Veterinary Physiotherapist

Typical Salary

£18,500 To £65,000

Typical Hours

38 to 40 a week

on call as customers demand

How To Become a Veterinary Physiotherapist

You can get into this job through:

a university course
an apprenticeship
specialist courses run by private training organisations

College / University

You'll need one of the following qualifications:

a degree in veterinary physiotherapy
a degree in human physiotherapy, approved by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, and a postgraduate course in veterinary physiotherapy
a postgraduate Advanced Certificate in Veterinary Physiotherapy through Canine and Equine Physiotherapy Training

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

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Apprenticeship

You can start by doing a physiotherapist degree apprenticeship. You will then complete a postgraduate award in veterinary physiotherapy.

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

Routes into this Career

Routes into this Career are not listed for this job.

Other Routes

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:

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

sensitivity and understanding
to enjoy working with other people
customer service skills
patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
analytical thinking skills
counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
to be flexible and open to change
knowledge of psychology
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Day To Day Tasks

On a day-to-day basis you could:

attend clinics to see animals in need of physiotherapy after operations or an accident
visit animals in zoos, farms and homes
talk to owners and keepers to take the animal's case history
plan exercise programmes
use manual and electro-therapy methods to reduce pain and help with movement
apply massage and hydrotherapy techniques
give advice on changes to animals' environments
write reports on the animal's progress

Working Environment

You could work at a veterinary practice or at a university.

Your working environment may be physically demanding.

You may need to wear a uniform.

Career Path & Progression

With experience, you could become a senior physiotherapist, or a specialist physiotherapist for breathing conditions or problems affecting the nervous system.

You could also set up your own animal physiotherapy practice or move into research.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

Tips & Information

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:

Restrictions & Requirements

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.