscle groups

Small Animal Anatomy and Physiology – Body Systems and Function

On completing this unit, students will be able to:

• Be able to understand the systems within a small animal anatomy which enables the body to function
• Be able to understand the components of a small animal nervous system and how they enable a small animal to move
• Be able to understand the anatomy of a small animal cardiovascular system and how they enable the body to live
• Be able to understand the anatomy of a small animal respiratory system and how they enable the body to breathe
• Be able to understand the anatomy of a small animal digestive system and how the body processes food and water
• Be able to understand the physiology of a small animal muscular system and how the muscles support and power movement

Common Small Animal Conditions

On completing this unit, students will be able to:

• Be able to recognise common problems seen in popular small animal breeds
• Be able to understand common abbreviations used within hydrotherapy
• Be able to understand common orthopaedic conditions
• Be able to understand common neurological conditions
• Be able to recognise the signs of common small animal medical conditions
• Be able to understand how to manage patients with common small animal conditions
• Be able to understand the role and fitness needs of a small animal athlete
• Be able to understand the difference between a routine and complex small animal case
• Be able to understand the precautions and contraindications for safe hydrotherapy practice

Small Animal Health Status and First Aid

On completing this unit, students will be able to:

• Be able to understand key principles of small animal first aid
• Be able to categorise small animal emergencies
• Be able to recognise and manage small animal emergency situations
• Be able to apply first aid in small animal emergency situations
• Be able to understand how health checks monitor and evaluate a small animal patients’ health status

Small Animal Assessment Processes

On completing this unit, students will be able to:

• Be able to understand the referral information for a small animal patient
• Be able to understand the information provided by those involved with a small animal patient
• Be able to understand how to effectively communicate with a small animal patient in the hydrotherapy setting
• Be able to understand small animal functional movement patterns
• Be able to understand normal and abnormal small animal gait patterns
• Be able to understand the limitations of small animal gait assessment
• Be able to undertake a small animal physical assessment
• Be able to devise individual small animal hydrotherapy treatment plans
• Be able to effectively risk assess in the hydrotherapy setting

Practical Administration of Small Animal Hydrotherapy Treatment in the Pool

On completing this unit, students will be able to:

• Be able to prepare the environment and small animal patient for hydrotherapy treatment
• Be able to monitor the health status and perform health checks on small animal patients
• Be able to safely manage and perform small animal hydrotherapy treatment
• Be able to position and motivate a small animal to enhance their treatment
• Be able to provide appropriate documentation for small animal hydrotherapy treatment

Small Animal Behaviour for Clinical Practice

On completing this unit, students will be able to:

• Be able to understand small animal behaviour in the hydrotherapy setting
• Be able to know how a hydrotherapy centre provides optimal clinic enrichment
• Be able to know how to manage small animal behaviours
• Be able to understand the importance of owner and small animal relationship and interactions
• Be able to recognise welfare and pain through small animal behaviour

Introduction to Aquatic Treadmill Practice

On completing this unit, students will be able to:

• Be able to understand the features, process, operating and maintaining an aquatic treadmill
• Be able to understand small animal gait patterns on an aquatic treadmill
• Be able to understand the different effects that can be achieved with an aquatic treadmill
• Be able to understand the suitability of a small animal patient for treadmill hydrotherapy
• Be able to prepare the environment and small animal patient for hydrotherapy treatment in an UWTM
• Be able to safely manage and perform effective small animal hydrotherapy treatment using an aquatic treadmill

Water Management

On completing this unit, students will be able to:

• Be able to understand the importance of responsible water management
• Be able to understand how to maintain and use plant and equipment
• Be able to understand how to manage chemicals used for water treatment
• Be able to understand the importance of water testing
• Be able to complete the water testing process

Professional and Ethical Practice

On completing this unit, students will be able to:

• Be able to understand the importance of ethical responsibility, professional behaviours and duty of care
• Be able to understand the need for reflective practice
• Be able to understand the role of the hydrotherapist in a multidisciplinary team
• Be able to understand the welfare needs of a small animal patient and how it impacts on health and safety
• Be able to understand the welfare needs of the client and how client relationships affect repeat attendance at appointments
• Be able to understand the professional responsibilities of the hydrotherapist in end-oflife care for the small animal patient and client
• Be able to understand the impacts of legislation and regulations on a hydrotherapist

Entry Requirements

Learners must be aged 18+ and have experience working with small animals/canines in an employed or voluntary capacity.

Minimum Age restriction

18

Average completion timeframe

You have 24 months to complete your course.

Assessment requirements

To successfully gain the Level 3 Certificate in Small Animal Hydrotherapy, students must achieve 36 credits.

You will be assessed through internal assessments conducted online at the end of each unit and practical assessments undertaken during the placement. You will be assessed by one of our qualified animal care tutors.

Placement or Practical required

Learners will complete 5 practical training and assessment days at a participating Hydrotherapy centre.

If placement or practical required, when?

In order to access the practical element, learners must have completed a sufficient number of units and paid for their course in full (this includes any payment plans).

Certification Timeframe

On successful completion of your studies, your work will be internally verified and then submitted to the Awarding Organisation for external quality assurance assessment. Your Certificate will be issued once this process has been completed. 

Course Fees

All course fees, inclusive of all payment plans including our Premium Credit Limited option, must be settled before certification can be ordered.

To successfully gain the Level 3 Certificate in Small Animal Hydrotherapy, students must achieve 36 credits.

You will be assessed through internal assessments conducted online at the end of each unit (this will include uploading of practical evidence) and assessed by one of our qualified animal care tutors.

When are you assessed?

As you’re in control of how you learn, you’re also in charge of when you hand in your assignments.

This enables you to take as long as you need to thoroughly understand the unit before completing any assignments.

SEG Awards

Upon successful completion of this course you will be awarded the Level 3 Certificate in Small Animal Hydrotherapy.

This course is approved by the Canine Hydrotherapy Association (CHA).

Skills and Education Group Awards offer qualifications and assessments which are regulated by CCEA, Ofqual and Qualifications Wales. They are driven by delivering a high-quality and trusted service to Centres and learners, so that everyone gets the education they deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions