A new video has been launched by the McTimoney Animal Association explaining the benefits of a career as an animal chiropractor, aimed at undergraduates making career decisions.
School or college leavers with A-levels or equivalent can enrol for the new Master in Veterinary Chiropractic 2023 course, a four-year full-time programme at the McTimoney College of Chiropractic.
The course allows those without a previous degree to undertake the training and education required to enter this sought-after career.
With a rising demand for practitioners in the UK and with graduates in several countries across the world, there has never been a better time to consider training as an animal chiropractor.
A career in animal chiropractic offers benefits that may appeal to students looking for a career in animal or veterinary care.
Animal or veterinary chiropractic has increased in popularity in recent years due to its gentleness and effectiveness across a wide range of animals, including horses, dogs, cats, cows, sheep, goats, pigs, even reindeer, and captive species such as reptiles and tapirs.
With the next round of UCAS applications due to close soon, students need to make decisions to enable them to enrol for the appropriate McTimoney Animal Chiropractic training.
For those looking for a change in career, with plenty of animal experience but for whom this option was not available when career choices were first made, or for those leaving college with A-levels or BTEC qualifications, training as a chiropractor offers many attractions:
- Once qualified, most practitioners spend most of their time outdoors, so while there is some admin required, this role appeals to those who like to be out and about
- Practitioners are often self-employed, offering the freedom to arrange your work diary around other activities or commitments such as family, holidays or having your own horse or dog to compete
- There are good earnings to be made as a fully qualified animal chiropractor, reflecting the level of training undertaken to become an animal chiropractor
- The practitioner’s skills may be applied to different species, assessing each animal and working out a plan to help that animal, and it is extremely satisfying when owners report that the horse or dog is working better and is happier after having the treatment
Being self employed does have challenges, and as a McTimoney Animal Chiropractor a level of physical fitness is required to carry out the treatments.
Self-motivation and organisational skills are needed to maintain a work diary and ensure prompt attendance at appointments, and records need to be kept to stay on top of finances.
Good communication skills are needed to elicit information from clients, let them know what is happening and give them good aftercare directions.
The McTimoney Animal Association is a professional membership organisation that offers ongoing support and resources for its members once qualified.
Training programmes are available to suit everyone, depending on entry level:
- Undergraduates leaving school or college with A-levels or equivalent can enrol for the Master in Veterinary Chiropractic 2023 course, a four-year full-time programme
- Postgraduates with a degree in animal or equine science or other relevant degree, can enrol for the Graduate Certificate in Animal Therapy, a six-month programme, and from there to the MSc Animal Manipulation (Chiropractic)
- Postgraduates with either a human chiropractic, physiotherapy or osteo degree, have access direct to the MSc Animal Manipulation (Chiropractic) programme
These programmes are taught by the McTimoney College of Chiropractic which is located just outside Oxford.
Practical skills are embedded throughout all the training offered, with attendance at off-site kennels and stables integrated as part of all programmes.
The McTimoney College of Chiropractic offers the only university validated animal chiropractic programmes available.
To achieve the expected level of academic excellence, the college keep to small class sizes which enables them to provide excellent student/tutor ratios and student support.
Every graduate is highly trained to assess cases correctly and have the confidence to get business and gain the confidence of vets and other paraprofessionals that they may be working with.
The video can be viewed on youtube.
The McTimoney Animal Association is the professional membership organisation providing information, a list of practitioners by area, and all published research. For more information, visit their website or follow on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.