iPET Network Level 4 Diploma in Canine Clinical Hydrotherapy – Qualification Number 610/4107/5 (link to qualification on Ofqual register)

 The iPET Network Level 4 Diploma in Canine Clinical Hydrotherapy qualification offers a structured pathway for individuals pursuing a career as a Canine Clinical Hydrotherapist, or for established professionals in the canine healthcare field seeking to advance their skill set. 

This qualification is designed to accommodate those already practising at a level 3 standard in canine hydrotherapy, as it facilitates progression in line with recent advancements in canine clinical hydrotherapy 

This qualification is highly beneficial for Veterinary Physiotherapists aiming for formal recognition through a regulated qualification to provide integrated practice, optimising the outcomes for the dogs in their professional care. 

This qualification encompasses a comprehensive curriculum of theoretical concepts linked to the acquisition of a range of clinical skills essential for safe and effective practice in Canine Clinical Hydrotherapy. It contributes to raising standards of clinical practice in canine clinical hydrotherapy, ensuring optimal treatment for each dog is attained and providing a comprehensive approach to the health and wellbeing of each dog, as well as supporting the owner.

Upon successful completion of the iPET Network Level 4 Diploma in Canine Clinical Hydrotherapy, candidates are be able to gain membership of IRVAP – ICH and continue on their pathway to providing excellence for dogs receiving clinical hydrotherapy as part of their overall healthcare plan. 

Institute of Registered Veterinary and Animal Physiotherapists (IRVAP)

The iPET Network Level 4 Diploma in Canine Clinical Hydrotherapy has gained full endorsement from the Institute of Registered Veterinary and Animal Physiotherapists (IRVAP) and its sub group the Institute of Canine Hydrotherapists (ICH). As the largest Professional Association in the UK,  IRVAP – ICH diligently upholds a focus on raising standards in Canine Clinical Hydrotherapy, to ensure that each dog and owner receive the best service available. It supports both its members and those working within this sector by providing guidelines, free CPD and resources and fosters a proactive forum for discussion and networking.

Operating under IRVAP, the Institute of Canine Hydrotherapists (ICH) establishes benchmarks for professionalism and clinical excellence in Canine Clinical Hydrotherapy. This new professional qualification has been meticulously designed to align seamlessly with membership entry prerequisites stipulated by IRVAP – ICH, ensuring practitioners undergo rigorous training and adhere to the exacting standards set by IRVAP – ICH requirements. 

Achieving the iPET Network Level 4 Diploma in Canine Clinical Hydrotherapy fulfils an important component of their membership requirements and will shape the future of the industry. Any mentions of industry trade associations within the qualification guide pertain to this recognised and esteemed Professional Association.

Register of Animal Musculoskeletal Practitioners 

RAMP welcomes applications from approved Training Providers for the Ofqual regulated iPET Network Level 4 Diploma in Canine Clinical Hydrotherapy, as a potential Recognised Education Provider (REP). If RAMP recognition is achieved for a specific Training Provider, graduates could use either some or all of the credits to combine with other relevant academic achievements to support their RAMP entry criteria.

In addition, graduates can use the 70 practical education hours to top up existing submissions that are short of practical hours in their submissions.

National Association of Registered Canine Hydrotherapists (NARCH)

The iPET Network Level 4 Diploma in Canine Clinical Hydrotherapy has gained approval from NARCH. 

The NARCH Education Committee have issued the following statement:

“The NARCH education committee would like to congratulate you on this new exciting qualification that looks to raise standards within the industry and are happy to approve this qualification. NARCH can confirm that students awarded this qualification will meet the registration requirements for NARCH. For all details of registration requirements with NARCH, please see here.

This qualification has been designed to enable Candidates to:

• Develop study skills and engage in reflective practice

• Develop clinical reasoning and critical thinking skills

• Understand the importance of professional development and working within their scope of practice

• Understand the legal, ethical and professional standards, obligations and accountability required of a professional

• Understand the optimum design of the hydrotherapy suite and sustainable practice models

• Understand the current health and safety standards required in the field of Canine Clinical Hydrotherapy

• Understand canine behaviour is contextual and working with each dog’s consent is an ethical responsibility

• Understand that therapeutic handling is an essential part of being a clinical hydrotherapist, as general animal handling or social handling skills are not appropriate in this speciality

• Understand canine functional anatomy and biomechanics linked to canine functional abilities, gait and movement 

• Understand the pathophysiology of common canine conditions and problems relate this to breed biology

• Demonstrate clinical risk assessment skills in context of a hydrotherapy environment, Risk Rating skills and health monitoring skills and emergency canine first aid skills and knowledge

• Demonstrate assessment process and clinical reasoning skills

• Demonstrate advanced treatment techniques in hydrotherapy and the use of outcome measures

• Demonstrate evaluation and analysis skills for canine hydrotherapy water management

The qualification consists of eight theory and practical units and one theoretical based unit (all units are mandatory):

Unit 432: Clinical Risk Assessment, Health Monitoring and First Aid

Unit 433: Canine Behaviour and Enrichment Techniques within the Clinic Setting

Unit 434: Canine Functional Anatomy and Biomechanics

Unit 435: Breed Biology and Common Conditions 

Unit 436: Hydrotherapy Water Management and Sustainable Practice 

Unit 437: Professionalism, Ethics and Legalities for Therapists

Unit 438: Canine Assessment Processes and Clinical Reasoning 

Unit 439: Canine Advanced Hydrotherapy Pool Techniques

Unit 440: Canine Advanced Aquatic Treadmill Techniques

EDUCATION FOR PEOPLE, FOR PETS, FOR THE FUTURE