How to become a hippotherapist

How to become a Hippotherapist

Becoming a hippotherapist involves a combination of education, practical experience, and certification. Here are the general steps to pursue a career as a hippotherapist:

• Educational Background: Obtain a relevant bachelor's degree in a field related to healthcare or therapy. Common fields include physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech-language pathology. Ensure that your degree program is accredited by the appropriate accrediting body.
• Gain Clinical Experience: Acquire clinical experience in your chosen field (physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech-language pathology). This typically involves completing internships or clinical rotations as part of your degree program.
• Attain Licensure or Certification: Obtain the necessary licensure or certification in your specific therapy field. Licensure requirements vary by state, so research and fulfill the requirements set by the state in which you plan to practice. Many states require passing the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE), National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam, or the Praxis exam for speech-language pathologists.
• Additional Training in Equine-Assisted Therapy: Pursue additional training in equine-assisted therapy or hippotherapy. Various organizations offer courses and certifications specifically focused on incorporating horses into therapeutic interventions. Look for programs accredited by the American Hippotherapy Association (AHA) or other relevant accrediting bodies.
• Gain Experience with Horses: Develop practical experience working with horses. Familiarize yourself with horse behavior, handling techniques, and safety protocols. Some aspiring hippotherapists choose to gain experience in horseback riding or equestrian activities to build a foundation of knowledge about working with horses.
• Certification as a Hippotherapist: Obtain certification as a hippotherapist. The American Hippotherapy Certification Board (AHCB) offers the Certified Hippotherapy Clinical Specialist (HPCS) credential. To qualify, you typically need to meet education and experience requirements, complete a specific number of supervised hours in hippotherapy, and pass an exam (see below).
• Join Professional Organizations: Consider joining professional organizations related to your therapy field and equine-assisted therapy. Organizations such as the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), and American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) may offer resources and networking opportunities.

Certification
Certification for hippotherapists is offered by the American Hippotherapy Certification Board (AHCB). The AHCB provides a nationally recognized certification program for professionals in the fields of physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology who incorporate hippotherapy into their therapeutic practices. The certification offered by AHCB is known as the Certified Hippotherapy Clinical Specialist (HPCS).

Here are the general steps and criteria for obtaining the Certified Hippotherapy Clinical Specialist (HPCS) certification:

• Educational Background: Hold a valid professional license in your respective therapy field (physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech-language pathology).
• Clinical Experience: Have a minimum of three years of post-licensure clinical experience in your therapy field. This experience should include a significant focus on direct client care.
• Hippotherapy Experience: Accumulate a specified number of hours of direct clinical practice in hippotherapy. This involves providing therapy services while incorporating the movement of the horse as a treatment strategy.
• Supervised Experience: Complete a minimum number of hours of supervised clinical practice in hippotherapy under the mentorship of a qualified AHCB-approved mentor.
• Education in Hippotherapy: Participate in advanced coursework related to hippotherapy. This coursework should be from an AHCB-approved provider and cover specific content areas relevant to hippotherapy practice.
• Submission of Application: Submit a comprehensive application to the AHCB, including documentation of education, clinical experience, hippotherapy experience, and supervision.
• Pass the Certification Exam: Successfully pass the Certified Hippotherapy Clinical Specialist (HPCS) examination. The exam assesses knowledge and skills related to the practice of hippotherapy.
• Maintain Certification: Once certified, individuals must engage in ongoing professional development and meet continuing education requirements to maintain their HPCS certification.