Animal physiotherapy: providers, schools, info, FAQs

The admission requirements for the Advanced Federal Professional Examination (AFPE) to become an animal physiotherapist with a federal diploma are as follows:

• Completion of human physiotherapy training, veterinary studies, medical studies with additional training in manual medicine or equivalent training

and

• at least 3 years of professional experience in one of the above-mentioned professional fields

and

• Four (2 each for dogs and horses) independently prepared examination and treatment protocols in accordance with the SVTPT guidelines (official diagnostic forms)

Persons who do not meet the regular admission requirements can apply for the "Sur Dossier" admission procedure.

Further information can be obtained via the contact form of the respective school - quickly, easily and without obligation.

In continuing education, further training in animal physiotherapy leading to a "school certificate", basic training in veterinary medicine including anatomy, pathology and physiology is usually provided.

In addition, there is physiotherapy training with topics such as behavioural science, classical massage, behavioural psychology, physiotherapy, methods of examination, deep oscillation, energetic therapy, lymphatic drainage, ultrasound therapy, surgical procedures, communication, practice organization, hydrotherapy and many more.

Please note that the curricula may differ depending on the provider. If you would like to know what the focus of this training is, please use our contact form to get in touch directly with the relevant school or the right contact person.

Training in animal physiotherapy can take different lengths of time depending on the training provider, course and target group.

This is because the schools put together their own educational programs.

We therefore recommend that you contact the school of your choice directly via our contact form or use the "Ask a question" button to get in touch with the right contact person.

Depending on the school or training institute and the training program (or target group), different requirements are placed on the participants of a training course in animal physiotherapy.

Completed vocational training and a good physical condition are often basic requirements, as is safe handling of the animal or animals in question and an interest in veterinary medicine and physiotherapy.

For more information, please contact the schools. Contact us now quickly, easily and without obligation using our contact form or use the "Ask a question" button to get in touch with the right contact person directly.

The animal physiotherapy training is very comprehensive and concludes with a diploma thesis, a presentation and defense of this as well as a practical examination. The course prepares students in detail for the examination and covers all the important content. The topics are Behavior (behavior and handling of dogs and horses); anatomy (orientation of the animal, skeleton, musculature, lymphatic system, nervous system); physiology (muscle contraction, nerve conduction, pain sensation); neurology (segmental innervation, neurostatus), biomechanics (gaits, exterior, range of motion back, lateral gaits, hoof, teeth, loading for different purposes); Pathology (physiotherapy-relevant clinical pictures of the extremities and back); findings (anamnesis, inspection, palpation, joint mobility, clinical reasoning, functional problem analysis, neurodynamics); clinical principles (passive movement); Treatment techniques (classical massage, manual techniques, treatment options using equipment); saddle science (saddle construction, saddle fit, influence on mobility); riding, lunging, possible uses (training scale, correct posture under the rider, correct lunging, possible uses for horse and dog); Active therapies and rehabilitation (aids, off-road use, rehabilitation program, PNF / functional muscle chains); Management (quality management, financial management, personnel management); Leadership and self-employment (self-employment, marketing, communication, interdisciplinary cooperation, insurance issues).