Diploma of Equine Allied Health

The Diploma of Equine Allied Health (ACM50521) is a nationally recognised qualification that prepares students to deliver professional allied health services to horses. This program provides a strong, industry-aligned pathway into careers in equine dentistry or equine massage.

Students gain a balance of hands-on technical training and theoretical knowledge, covering areas such as horse welfare, anatomy and physiology, workplace safety, business practices, and professional ethics. With a focus on real-world application, the diploma ensures graduates are job-ready and equipped to contribute positively to Australia’s equine industry.

more

Overview & Purpose

This qualification is tailored for professionals working autonomously—as sole traders, in small businesses, or as part of a team—who deliver equine health and welfare services. Its main focus is on two key roles:

  • Equine Dental Technician

  • Equine Massage Therapist

Graduates must also adhere to legislative and regulatory requirements across domains such as animal welfare, veterinary practice, controlled substances, biosecurity, and pharmacy—these can vary by Australian state or territory.

Entry Requirements

To enrol in this diploma, learners must demonstrate capability in:

  • Safely handling various horses (different ages, temperaments, training levels)

  • Working both independently and collaboratively

  • Resolving predictable and some unpredictable challenges in equine contexts

  • Applying safe work practices and welfare principles

Typically, this is shown via a Certificate III (or higher) in equine studies, or equivalent industry experience.

 Qualification Structure

Units Required (13 in Total)

  • 7 Core Units (mandatory for all learners)

  • 6 Elective Units (based on chosen specialisation)

  • Core Units (Common to Both Specialisations)

    1. Interpret and address horse behaviour and welfare

    2. Work safely in providing equine services as a contractor

    3. Work within an equine allied health provider framework

    4. Relate equine anatomical and physiological features to health care requirements

    5. Provide specialist advice to clients

    6. Manage finances for new business ventures

    7. Provide first aid and emergency care for horses/equines

    8. Elective Units & Specialisations

      1. You must choose electives aligned with one of the two vocational specialisations, Equine Dental Technician (Group A) or Equine Massage Therapist (Group B)



 

Equine Dental Technician (Group A)

  • Relate equine masticatory system to oral function and health impacts

  • Conduct assessments and plan dental treatment

  • Perform dental treatments and oral care using appropriate instruments

  • (Plus 2 General Electives)

    Responsibilities include:

  • Assessing oral and masticatory health

  • Planning and delivering dental care (e.g., equilibration, tartar removal, treating retained or geriatric teeth)

  • Assisting vets with extractions

  • Advising on oral hygiene, nutrition, bits/bridles

  • Maintaining dental charts, making referrals when required


    ETA Program Structure
    Group A of the Diploma is delivered over three years. The first year is completed online, allowing students to build a strong theoretical foundation at their own pace. During the second and third years, training is delivered in Tamworth, NSW, through six intensive two-week blocks of on-campus classes and hands-on practical sessions.

A large animal skull, likely a prehistoric creature, displayed against a black background.

Equine Massage Therapist (Group B)

  • Understand musculoskeletal systems and their link to conformation and movement

  • Conduct assessments for massage therapy

  • Provide massage therapy services (e.g., improve circulation, relieve tension, rehab muscles)

  • Develop equine rehabilitation programs

  • (Plus 2 General Electives)

    Therapy-related responsibilities include:

  • Musculoskeletal assessment and therapy planning

  • Therapeutic massage for circulation, tension relief, muscle tone, and injury recovery

  • Advising on exercise, fitness, rehabilitation, saddle fit

  • Record-keeping and referrals as appropriate

    ETA Program Structure
    More information on the delivering structure will follow. In the meantime please reach out with any questions.

Person in a green shirt giving a massage to a brown horse outdoors.

Regulatory Considerations

There is no national licensing, but each state or territory may impose restrictions—especially around veterinary acts, controlled substances, and invasive procedures. Providers must stay aware of these restrictions and refer clients when needed.
(Skills Impact, Training.gov.au)

 

Training & Assessment Environment

  • Training must occur in environments that simulate real workplaces, including access to live horses, stables, and specialist facilities
    (Skills Impact)

  • Assessments must address both performance evidence (practical tasks) and knowledge evidence (understanding theory, anatomy, welfare, safety)
    (Skills Impact)

  • Resources required include dental equipment, massage tools, anatomical models, and data for charting and records
    (Skills Impact)

  • Work placements are strongly encouraged for hands-on learning and exposure to diverse real-world scenarios
    (Skills Impact)