NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF VETERINARY PHYSIOTHERAPISTS
est 1985

CERTIFICATE IN VETERINARY PHYSIOTHERAPY

Information for Applicants

NB Closing date for applications is
30th June 2009

Application form | Travel Information

This course has been developed to qualify for optional membership of the National Association of Veterinary Physiotherapists. This was to meet a need for a training course in veterinary physiotherapy that did not require initial training as a human physiotherapist. Many veterinary surgeons and eminent professors shared the view that there was a wealth of well-qualified people, committed to animal welfare, who were currently denied entry to this profession.

The NAVP President, Professor Derek Knottenbelt, has advised in the development and design of the course. Several years went into research and development of the course, which has now come to fruition. The first students began training In February 2007.

Duration of Training

This is a 2-year part time course.

In the first year there are 10 study weekends and a 2 day observation placement with a physiotherapist to gain insight into the work of a Veterinary Physiotherapist. This year covers theoretical knowledge and introduces practical skills.

In the second year, there are 2 study weekends and up to 5 practical sessions.The rest of the training is carried out working with practicing physiotherapists to develop practical skills. Students are required to work through a skills log and demonstrate that they can successfully carry out all the procedures listed. The period of practical training depends to a certain extent on individual ability. It is expected that students will spend around 60 days in training.

A research project is also carried out during the second year.

Where will the practical training take place?

Some practical training will be carried out in the study weekends in the first year. The rest of the training will be arranged as far as possible to suit individual students. This may be a combination of weeklong blocks, weekends or 2-day sessions. All students have to experience working in both equine and canine practices; however, the bulk of the practical training may be tailored to suit individual preferences.

Entry Requirements

The course is open to graduates in suitable disciplines such as equine science, graduate veterinary nurses, and veterinarians themselves. We do have a number of vets on this current course. Vet nurses who have at least 4 years experience since qualification will be considered if they have experience that, in the opinion of the executive committee, qualifies them for a place on the course. Mature entrants with skills and relevant experience will also be considered. All candidates must have significant animal handling experience.

Once accepted on the course, applicants are required to undertake a set programme of study of anatomy preparatory for the start of the course.

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Course content

Year 1

February -
Introduction to academic communication skills
Risk assessment Vet act and ethics
Writing report forms and client feedback
Safety and basic handling skills
Introduction to anatomy

Skeletal anatomy Study of muscles with particular reference to the application of physiotherapy, joints, ligaments and tendons. This will include a practical dissection.
Applied Biomechanics Comparative anatomy Palpation

May - Gait: and Lameness
Equine and Canine normal and abnormal gaits
Causal links with back injury (equine)
Foot balance and farriery
Common foot problems in canine and appropriate physiotherapy
Physiotherapy techniques to improve gait and conformation

June - Orthopaedics:
Anatomy of bone and fracture repair
Physiotherapy post fracture (equine and canine)
Joint disease
Common orthopaedic and soft tissue injuries and physiotherapy options
Nutritional impact on orthopaedic problems

July - Neuroanatomy review
Carrying out a neurological assessment
Differentiation of neurological disease and musculo-skeletal disease
Breed species and neurological disease (Canine)
Common techniques applicable in neurological treatment
Rehab options in paresis and paralysis. Ethical issues.

August - Equipment: Each month, a particular type of equipment will have been introduced to cover pulsed magnetic therapy, phototherapy, faradic, ultrasound, heat and cold, looking at safety, theory and applications.
Further work this month will include making appropriate choices of treatment,
f requency selection, where applicable, and duration of treatment
Practical work with equipment

Sept and Oct - Physiotherapy techniques:
Describe discuss and apply manual therapies, exercise therapies and electrotherapies.
Pain control Pharmacology.
Wound repair process and suitable physiotherapy options.
Significant practical work is entailed in this section.

November - Further topics:
Overview of oral health and conformation
Influence of incorrect bite on neck and spine: comparison of equine/canine dentition.
Incorrect saddle fit and associated problems.
Foot problems in racing greyhounds
Physiotherapy as an adjunct to training to improve and maintain fitness
Exercise prescription. Significant practical work is involved in this section

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February and September
Practical training – consolidation.
Preparation and guidance on project work
Revision

November
Final examination and presentation of project

The rest of the year is spent in practical training. Students have to complete a prescribed list of skills, spending time with a variety of clinical trainers and demonstrate that they are able to implement the various skills.

Examinations

There are 3 examinations in year 1.
There is a final examination at the end of year 2 that includes written, oral and practical work.

Course Moderation

The course is externally moderated by Professor Knottenbelt and Dr Susan Kempson. Examinations are set and marked with the assistance of the external lecturing staff.

Lecturers *Updated*

Lecture input is provided by all graduate staff . These are as follows:

Dr Susan Kempson PhD, BSc (Edinburgh University) - Gross Anatomy

Miss Pauline Addis MSc, BSc (Newcastle University)- Gait Analysis.

Giunio Bruto Cherubini DVM DECVN MRCVS (From Dick White Veterinary Referrals), European and RCVS Recognised Specialist in Veterinary Neurology and Special Lecturer at the University of Nottingham School of Veterinary Medicine and Science - Aspects of Canine neurology.

Dr Peter Milner PhD, BVetSc, MRCVS (Liverpool University) - Equine orthopaedics and Equine neurology.

Professor Nick Jeffrey, PhD, BVSc MRCVS Supervisor of The Clinical Neurology Service at Cambridge University Veterinary School who holds European College Diplomas in both Surgery and Neurology - Canine neurological assessment.

Mr Richard Payne MA, VET MB, MRCVS specialist in Greyhound orthopaedics - Canine orthopaedics and injury biomechanics

Dr David Somerville-Laycock PhD, MSc*, BEd(Hons) CSci, MIPEM, MIEEE Chartered Scientist (Clinical) - Electrotherapies and Orthopaedics.

Mrs Marjorie Laycock BA(Sciences), PGCE, MIEEE - Refresher Biological and Physical Sciences for Vets and Physiotherapists.

Dr Emily Clarke BSc(Hons) in Animal Physiology and Nutrition, University of Leeds. PhD in Animal Nutrition, University of Nottingham.

These are supported by other lecturers and by well qualified members of the association with many years experience of physiotherapy.

Training takes place at the University of Nottingham, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, Sutton Bonington Campus, where the course hires teaching and practical training facilities. In the second year, practical training is based with working, registered, veterinary physiotherapists at specialist clinics and in the field. See the link above for a downloadable guide.

Cost of the Course

Course fees are likely to be in the region of £8,500 over the 2 years to cover training and practical placements. Students have to make their own arrangements for accommodation. By prior arrangement, fees can be paid in 3 instalments, but this carries an administrative charge of £100. Fees for 2010 have not yet been set but should not be significantly higher than the figure quoted.

Qualification Awarded

On successful completion of the course you would be awarded a Certificate in Veterinary Physiotherapy. This is followed by a probationary year working under the guidance of a supervising body. This allows you to work as a Veterinary Physiotherapist under veterinary referral. In accordance with the Vet Act, no-one is allowed to treat animals without the authorisation of qualified vet.

You would be entered on the ESVPS register of Veterinary Physiotherapists and be invited to become a full member of the National Association Of Veterinary Physiotherapists (mentored for the first year). NAVP is recognised by most insurance companies and members of the veterinary profession. Members are all highly experienced veterinary physiotherapists and all are eligible for ESVPS Registration; many are also graduates in equine/animal sciences.

How to Apply

Complete the application form and send with a covering letter to the course director. A copy of your CV should also be enclosed.

Interviews will be held during the summer and candidates selected for interview will be notified nearer the time.

Interviews will most probably be held at the University of Nottingham, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, Sutton Bonington Campus.
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For further information or assistance contact the Course Director on
Tel: 01270 876115 Email NAVPEducation@aol.com

Course Fees

These are expected to be in the region of £8,500. This can be paid in 3 instalments over the 2 years of training.