Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Information Pack
Canine Hydrotherapy Certification

Your printable information pack is on its way to your inbox (check the spam folder in case it ends up in there). While you wait, we've included all the same information here on this page so you can have access to it straight away.

Canine Hydrotherapy Certification Course Basics

If you would like to spend your days doing something you love, making a difference in the lives of dogs and their owners, as part of the rapidly growing canine therapy industry, then this course is for you!

PREREQUISITES: There are no pre-requisites required except a love for dogs and a passion to help them live a long, happy & healthy life.

COURSE DURATION: It takes the majority of students 9-12 months to complete the course depending on how quickly you move through the modules and when the next workshop availability is (virtual or in-person).

HOURS OF STUDY REQUIRED: For most students it takes an average of 5-7 hours per week but this can vary depending on the students previous knowledge and learning capabilities.

NEXT COURSE COMMENCEMENT: The next Certificate in Canine Hydrotherapy Course will commence Monday October 4th 2021.

LANGUAGES: The entire course is presented in English including lectures, app, assignments and resources. Transcriptions are NOT currently available. Therefore, students are required to be fluent in English otherwise the course may prove to be too difficult.

What's included inside the Hydrotherapy Certificate Course

Thanks to the pandemic we have completely restructured this Certificate Course including new lectures, assessment criteria, an updated in-person workshop and the option of choosing a live virtual workshop solution.

The Certificate Course in Canine Hydrotherapy now includes:

  • 17 Modules of lectures, tutorials & assessments
  • Monthly Customised Live Q&A Webinars
  • Virtual Case Studies - provided by the Academy
  • A Private Facebook Group - including alumni
  • Your choice of a Live In-Person OR Virtual Workshop
  • A personal 1:1 Final Assessment
• MONDAY 4th OCTOBER, 2021 •

Course Commences

• IN-PERSON WORKSHOP •

Scheduled June 2022**

• VIRTUAL WORKSHOP •

Scheduled May 2022**

** Note: You have the choice of attending a LIVE in-person Workshop OR a LIVE virtual Workshop. These are tentative scheduled workshop dates. Exact dates will be confirmed closer to the time when we can confirm.

Career Opportunities working as a Canine Hydrotherapist

The Pet industry is already a massive and rapidly growing industry, with people now spending more of their disposable income on their pets health and care than ever before. The medical and surgical treatments pet owners are investing in for their pets has increased substantially. Consequently, so too has the need for rehabilitation treatments that can accelerate the dogs recovery and maximise their return to function.

Work in a clinic: More vet clinics are adding rehabilitation and hydrotherapy to their services and are looking for qualified Canine Hydrotherapists to join their teams. Existing Canine Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy Centres, and even dog groomers are also looking for qualified Canine Hydrotherapists to help treat their patients. So, there are plenty of job opportunities on the rise once you are certified.

Start your own clinic: As the need for rehabilitation services increases, so too does the opportunity to open your own hydrotherapy clinic. We recommend doing thorough preliminary research and included in the course is a module on starting your own hydrotherapy business and how to work with your local veterinarian(s) and dog grooming businesses.

Canine Health Academy dog hydro courses example of dog in hydro machine

Aims of the Canine Hydrotherapy Course

With the growth in this industry, it is imperative there are suitably qualified therapists available to deliver quality services and care to the patients. This Canine Hydrotherapy Course has been designed to:

  • 1

    Ensure the standard of care and treatment provided to canine patients and clients in Australia is of exceptional quality and sets the standard within the industry.

  • 2

    Impart over 2 decades of Canine Hydrotherapy experience, Human Physiotherapy principles, and the latest advancements in canine rehabilitation research.

  • 3

    Teach students to perform in depth individual assessments of each dog and devise a suitable hydrotherapy program, tailored to the specific needs of each patient.

  • 4

    Provide experienced and certified Canine Hydrotherapists available to work in conjunction with a patient’s vet as part of a healthcare team.

Accreditation

This Canine Hydrotherapy Course is accredited by the Australian Canine Rehabilitation Association (ACRA).  www.caninerehabassociation.com.au ACRA is the governing body for the practise of Canine Rehabilitation and Canine Hydrotherapy in Australia.

The (ACRA) board is made up of Physiotherapists with a Masters Degree in Animal Physiotherapy, and Veterinary professionals with an interest in Canine Rehabilitation. Membership is open to anyone with an interest in canine rehabilitation with different membership levels available.

Participants who successfully complete the Certificate in Canine Hydrotherapy Course are eligible to apply for ACRA Membership, display the ACRA logo as a mark of quality, and apply for professional indemnity insurance with Insurance House.

This course is accredited by the ACRA - Australian Canine Rehabilitation Association

Course Module General Outline:

  • Logo Only

    Introduction to Hydrotherapy for the Canine Patient

  • Logo Only

    The properties of water

  • Logo Only

    Principles of Canine Hydrotherapy - swimming and underwater treadmill

  • Logo Only

    Canine Skeleton

  • Logo Only

    Canine Arthrology

  • Logo Only

    Canine Muscular System

  • Logo Only

    Canine Nervous System

  • Logo Only

    Canine Hydrotherapy for Health and Fitness

  • Logo Only

    Canine Hydrotherapy for Rehabilitation

  • Logo Only

    Common pathologies requiring Hydrotherapy in the Canine Patient

  • Logo Only

    Working safely in Canine Hydrotherapy

  • Logo Only

    Assessment of the Canine patient for Hydrotherapy

  • Logo Only

    Use of equipment in Canine Hydrotherapy

  • Logo Only

    Development of and progression of treatment plans in Canine Hydrotherapy

  • Logo Only

    Practical delivery of Canine Hydrotherapy

  • Logo Only

    Working as part of a Multi-disciplinary team

  • Logo Only

    The Hydrotherapy Facility Centre

  • Logo Only

    Water Chemistry in Canine Hydrotherapy

  • Logo Only

    Record keeping as a canine hydrotherapist

  • Logo Only

    Business development, technology and marketing for the Canine Business owner

Course Delivery

This course includes a blended delivery of different content to cater to all learning styles and preferences:

Logo Only

Course Content Delivery

Modules: A combination of course modules including lectures, slides, and reference materials.
Assignments: Different types of assignments include multi choice, written assignments, video submissions, and individual assessments. 
Live Q&A Webinars
: Once a month LIVE interactive Q & A webinars customised to student questions.
Case Studies: Specifically designed patient case studies are provided by the Academy. )
Workshop: A choice of either a live face-to-face in-person workshop OR live real time virtual workshop. Both are interactive & hands-on.
Anatomy App: We also utilise the use of an in depth canine anatomy app instead of a traditional text book as this gives a better student 3D learning experience. 

Logo Only

Assessments & Examinations

Each module requires the completion of an assignment and successfully achieving a pass mark. Certification is based on assignments, case study log books, and active participation and completion of the practical workshop (in-person or virtual) activities including an individual assessment by an examiner.

Logo Only

Log Book Completion

Each student is required to complete a series of carefully selected patient pathology case studies and submit logbook reports including assessment and treatment plans. All of these case studies are provided for you by the Academy.

Logo Only

Course Duration

Most students complete the course in 9-11 months. There are some who have completed in less than that. It depends on how much time you have to dedicate. There are modules that must be completed prior to attending the Workshop. It may also depend on how quickly you move through the course and when the next workshop availability is. Plus, after the Workshop there are additional Case Study Log Books required to be completed (these are provided for you by the Academy). Some students complete these quickly while others can take a little longer.

Logo Only

Textbook/App Purchase Required

App purchase: We utilise the use of an online App instead of a traditional text book as this gives a better student learning experience and is incorporated into the learning modules. We have secured a special discount for our students for the purchase of the App to reduce it to US$81. NOTE: The App does not run on every device, notably, it won't work on Android devices. Please email us for a full list of compatible devices. ALSO, it is NOT compulsory to purchase the App as all learning material is provided within the course modules. The App simply provides an excellent additional learning tool. 

ENROLMENT IS NOW OPEN - COURSE COMMENCES 4TH OCTOBER 2021

BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY TO YOUR NEW CAREER AS A CANINE THERAPIST

Making a difference and saving canine lives

Canine Health & Wellbeing Academy Roonie

Roonie

"Without rehabilitation, so many of the dogs I' have seen over the years would not have regained the function they did and gone on to live happy lives. My own dog 'Roonie' who had spinal surgery for IVDD would not have been able to walk again. This goes for thousands upon thousands of dogs who have been through our doors over the past 18 years. Canine rehabilitation increases strength, helps restore and maximise mobility, and saves lives"

- Michelle Monk

This course is accredited by the ACRA - Australian Canine Rehabilitation Association

COMPULSORY WORKSHOP OPTIONS:

There is a compulsory workshop portion of the course that every student MUST attend. This is an intensive, practical workshop devised to support your theoretical learning & ensure you achieve the necessary skills to competently deliver effective assessments & treatments. You have the choice of either the in-person workshop held in Melbourne, Australia or the virtual workshop held online. You must complete one of these and the 1:1 assessment in order to pass this portion of the course.

IN-PERSON WORKSHOP

  • Logo Only

    A LIVE interactive hands-on 3 day workshop held in Melbourne Australia several times a year

  • Logo Only

    Location to be confirmed closer to the date but will be at Highett or within 1hr of that suburb

  • Logo Only

    There are limited spaces available in each workshop due to limited floor space

  • Logo Only

    It is a total of 3 full days (approx 9-5) and you must attend all 3 days in full

  • Logo Only

    Individual (Covid safe) catering boxes are provided for lunch. All other snacks and drinks are BYO

  • Logo Only

    Carefully selected canine models are provided by the Academy for the duration of the 3 days

  • Logo Only

    Transport and accommodation are NOT provided and will be at your own expense

VIRTUAL WORKSHOP

  • Logo Only

    A combination of extra lectures, 2 day hands-on virtual workshop, & a private 1:1 assessment

  • Logo Only

    The virtual workshop is run several times a year to cater for students progressing through the course

  • Logo Only

    You're required to have a dog to practice anatomy & assessment portion of the workshop

  • Logo Only

    You must attend both days of the workshop in full - there are no recordings

  • Logo Only

    Under close instruction you will be actively practising anatomy & assessment on your dog

  • Logo Only

    Active participation includes real live clinic patient assessment & treatment decision making

  • Logo Only

    Should you not pass the virtual workshop option you can book into an in-person workshop at an additional cost

Student Support

Having run these courses since 2016 we are well aware and in tune with the need for student support. For a large number of our students this is a complete career change and can be a steep learning curve in the beginning. To support all levels of students to make this experience an enjoyable one we have the following available:

  • 1

    Support Team

    A full-time support team provides answers to all of your questions via email Mon-Fri 9-5pm AEST along with moral support and motivation. Plus, Zoom calls can also be scheduled as needed.

  • 2

    Live & interactive Q&A webinars

    Once a month a live and interactive Q&A session is scheduled. Students have the opportunity to submit their questions and have them answered in more detail via live slides and interaction with head lecturer. This provides a more in depth and personalised learning experience. 

  • 3

    Private Facebook Group

    A private Facebook group is dedicated to providing answers to questions from both lecturers and also alumni plus a group of like minded people to connect and collaborate with. 

  • 4

    Live interactive workshop

    The interactive workshops (in-person or virtual) provide the individual attention each student needs to gain additional training and support and fill any gaps in their learning before embarking on their new career as a Canine Therapist. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What our students have to say:

"I liked the virtual workshop practical and seeing the different dogs in the UWT and the way Michelle teaches and guides you so you don't feel silly. It was great to see inside the clinic and real cases/treatments. Very thorough content. Well delivered. Michelle's knowledge is next level."
- Kristen - Dual Qualified Hydro & Massage Therapist

 

"Thank you very much Michelle and the team, for your commitment in sharing your knowledge and passion in this special field, for being ever so encouraging to all of us and giving us the support we need, to take this first step into this area of work. This course has really broadened my knowledge and I am truly appreciative of it! Cheers to Canine Health & Wellbeing Academy!"

- Hwee Khim Seng - Canine Remedial Massage Therapist

 

Please pass on my thanks to Michelle for a great course and helpful, considered feedback every step of the way. Much appreciated!

Catherine Rains - Canine Remedial Massage Therapist

 

“I had no prior skills in this industry and this course gave me the skills as well as the confidence to take hydrotherapy sessions in a clinic. Best career move I ever made”

– Emilie - Canine Hydrotherapist

 

“I am delighted to have just completed my certificate in Canine Remedial Massage course and to be starting to practice as a massage therapist, helping dogs to feel their most comfortable. .”

– Minnesha – Canine Remedial Massage Therapist

 

“Coming from a professional corporate background, I understood the need to surround myself with like-minded people, increase my knowledge/training and develop a support network, particularly as I work as a sole trader. The Hydrotherapy course delivered on all fronts.”

– Marie – Canine Hydrotherapist

 

“Since completing the course and gaining my certificate I am now employed and working in the career of my dreams and loving it. I highly recommend the Academy courses if you wish to start a career in Animal Health Care.”

– Alison – Canine Hydrotherapist

About Your Instructor

The Course Instructor and founder is Michelle Monk - a Human Physiotherapist, with a Masters Degree in Animal Physiotherapy. Michelle has won several awards for her delivery of service to canine patients and for her research in the area of rehabilitation following surgery for cruciate disease.

Michelle started the first rehabilitation centre for dogs in 2002 complete with indoor heated pool and underwater treadmill. Since then she has delivered hydrotherapy to thousands of dogs and is the most experienced canine hydrotherapist in the country.

She has also authored the Animal Hydrotherapy chapter in the Textbook “Animal Physiotherapy: Assessment, Treatment and rehabilitation of Animals’, 2013.

Michelle worked as a human physiotherapist prior to working with canines including 6 years in Human Hydrotherapy and continues to attend continuing professional development in this field.

Michelle is passionate about increasing both the quality and availability of rehabilitation therapies so that all canines have access to quality health care to improve their general health, wellbeing, and recovery from injury and illness.

Michelle Monk founder of Canine Health & Wellbeing Academy with Zoe

Have a question about our Canine Courses that hasn't been answered here?