Education Requirements
Equine physical therapy is a relatively new field, with most people coming in from either the veterinary background or the physical therapy background. Both require a doctorate and usually additional training. Some schools are starting to offer equine sports medicine or physical therapy programs, but they usually are offered as either concentrations or certificates. States also usually require these positions to be licensed.
For those interested in starting on the veterinary career path, you must first complete a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program. These programs typically take four years to complete, and you must attend one of the 28 colleges accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). From there, you will need to specialize in physical therapy, which may be accomplished through additional schooling or an internship.
From the physical therapy career path, you must first become a physical therapist. This is usually done by completing a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program, though master's degrees are available. DPT programs usually take three years to complete. After graduation, you may need to complete a residency, a certificate or work with a veterinarian to become specialized in equine medicine.
What Employers Are Looking For
As of June 2012, listings specifically for equine physical therapists were not available. However, several veterinary and related practices look for equine veterinarians with physical therapy experience and knowledge. Ambulatory clinics, which specialize in movement, tend to ask for these services. Here are some of those listings:
- An equine ambulatory veterinary practice in South Carolina is looking for an associate veterinarian to join the practice. The job requires the recipient to be on-call one night a week and one weekend a month.
- An equine ambulatory veterinary practice in New York wants an associate with a passion for sports medicine. They ask for experience dealing with lameness and a racetrack background.
- A veterinary practice in California seeks an associate veterinarian to work in their equine ambulatory practice. They are looking specifically for someone who specializes in lameness and dentistry.
- A racetrack sports medicine veterinary practice in Maryland is looking for an associate veterinarian. They want someone who is licensed in Maryland and Virginia, but they're willing to help the recipient earn his or her licensure if necessary.
