From 2021, most Equinology EEBWII certified graduates have been able to join AOI through a new and exciting pathway of study. This means that Equinology graduates who hold the right qualifications, will be able to apply for AOI’s educational programmes, via a bespoke conversion course (the EFOCC) that allows Equinology graduates to bypass some (previously studied elements) of AOI’s Diploma Programme. This is because, Equinology’s EEBWII pathway has been stringently evaluated by AOI, and shown to provide the highest quality of bodywork training available. Consequently, EEBWII graduates who have already undertaken hundreds of hours of high quality anatomical training and hands-on practice, that far exceeds some of the human practitioners who typically join AOI courses, are welcome on our Diploma Programme. 

Although the ESO, and subsequently AOI, has accepted qualified animal professionals to join their animal training pathways since 2016, it has always been a challenge, due to the variation in qualifications around the world.. However, after a robust process of evaluation, which took circa 12 months, AOI has confirmed that the standard of EEBWII graduates (post 2015) who have come from a degree background or have taken additional course in research and clinical methodology with Equinology, demonstrate exceptional capabilities as equine bodyworkers. That is why working with Equinology has been so exciting. It means that AOI can safely and confidently allow EEBW graduates onto the Diploma from day one, or EEBWII (post-2015) graduates to join via this conversion course. Both are warmly welcomed.

The conversion course (which is an amended version of our year one of the Diploma programme), which comprises 350 hours, plus case and clinical assessments, commences with an online programme of modular study (presentations, case study practice, videos and live webinars), followed by a high quality, small group intensive 5 day practicum plus clinical assessment. Due to the online nature of part one, students can apply all year round (offering maximum flexibility). Part two (the practicum) takes place 2-4 times a year at various locations (UK, Denmark, Calgary and Maryland). Once students complete the online aspect of the course, they may apply to attend a practicum. The whole cycle typically takes 8 months, but students are given 18 months in light of the current COVID restrictions on work and travel. Once this course has been successfully completed, the student will move into year two of the Diploma. 

This amazing opportunity gives Equinology bodywork practitioners a chance to join AOI’s professional Academic Pathway toward becoming a fully qualified Equine Functional [Osteopathic] Practitioner. The ideal career opportunity for those who wish to expand their clinical competence and scope of practice.