South Coast Hydrotherapy School is part of a busy veterinary practice whose principal is currently completing his certificate in orthopaedic surgery. The hydrotherapy unit is a busy practice in its own right and students have plenty of opportunity to observe and assist with real life cases as well as plenty of time to learn with a wide variety of in-house dogs, and when necessary, cats and even ferrets!

There are two elements to the courses; hands-on training is provided at our own purpose built, larger-than-average, canine swimming pool with power jets, a large ramp and underwater treadmill. Lectures are delivered by experienced hydrotherapists, physiotherapists, dog trainers and veterinary surgeons, according to an accredited curriculum, under the capable principal, Olivia Naisbitt.

All of our tutors are available to provide extra tuition and coaching to the students who have completed the practical component of the course and are compiling their portfolios in their own time.

We have strictly limited numbers on our courses as we believe in delivering quality not quantity, and wish to maintain the friendly, personal touch whilst providing as much individual tuition to our learners as possible. In this way we are able to guarantee a minimum of 40 hours practical hands-on experience in the pool and treadmill, rather than just observing. We are also able to tailor our delivery of the curriculum to a student’s individual needs and previous experience. We like to believe that our students leave not only with a qualification, but with the practical ability to confidently deliver hydrotherapy.

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Hydrotherapy Taster day

For those who are interested in the field of hydrotherapy, but are unsure whether it is the ideal career route for them, we offer taster days.

The day will consist of a chance to observe the hydro-therapist carrying out their duties and gaining some hands-on experience. They will be able to assist the therapist and gain a real insight on the reality of the job.

Taster days run throughout the year therefore please email schydro@outlook.com for availability.

Payment: £75.00

Download a booking form here.

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Foundation Course in Canine Hydrotherapy

This is an intensive two-day theory and practical course that is ideal for those with little to no animal handling experience or anatomical knowledge who are considering a career in the small animal hydrotherapy field.

The foundation course in canine hydrotherapy is designed to provide the learner with the basic practical skills and underpinning knowledge required in order to progress onto, and complete, a Level 3 certificate or diploma in canine hydrotherapy.

During the programme, you will learn about canine hydrotherapy, basic anatomy and physiology, canine handling and a basic understanding of dog behaviour and body language. The course contains a blend of knowledge, practical application and theory.

This course is delivered at Springbok Hydrotherapy Centre by fully qualified Hydrotherapists, Veterinary Physiotherapists and Dog Trainers.

Foundation courses run throughout the year therefore please email schydro@outlook.com for availability.

Payment: £250.00

Download a booking form here.

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Level 3 Certificate in Canine Hydrotherapy

This qualification is accredited by ABC awards, part of the Skills and Education group, a leading provider of vocational awards in the UK. This qualification is designed for learners who are wishing for a career as a hydrotherapist (aged 18 years or over).

To complete this course, you will need to complete 10 out of 12 units which provide the learner with the practical skills and underpinning knowledge to professionally deliver hydrotherapy to canines.

9 Mandatory units:

• Introduction to canine hydrotherapy
• Common canine conditions
• Canine anatomy
• Canine physiology
• Canine health status and first aid
• Canine assessment processes
• Pratical administration of canine hydrotherapy treatments
• Water management
• Professional and ethical practice

Choose at least one of the following units to complete your certificate.

• Canine behaviour and clinical practice
• Introduction to canine gait and movement
• Introduction to aquatic treadmill practice

This course can be completed online via distance learning with 10 days practical training at the centre or in-person over 3 weeks. You have 1 year to complete this course once enrolled.

Online Studies

Once enrolled you will be sent handouts covering the theory section and a portfolio which consists of case studies/questions. You will then have 10 days of face-to-face practical training at Three Cross Vets. You will receive at least 40 hours of practical training and see a wide range of fitness, rehab and complex real-life cases. Tutors are available for further help during completion of the portfolio via email, phone or skype/video calls. There is also a dedicated Facebook student group with useful articles and videos, and the opportunity to exchange ideas and resources. To enquire please email schydro@outlook.com.

In-person Studies

You will complete 3 weeks at the centre to study theory and practical at Three Cross Vets. You will receive at least 40 hours of practical training and see a wide range of fitness, rehab and complex real-life cases. After you have completed 3 weeks at the centre you will then complete a portfolio which consists of case studies/questions in your own time. Tutors are available for further help during completion of the portfolio via email, phone or skype/video calls. There is also a dedicated Facebook student group with useful articles and videos, and the opportunity to exchange ideas and resources. Please see below for dates for in-person studies and to enquire please email schydro@outlook.com.

Payment: £3,000.00

We can offer payment plans for this course, please speak to us for more details.

Download a booking form here.

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Level 4 diploma in canine hydrotherapy

It is accredited by ABC awards, part of the Skills and Education group, a leading provider of vocational awards in the UK.

This qualification is designed for level 3 qualified hydrotherapists wishing to advance their clinical skills and knowledge within in their profession. The level 4 Diploma has a modular format consisting of both practical and theoretical assessments.

Please email Olivia Naisbitt on schydro@outlook.com

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Level 3 Certificate in-person 2022 dates

We run the level 3 certificate course throughout the year. Please see below for the details on the course dates for 2022.

Please contact Olivia on SCHydro@outlook.com for more information.