- sensitivity and understanding
- to enjoy working with other people
- customer service skills
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- analytical thinking skills
- counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
- to be flexible and open to change
- knowledge of psychology
- knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
On a day-to-day basis you'll be:
- planning exercise programmes
- using manual and electro-therapy methods to reduce pain and help with movement
- applying massage and hydrotherapy techniques
- giving advice on changes to animals' environments
You may need to wear a uniform.
You could work at a veterinary practice or at a university.
Your working environment may be physically demanding.
With experience, you could become a senior physiotherapist, or a specialist physiotherapist for breathing conditions or problems affecting the nervous system.
You could also set up your own animal physiotherapy practice or move into research.
You can find out more about becoming a veterinary physiotherapist from:The Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy; National Association of Veterinary Physiotherapists; The Institute of Registered Veterinary and Animal Physiotherapists
