The NAVP stands for the National Association of Veterinary Physiotherapists. It is a professional body that has been established since 1985, and represents a good number of the therapists in this industry in the UK, including me!
Before I head into all the details on the NAVP, I will briefly explain a little about the veterinary physiotherapy industry and how it is regulated. The title veterinary physiotherapist or animal physiotherapist is not protected, so in theory anyone could call themselves a veterinary physiotherapist. However, there are registers and professional associations that veterinary physiotherapists can join which all have certain standards of education and professional behaviour. These registers can then be used by you, the owner, or by your vet, to help to decide that the person you are hiring to treat your animal is well qualified, insured and works to a certain standard. There are quite a few registers out there, such as RAMP, IRVAP and ACPAT which all have slightly different requirements to join. It is a great idea to have a look at the websites of these associations and see the qualification and working standards their members must abide by, to choose a therapist that will suit you the best. A good therapist will be delighted to explain to you all of the qualifications and experience they worked so hard to gain, so don’t be afraid to ask if you have any doubts!
So, onto the requirements of the register I am part of…
The NAVP requirements!
Members are required to be educated in veterinary physiotherapy to degree or post graduate level, with an accredited course provided by a university. This means your therapist will have either had 3 years of specific vet physio training, or have done a relevant prior degree/equivalent and then had 2-3 years of specific training at post graduate level to become a veterinary physiotherapist. These degree courses have strict requirements and are very challenging. Students must pass many academic elements, 3 sets of challenging practical exams and also complete clinical placements, all of which ensures they are educated to perform to a high standard of practice.
All NAVP members must have professional and public liability insurance,
appropriate for the cases that they treat.
All NAVP members must work in accordance with current veterinary legislation, and will communicate directly with your vet and other professionals to ensu
re the best care for your animal.
Members must always to work to a strict ethical code, adhere to a code of conduct and are required to do at least 25 hours of continuing professional education each year.
As you can see, the NAVP have a lot of requirements to help their members to strive to be excellent veterinary physiotherapists. Choosing a veterinary physiotherapist who is a member of a register should give confidence to owners and veterinary professionals, of a high standard of education and performance, when they are looking for a therapist for their animal.
For more information on the NAVP click here: www.navp.co.uk
If you have any questions regarding registering bodies, or veterinary physiotherapy qualifications, please don’t hesitate to ask!
Louise
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