Entry criteria for those wanting to apply for the EOCC conversion course.

AOI has been delivering courses (to a range of professionals) since its inception. Our courses are open to all animal professionals who have a clinical background and fulfil criteria.

Typical delegates would hold one of the following qualifications, before attending year two of the Diploma or any of its modules as CPD.

1. A certificate of completion from year one of the AOI Diploma Programme (post-2020)
2. An ESO Foundation Certificate (equine).
3. An AOI Stage/Level One Foundation Certificate (equine).
4. Vluggen Institute EDO graduate, who can demonstrate that they have covered all entry criteria.
5. Certification from the Osteopathic Centre for Animals, who can demonstrate that they have covered all entry criteria.
6. UCO PG Certificate in Animal Osteopathy, who can demonstrate that they have covered all entry criteria.
7. Veterinary physiotherapy degree from a validated school – via AOI’s conversion course.
8. Veterinary chiropractic degree from a validated school – via AOI’s conversion course.
9. Student of any other animal osteopathic school – via AOI’s conversion course.
10. Veterinary certification – as a vet or veterinary nurse, who can also demonstrate additional veterinary physiotherapy qualifications – via AOI’s Equine Osteopathic Conversion Course.
11. A Certificate of Completion from AOI’s Equine Osteopathic Conversion Course,

London College of Animal Osteopathy – International Diploma graduates who have studied the academic aspects of animal osteopathy but need help with their hands-on practice, can get in touch with us to see how we can help.

Minimum Requirements: In order that ANY practitioner be considered for direct access to year two of the Diploma, they must be able to confirm that they have the following academic knowledge-base and can perform the following tasks on a horse:

1. Have an understanding of osteopathic concepts and philosophy and can comfortably integrate that knowledge into your case questioning, assessment process and treatment/management regime, so that it is reflected in your approach as a practitioner. 
2. Have a robust knowledge of MSK functional equine anatomy, which includes osteology, myology, functional and clinical considerations. This includes the entire axial and appendicular skeleton. A basic knowledge is not adequate.
3. Have a sound knowledge of osteopathic principles and concepts as mapped to the equine patient;
4. Have a good understanding of common equine orthopaedic conditions.
5. Be able to undertake a thorough osteopathic case history – to include physical, emotional and environmental factors – utilising concepts such as the osteopathic sieve.
6. Be able to undertake an effective movement/gait analysis.
7. Be able to write a clear and concise vet report that professional explains your findings.
8. Undertake a thorough, effective and appropriate assessment of the equine patient– actively and passively. This must include ALL joints of the animal and their musculature in a calm, rhythmical and therapeutic manner.
9. Undertake a general health screening examination to ensure the animal’s condition is suitable for treatment
10. Consider a logical list of differential hypotheses – based on your assessment and clinical findings;
11. Request appropriate tests by a vet if required.
12. Conclude with a working hypothesis before the commencement of any treatment;
13. Devise an effective treatment plan and undertake appropriate structural treatment – to include: joint specific articulation, soft tissue and stretching;
14. Offer sound home advice and a management plan to the owner.
15. In line with the above, RPL Diploma entry students must be in regular clinical practice and hold suitable insurance.

If you cannot undertake such a routine (competently and safely) or this process is something that you have not performed in the last 12-months, we highly recommend that you first take year one of our Diploma. If however, you feel that you have a solid working knowledge of the above content, we recommend that you apply for the Equine Conversion Course.

Attending year two of the Diploma without this baseline, is likely to lead to frustration and ineffective learning. Not to mention, possible failure, which would be an expensive mistake. You may also be asked to leave if your weakness is disrupting other students.

Our hybrid model means that you can undertake all theoretical elements from the comfort of your own home; alongside some fundamental aspects of practice (where appropriate) – to give you chance to practice before attending class. Nine days of practical workshops are held in year two.

Whilst we appreciate that there is some overlap between other manual/physical therapies and osteopathic approaches to animal patients, there are also fundamental differences (especially at the more advanced levels of study). As such, it is important that we ensure that all those who study with us, understand these differences and practice in a way that embraces this subtle yet powerful way of assessing and treating. That means attending with a fresh and open mind, so that you are not limited by your existing comfort zone.

It is also our expectation that any prospective students who applies directly to year two, does so in the knowledge that their functional anatomy is very well versed and up to date. If it evident that this is not the case – during a conversion course – you will be asked to study the relevant CPD anatomy modules, at your own cost.

If you feel that you fulfil criteria and want to enrol onto year two, send an email to contact@animalosteoppathyinternational.com and we can send you an application form and answer any questions you have. We are also happy to arrange meetings – via Skype or Zoom for those who would prefer to talk to us about their experience and where thy might fit in. Please remember, we are here to help you, so don’t be afraid to reach. out. There is very little that we haven’t seen.

The Diploma Programme will give you everything you need to start a career as a safe, competent, critically reflective equine osteopathic practitioner. However, for the more discerning practitioner, the Advanced Diploma is an extension of the Diploma, offering an unabridged osteopathic toolkit. The advanced modules will extend your veterinary and osteopathic knowledge and enhance the tests and techniques that you can use to safely manage diverse clinical cases. These are being developed for hybrid learning in 2023 and 2024 and will be modular instead of a year long programme of study. This allows more flexibility and greater affordability.

We would encourage anyone who wishes to work in autonomous practice, to follow the full Academic Pathway over a period of 3-4 years. This offers an excellent pathway of education, with flexibility for you to shape the practitioner you want to become. It also means you have ongoing CPD that you can use toward RAMP’s and Association of Animal Osteopaths (or other Association’s) annual CPD requirements.