Training / OCNLR Level 4 Certificate in Canine Hydrotherapy
OCNLR Level 4 Certificate in Canine Hydrotherapy
Course description
The OCNLR Level 4 Certificate in Canine Hydrotherapy is a new entry level qualification for learners who wish to train in canine hydrotherapy.
This qualification is suitable for people, whether with experience or new to this area of study, wishing to begin a career in canine hydrotherapy.
The course format offers the flexibility of online study, plus the opportunity to get ahead with your studies, before attending Greyfriars for practical training. Attendance weeks are limited to 9-10 people maximum! Ideally you should start online study at least 10-12 weeks before your planned attendance dates.
You can register and start studying immediately, by utilising our “£1000.00 to START” offer which gives you access to Parts 1 and 2 of the course. The balance of your course fees is due no later than ten weeks prior to your attendance start date.
Total course cost £4,600.00 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
Both our online and face to face education are delivered by the same experienced and highly qualified veterinary rehabilitation team of Greyfriars lecturers;
- Veterinary Physiotherapist Kate Parsons;
- Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioners Angela Griffiths, Kirsty Arthur and Clair Spear VN;
- Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist and Pain Specialist veterinary surgeon Susanna Alwen MRCVS;
Practical training is also assisted by our team of senior hydrotherapists.
Course calendar
7th – 12th September 2026
16th – 21st November 2026
Course delivery
The course is divided into four parts. You will gain access to Parts 1 and 2 once your deposit has been paid. You gain access to Part 3 of the course during the attendance week and Part 4 once you have completed your practical attendance.
Part 1
Online lectures covering:
Anatomy
First Aid
Canine Hydrotherapy Theory
Working Professionally and Ethically
Water Management
Revision tests and pre attendance assignments
Part 2
Release of online lectures covering orthopaedic and neurological conditions and protocols for hydrotherapy treatment.
Part 3
Online assignments and workbooks
Attendance for six days at Greyfriars, Guildford
Anatomy – full day lecture
First Aid – half day practical
Pool Water Management – half day practical
Observed Practice unit – four full days in the hydrotherapy pool/treadmill
Discussion groups/case studies/risk assessments
Part 4
Patient case study and final assignments
Payment options
Greyfriars offer the opportunity to enrol for the Level 4 Certificate in Canine Hydrotherapy and opt to pay by instalments.
How it works…
You will be asked to pay the £1000 deposit which gives you access to Parts 1 and 2 which are online pre-attendance study lectures, revision tests and assignments. You will then pay ten monthly instalments of £365 per month collected via GoCardless. You are required to have paid at least five instalments, or the equivalent, prior to starting the practical attendance week.
On successful completion of the course, once full payment has been received, you will receive your Greyfriars Certificate and be submitted for your OCNLR qualification
We do not charge any interest, but there is a fee of £5 included in the £365 monthly payments to cover our costs.
You may clear the outstanding balance at any time if you wish to receive your certification as soon as you have successfully passed the course.
Failure to pay an instalment within 7 days of the due date may result in withdrawal from the course.
Total course cost if paying in instalments - £4,650.00 including VAT
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 Certificate in Canine Hydrotherapy
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
Blended learning
The course consists of both of online and attendance study. Learners complete online lectures/webinars and pre-study revision tests prior to attending their practical training days at Greyfriars. Learners should plan their study time carefully and allow a minimum of 10-12 weeks for this, based on the assumption 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
There are six required practical training attendance days at Greyfriars. During the attendance part of this course you will have some evening homework/assignments to complete. After attendance there will be final assignments, patient case study (information provided) and a vet report to be submitted and passed in order to gain your qualification.
We start with a full day of Canine Anatomy revising what you have learnt online and moving forwards with your study. There are half day practical classes for First Aid and Water Management. And four days in our busy hydrotherapy centre, supervised and working alongside our senior hydrotherapists in the hydrotherapy pool and water treadmill. We ensure you achieve a minimum of twenty hydrotherapy sessions to complete your training log. You are assessed on at least ten hydrotherapy sessions and complete case studies/notes for every hydrotherapy session you complete. So you leave us equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to start work as a hydrotherapist.
We make no apologies! This is a fast paced, mentally and physically demanding course. It is not an easy canine hydrotherapy training option. But once completed you absolutely know that you have been trained to the highest professional and ethical standards and can be proud to be part of the canine hydrotherapy community.
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
Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioners
Angela Griffiths
Clair Spear
Practical training is also assisted by our team of senior hydrotherapists;
Progression
On successful completion of the OCNLR Level 4 Certificate in Canine Hydrotherapy you are eligible to enrol for the OCNLR Level 4 Diploma in Canine Hydrotherapy.
The units you have completed as part of the OCNLR Level 4 Certificate in Canine Hydrotherapy also count towards the OCNLR Level 4 Diploma in Canine Hydrotherapy.
The additional OCNLR Level 4 Diploma required units are:
Gait Analysis for Canine Hydrotherapy
Applied Water Treadmill Techniques for Canine Hydrotherapy
Canine Behaviour in a Hydrotherapy Setting
Massage for Canine Hydrotherapy
Want to get started? What is next…
If you know the week you would like to attend for your practical attendance please specify this on your registration form. But this information is not required to start studying online.
Following payment of your deposit access to Parts 1 and 2 will be granted.
If you have requested a payment plan, your payments will be scheduled for ten months from the month after your deposit is received.