Veterinary Physiotherapist Career Requirements
I researched this particular career path extensively before beginning my degree, so have quite a thorough understanding of the demands of the job. The National Careers Service (2017) has a page dedicated to the profession, which states the following entry requirements:
A degree in Veterinary Physiotherapy
OR an undergraduate degree in human Physiotherapy followed by a postgraduate qualification in Veterinary Physiotherapy
OR working knowledge of animal care, a relevant degree and the Canine and Equine Physiotherapy Training (CEPT) Advanced Certificate in Veterinary Physiotherapy
Through my own research, I decided to pursue my qualifications via an integrated masters degree at Writtle University College, allowing me to register with the NAVP upon completion.
The National Careers Service (2017) goes on to outline the skills required as:
excellent observation and communication skills
the ability to handle animals
organisational and administrative skills
the ability to work in a team and also use your own judgement
The College of Animal Welfare (n.d.) also stresses the importance of having the drive to build a business as a key skill, considering most Veterinary Physiotherapists operate their own small business.
The day-to-day responsibilities of a Veterinary Physiotherapist are described as:
planning exercise programmes
using manual and electro-therapy methods to reduce pain and help with movement
applying massage and hydrotherapy techniques
giving advice on changes to animals' environments
The National Careers Service (2017) goes on to state that most work carried out by Veterinary Physiotherapists is in private practice, but highlights some opportunities in large veterinary practices, universities and animal sports clinics.
There is little information available about salaries in Veterinary Physiotherapy, and they can vary very widely. Considering most Veterinary Physiotherapists are self-employed, their salaries will not only depend on the rates they charge, but also on the number of clients they see and the cost of their expenses. However, the National Careers Service (2017) estimates starter salaries at £18.5k to £19k, rising to £20k to £25k with experience and potentially reaching up to £65k for a highly experienced individual in senior or consultancy positions.
Though it is difficult to pinpoint the average graduate salary in the UK, and there are wildly differing statistics available, it would appear that most graduates enter the workplace on a salary between £23k and £28k (Instant Impact, 2017). The evidence suggests that Veterinary Physiotherapists are on quite a low income at the beginning of their careers and there does not seem to be a particularly large increase in salary with experience.
It is very difficult to find job advertisements for Veterinary Physiotherapists, further highlighting the difficult of gaining employment within a company within this field.
Instant Impact (2017) The Truth: Average Graduate Starting Salaries. Instant Impact. [online]. Available from: https://instant-impact.com/graduates/the-truth-average-graduate-starting-salaries/ [Accessed March 13, 2018].
National Careers Service (2017) Veterinary physiotherapist | Job profiles | National Careers Service. [online]. Available from: https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/job-profiles/veterinary-physiotherapist#skills-required [Accessed March 12, 2018].
The College of Animal Welfare Veterinary Physiotherapist | CAW. [online]. Available from: http://www.caw.ac.uk/careers/veterinary-physiotherapist/ [Accessed March 13, 2018].
