How to become an equine physical therapist

• Required Education:                                                                                                                                            

    Education requirements are ill defined because few dedicated equine physical therapy programs exist. Many people pursue a bachelor's degree in animal science or an associate's degree in veterinary technology. However, both require additional practical training with horses specific to physical therapy. Some choose to obtain a Master of Science in physical therapy, which requires three to four years of undergraduate training plus three years of graduate work followed by licensure and additional practicalexperience with horses.

  Although certification or degrees are not required in this field of work, many clients with horses prefer their equine rehabilitators to have some kind of credential. In some cases it may just be an equine rehabilitation certification; in others, it may be a 4-year degree in equine science. Equine rehabilitation programs can last anywhere from a week to four years, depending on how in-depth the credential is. Several trade schools offer seminars and courses on equine rehabilitation.

    Some equine institutes or trade schools accept only medically trained students such as veterinarians, veterinary technicians, physical therapists or physical therapy assistants. In equine rehabilitation retreats, seminars or workshops, credentials are not typically required; however, those who obtain a formal degree or certification in equine rehabilitation will have better career opportunities in the work force.

• Previous work experience: 

    Equine physical therapists must be experienced with horses from a medical and riding standpoint. The ability to communicate the animal's needs effectively to owners is also important for extended treatment and owner peace of mind.

• Starting Salary: 

    The average starting salary for horse rehabilitation therapists is approximately $36,000, while those at the lower end of the spectrum earned $29,000.

• Experienced salary:  

    The employment opportunities for skilled equine physical therapists is continues to increase. Salary figures are difficult to come by in this emerging field. The starting salary for veterinarians focusing on equine physical therapy is $42,800 per year. Annual earnings of physical therapists who possess a master's degree were $72,790. An equine physical therapist who holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) can earn up to $100,000 annually depending on practice size and reputation. 

• Retirement and Employee Benefits:

    There are really no benefits or retirement plans found in this career because more than likely you are working for yourself and establish your own business. 

• Job Duties and Responsibilities:

An equine physical therapist works with horses to recover from injuries through massage and exercise. They typically see patients a few times a week over an extended period of time until the injury is healed or there is no more work to be done. There work is usually done in conjunction with the horse's owner, trainer and veterinarian, among other practitioners. Therapists begin by carefully designing a therapeutic program based upon the diagnosis, assessments and goals of the horse's veterinarians, owners and trainers. They implement an individually tailored plan that may consist of rehabilitative exercises, stretching, hydrotherapy, laser, electrical stimulation, magnetic, ultrasound and heat and cold. And sometimes even exercise horses with treadmills and jet pools as healing and strengthening tools.    

• Advancement Opportunities:

    In deciding to become a equine physical therapist there aren't any other advancements in this field. However if you only have a degree in animal science or physical therapy, you can become a specialized veterinarian making your business more successful and profitable. 

• Whould you be intersted in this job?

Yes, this career sounds very interesting and rewarding in the long run. I would love to work with horses and doing what i could to help them recover. Another great perk about this job is that there arent many requirements and if your successful can make a good living.

        Bottom Line

• An equine physical therapist may be able to receive good formal training and job experience as an assistant to a veterinarian. However, those who work as assistants have significantly lower salaries than those who have full veterinary or physical therapy degrees and licenses. Equine physical therapists have the best pay potential as veterinarians, with those holding doctorate degrees typically earning the top rates.
  
  

Sites:

http://degreedirectory.org/articles/What_is_an_Equine_Physical_Therapist.html

http://www.ehow.com/info_8715355_salary-equine-physical-therapist.html

http://education-portal.com/articles/Horse_Rehabilitation_Therapist_Salary_Info_and_Job

_Duties.html

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