Part time, Postgraduate Certificate in Animal Osteopathy (PgCert.AO)

This Master`s level qualification is validated and awarded by the University College of Osteopathy (UCO) and runs each year from September to July. There are 20 contact days at the OCA, with the remaining learning covered at home.

Training covers the key elements of functional anatomy, orthopaedics, pathology, biomechanics, dissection, equitation, and the application of osteopathic principles and techniques to both horses and dogs. This incorporates a careful balance of practical and theoretical learning throughout, with more practical than classroom study. Theoretical work is undertaken at our centre in Wantage with significant hands-on experience of treating horses and dogs taking place in stables and kennels.

There is also a strong emphasis on animal law, welfare and psychology incorporated into the course.

Our one year 60 credit course consists of two units of 30 credits each, and leads graduates to a Post Graduate Certificate in Animal Osteopathy. The course is designed so that you can apply your undergraduate learning to postgraduate training in the treatment of animals, enabling you to be autonomous in the osteopathic evaluation, treatment and management of animals. The course mixes different teaching styles from lectures and small group discussion-based work, to a range of practical sessions with dogs and horses at kennels and stables local to the OCA in Wantage. Whilst the course focuses on the osteopathic examination, evaluation and treatment of equines and canines, these principles are used to apply to other animals so that graduates will be comfortable working with a wide range of animals. The ethos of the course is focused on providing a positive learning environment where constructive feedback is provided from expert teaching staff to enable you to develop as autonomous practitioners. This is in-line with the University College of Osteopathy`s (UCO) teaching and learning strategy.

All students must be graduate osteopaths. No previous experience of working with animals is necessary. After successfully completing the course the graduates are fully equipped to practice animal osteopathy.