Training / OCNLR Level 4 Diploma in Canine Hydrotherapy
OCNLR Level 4 Diploma in Canine Hydrotherapy
Course description
The OCNLR Level 4 Diploma in Canine Hydrotherapy is a comprehensive professional qualification for people wishing to begin a career in canine hydrotherapy, or progress their existing qualifications.
It is suitable for learners who are new to canine hydrotherapy as well as those who have already completed canine hydrotherapy qualifications and wish progress their study to achieve a higher level qualification.
Combining flexible online learning with 11 days of practical training at Greyfriars, the course is designed to develop the knowledge, clinical reasoning and hands-on skills required to practice safely, professionally and ethically.
| Course at a glance | |
|---|---|
| Qualification | OCNLR Level 4 Diploma in Canine Hydrotherapy |
| Course fee | £7,100 including VAT |
| Study format | Online learning and practical attendance |
| Practical attendance | 11 days at Greyfriars, Guildford |
| Class size | Maximum 9-10 learners |
| Recommended pre-study period | At least 10-12 weeks before each practical attendance period |
| Payment options | Pay in full or spread the cost through an interest free payment plan |
| Suitable for | New entrants and existing qualified canine hydrotherapists seeking to progress to a higher level qualification off setting prior learning where applicable |
Start your studies with a £1,000 deposit
Learners enrolling on the full Diploma can register and begin studying immediately with a £1,000 deposit. This provides access to Parts 1 and 2 of the course.
The remaining balance can be paid in full or through one of our flexible payment plans. Please see the payment options section below for full details.
Total course fee: £7,100 including VAT
Included:
- Access to Moodle – Greyfriars Online learning platform
- Training manuals
- Practice dogs and equipment
- All assignments, marking and tutor/assessor support
- OCNLR registration and certification
Your online learning, tutorials and practical training will be delivered by Greyfriars’ experienced multidisciplinary rehabilitation team, including:
- veterinary physiotherapists;
- veterinary surgeons;
- canine rehabilitation and pain specialists;
- certified canine rehabilitation practitioners;
- veterinary nurses;
- canine behaviourists;
- senior canine hydrotherapists.
Course delivery
Part 1: Core knowledge and preparation
Online lectures covering:
anatomy, physiology and biomechanics;
first aid;
canine hydrotherapy theory;
professional and ethical practice;
water management.
You will also complete revision activities and pre-attendance assignments.
Part 2: Conditions and treatment planning
Online learning covering common orthopaedic, spinal and neurological conditions, together with appropriate hydrotherapy treatment protocols.
Part 3: Initial practical training
Six days of face-to-face learning at Greyfriars, including:
one day of anatomy teaching;
practical first aid training;
practical pool and treadmill water management;
four days of supervised pool and water-treadmill practice;
case discussions, risk assessments and clinical documentation.
Part 4: Clinical reasoning
Patient case study and assignments.
Part 5: Gait analysis for canine hydrotherapy
Online lectures
One day of face-to-face learning at Greyfriars, Guildford
Online assignments and workbooks
Part 6: Applied water treadmill techniques for canine hydrotherapy
Online lectures
Two days of face-to-face learning at Greyfriars, Guildford
Online assignments and workbooks
Part 7: Canine behaviour in a hydrotherapy setting
Online lectures
One day of face-to-face learning at Greyfriars, Guildford
Online assignments and workbooks
Part 8: Massage for canine hydrotherapy
Online lectures
One day of face-to-face learning at Greyfriars, Guildford
Online assignments and workbooks
Progression requirement: Learners must successfully complete Units 1–9 before beginning the additional Diploma units, Units 10–13.
Fees and payment options
Pay in full
Total: £7,100 including VAT
Following payment, you will gain access to Parts 1 and 2. Further course content will be released as you progress.
Ten month payment plan
- Initial deposit: £1,000
- Ten monthly payments of £615
Total paid: £7,150 including VAT
Payment plans include an administration charge.
Split payment plan
Stage 1: Parts 1–4
- Initial deposit: £1,000
- Ten monthly payments of £365
Stage 2: Parts 5–8
Choose one of the following:
- a single payment of £2,500;
- ten monthly payments of £255;
- purchase the four additional units individually totalling £2,645.
Payment plans include an administration charge.
Please note that if you opt to purchase the remaining four units individually you are not eligible for the discount that is included when they are purchased as a bundle.
Accommodation / travel
Please enquire if you would like accommodation suggestions or transport guidance. There is no public transport to Greyfriars (we are in the countryside situated in the middle of a vineyard!). So you will need a car or to use a taxi/Uber – easily accessed from Guildford or Farnham.
Level 4 Diploma in Canine Hydrotherapy
Stage 1: Level 4 Certificate units
- Anatomy Physiology and Biomechanics for Canine Hydrotherapy
- Canine Hydrotherapy Theory
- First Aid for Canine Hydrotherapy
- Observed Practice for Canine Hydrotherapy
- Orthopaedic Referrals for Canine Hydrotherapy
- Personal and Professional Development for Canine Hydrotherapists
- Spinal and Neurological Referrals for Canine Hydrotherapy
- Water Management for Hydrotherapy Pools and Water Treadmills
- Working Professionally and Ethically as a Canine Hydrotherapist
Stage 2: Additional Level 4 Diploma units
- Gait Analysis for Canine Hydrotherapy
- Applied Water Treadmill Techniques for Canine Hydrotherapy
- Canine Behaviour in a Hydrotherapy Setting
- Massage for Canine Hydrotherapy
Units 1 to 9 also form the OCNLR Level 4 Certificate in Canine Hydrotherapy. Learners who complete the Certificate may later progress to the Diploma by completing the four additional Diploma units, subject to the relevant entry and progression requirements.
Blended learning
The course consists of both of online and face-to-face learning. Learners’ complete online lectures/webinars and pre-study revision tests prior to attending their face-to-face training days at Greyfriars. Learners should plan their study time carefully and allow a minimum of 10-12 weeks for this prior to each of the practical attendance periods. This assumes that this is being completed alongside a full-time job.
We will schedule Zoom tutorials so you can meet your lecturers and fellow students. We are always ready to give guidance and support, and you can ask for help with questions and assignments at any point in your studies.
Practical training and clinical experience
-
11 days of practical training
Gain extensive hands-on experience at Greyfriars. -
A minimum of 25 hydrotherapy sessions
Develop practical confidence through supervised clinical experience. -
Pool and water-treadmill training
Build skills across both major canine hydrotherapy environments. -
Small attendance groups
Practical groups are limited to a maximum of 9–10 learners.
This is an intensive, fast-paced and physically demanding course. It is designed for learners who are committed to developing a high standard of professional knowledge and practical ability.
By the time you complete the qualification, you will have undertaken substantial theoretical and practical training and will be able to take pride in having trained to high professional, clinical and ethical standards.
Instructors
Both our online and face to face education are delivered by the same experienced and highly qualified veterinary rehabilitation
team of Greyfriars lecturers
Veterinary Physiotherapists
Kate Parsons
Canine Behaviourist
Frances Murtaugh
Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioners
Angela Griffiths
Clair Spear
Practical training is also assisted by our team of senior hydrotherapists;
Already hold a canine hydrotherapy qualification?
You may not need to complete the full Diploma from the beginning.
Individual progression routes are available for learners who have previously completed:
a Level 3 Certificate in Canine Hydrotherapy;
a Level 3 Certificate in Hydrotherapy for Small Animals;
the OCNLR Level 4 Certificate in Canine Hydrotherapy;
one or more units from the OCNLR Level 4 Award in Canine Hydrotherapy.
We will review your previous qualifications and advise which additional units you need to complete to achieve the OCNLR Level 4 Diploma in Canine Hydrotherapy.
Please contact our training team at training@greyfriarsrehab.co.uk and include copies of your certificates and unit transcripts where available.
Face-to-face training dates
| Practical Training | Date | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Units 1-9 attendance week | 7th-12th September 2026 | Fully booked |
| 16th-21st November 2026 | Places available | |
| Behaviour | 21st September 2026 | Places available |
| Massage | 22nd September 2026 | Fully booked |
| Gait analysis | 23rd September 2026 | Places available |
| Applied water treadmill | 24th-25th September 2026 | Fully booked |
Ready to begin?
Complete the relevant registration form and email it to training@greyfriarsrehab.co.uk
Once we have received your form, we will:
- confirm the appropriate course or progression route;
- confirm the availability of your preferred practical dates;
- issue your deposit invoice;
- provide access to Parts 1 and 2 following receipt of payment.
You do not need to select your practical attendance dates before beginning your online study. However, we recommend reserving your preferred dates as early as possible because attendance groups are limited to 9–10 learners.