Veterinary Physiotherapy

Start your career in veterinary physiotherapy with this three-year blended (online and block attendance) degree

Veterinary physiotherapists combine scientific knowledge and clinical expertise to provide treatment and rehabilitation for musculoskeletal conditions in animals, working to reduce pain, improve movement and restore normal muscle control and function. This course is accredited by the Animal Health Professions' Register (AHPR) ensuring that you will qualify with an ward that fully equips you to provide animal health services that protect animal welfare and the interests of animal owners and veterinary surgeons who will refer cases to you.

Veterinary physiotherapy has undergone a period of considerable growth over the last 10-15 years and practitioners now work in a range of settings – veterinary practices, veterinary therapy centres and independent practice – and always with the consent of a veterinary surgeon.

This degree introduces the methods and practices of veterinary physiotherapy, allowing you to become acquainted with the basic principles and practices. Throughout your course, you will specialise exclusively in canine and equine species and learn to work with both species. During attended weeks (typically 4 to 5 weeks per academic year), students benefit from working in the Veterinary Studies Centre with its hydrotherapy and veterinary facilities, and spend time in the Equine Arenas to practice and learn on the College's horses.

Why study veterinary physiotherapy at Plumpton?

• Unique delivery model - attend college 4-5 weeks per year with the rest delivered online

• Course team includes active practicing veterinary physiotherapists with years of industry experience and expertise

• Participate and experience clinical shadowing days with canine and equine veterinary physiotherapists in the field

• Course covers both canine and equine veterinary physiotherapy practices

• Benefit from purpose-built, state-of-the-art veterinary facilities on our 800-acre estate in the Southeast of England.

• Onsite short stay accommodation available for attended weeks.

This degree is validated by the University of Greenwich. Course accepts T-levels for 2026/27 entry.

Year 1 of study
Students are required to study the following compulsory modules.

Study Skills and Introduction to Data Handling (15 credits)
Animal Behaviour, Husbandry and Welfare (15 credits)
Cellular Anatomy and Physiology (15 credits)
Musculoskeletal Anatomy (30 credits)
Professional Practice, Legalities and Business Management (15 credits)
Massage Therapy (30 credits)
Clinical Competencies 1

Year 2 of study
Students are required to study the following compulsory modules.

Research Skills and Data Analysis (15 credits)
Biomechanics (15 credits)
Exercise Physiology (15 credits)
Musculoskeletal Dysfunction, Tissue Damage and Repair (15 credits)
Orthopaedics and Neurology (15 credits)
Rehabilitation and Remedial Exercise Prescription (15 credits)
Veterinary Rehabilitation (30 credits)
Clinical Competencies 2

Year 3 of study
Students are required to study the following compulsory modules.

Honours Research Project/Dissertation (30 credits)
Electrophysical Agents (30 credits)
Specialist Skills (30 credits)
Veterinary Physiotherapy (30 credits)
Clinical Competencies 3

The course is assessed via a range of assessment methods including coursework (essays, presentations, case study analysis, written examinations) as well as a final year dissertation and clinical competency practical exams (OSCEs) which involves timed scenarios with dogs and horses. Students are also required to complete a set amount of clinical hours per year and the completion of a logbook.

To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:

• Course does not award QTS