Osteopathic Approach to the Equine Patient Level One – now accepting applications for 2021

In this article we simply discus the content and layout of the level one equine course. To start us off, let’s look at an overview of the course content:

Online Indicative Content:

1. Introduction and professional communications;
2. Horse handling and equine paces;
3. Osteopathic concepts for the equine patient;
4. Palpation practice;
5. Equine perception and body language for the equine therapist;
6. Case history taking and report writing;
7. Global assessment, gait and active assessment;
8. Forelimb anatomy (myology, arthrology and osteology), orthopaedic considerations and forelimb assessment;
9. Hindlimb anatomy (myology, arthrology and osteology, orthopaedic considerations, hindlimb and assessment
10. Thoracic and lumbar anatomy (myology, arthrology and osteology, orthopaedic considerations and assessment;
11. Cervical anatomy (myology, arthrology and osteology, orthopaedic considerations and cervical assessment;
12. Integration of the horse as a whole (bonus content)
13. Soft tissue theory and application;
14. Stretching theory and application;
15. Joint articulation theory and application;
16. Osteopathic integration;
17. Creating treatment plans, management advice and short and long term considerations,
18. Summary and consolidation of learning.

Face to face practicum

In addition to the above, those who apply for the full MCP pathway will be expected to attend a consolidated 3-4 day practicum in the UK. This will take place in Dorset/Hampshire, UK. The additional day (day 0) is for those with no osteopathic background and is compulsory.

The practicums are used to review the practical elements taught in online, and also to fine-tune student’s palpation, handling and efficacy of technique. It is essential that ALL elements of the online course are complete before a student books to attend their live practicum.

EXCELLENT TUTOR RATIO AT OUR CLINICS WILL ENSURE LOTS OF HANDS-ON PRACTICAL

Number of Total Study Hours for the MCP: 300 hours

Total Study Hours are the total numbers of hours that a student spends being taught by the lecturers and learning by themselves. Those on the Masterclass Pathway, will have to complete 16 online modules, 6 webinars, plus self-directed study, practical exploration, critical reflection, home-based assignments, case studies, live clinic attendance and assessment.

Level of teaching and learning: 

The Masterclass Pathway has been written in line with UK Level 6-7 postgraduate educational criteria to guarantee that our students are ensured a course of good standing. This means that students will be expected to think autonomously and critically throughout and have successfully completed both online and practical/viva assessments. This is the only pathway where successful students will be awarded formal certification by the AOI/ESO. The other pathways will only activate a certificate of attendance, unless OEIP students upgrade to complete the required practical element and successfully complete all assessments.

Number of Hours for the Masterclass Pathway

The Masterclass Pathway has been created inline with 30 credits – that being 300 total hours of taught and self-directed learning, to complete the entire pathway. 

Online format and internet requirements:

All 16 modules and the 6 webinars will be delivered online. As such, students must be able to ensure internet connectivity. AOI cannot be held responsible for internet failure or that of poor signal, so if you are attending a “live” webinar as part of your chosen route of learning, and you lose connectivity, you will only be able to watch the replay. You will not be given a replacement code.

If you have already studied some of this content on another course (at HE Level 5/6), you maybe able to attend an accelerated pathway, called the Equine Osteopathic Conversion Course which if passed, will allow access onto Level II. However, please be aware that if you fail the Conversion Course, you will be expected to start from the beginning of level one, if you wish to pursue your studies with us. This is to ensure that student who attend Level II are of an equal standard. Without such a starting point, incongruence can occur within the Level II cohorts, which does not make for the positive learning environment. 

For more information, go to the main equine course page HERE.

If you would like to get in touch with us to ask any questions about this course or just for an application form, please email us via contact@animalosteopathyinternational.com