Canine Therapy

Overview

Academic knowledge and understanding reinforces and supports the development of vocational skills equipping the students with the abilities and the knowledge relevant to their employment or the need of their employers.

The BSc (Hons) in Canine Therapy will produce highly qualified practitioners specialised in various aspects of canine therapy (hydrotherapy, massage therapy). These are popular disciplines within the industry and students will acquire basic skills enabling them to pursue a career in any of these fields.

The aims of the programme are to:

Build on basic scientific principles to develop an advanced academic knowledge of the canine both in health and disease

• Appreciate the effects of normal and abnormal movement patterns in the dog, including assessment for compensatory mechanisms that may change movement patterns or elicit pain

• Compile structured care plans for injured or post-operative animals and introduce a plan to re-educate the structures relevant to the normal patterns of that animal in conjunction with the referring veterinarian

• Complete a portfolio of evidence demonstrating skill in the workplace when applying hydrotherapy and massage to dogs

• Demonstrate the skills to run a business and interact with other professionals, such as the veterinary surgeon or trainer

The BSc Canine Therapy is a '2-in-1' qualification as it embeds the relevant vocational awards.

Recognition from specific professional bodies is currently being sought. The clinical skills for hydrotherapy and massage therapy will be informed by professional placements in commercially-run sessions on WUC premises, under vet's referral.

Learning & Teaching Methods

The following list shows the variety of learning and teaching methods experienced on this course.

• Tutorials

• Seminars and debates

• Theoretical learning

• Practical learning

• Small group work

• Field visits

• Independent learning

The acquisition of knowledge and understanding is approached through an emphasis on student-centred learning. Integration of theoretical and practical learning ensures the strong vocational focus as a priority in the provision. The emphasis on independent learning methodologies increases at the higher level.

Where possible knowledge and understanding will be gained through work related experiences, in this case making particular use of the excellent canine resources on site, which include a hydrotherapy suite, underwater treadmill, kennels and a therapy-specific unit.

Employment Details

With a range of vocationally-relevant practical competencies embedded within the award, the hope is that students will readily gain employment within the sector, working either independently or aligned to existing veterinary provision.