Courses

The Institute’s course is designed for mature students, facilitating full-time work and allowing study in spare time and at weekends.  It takes just three years to achieve the Bachelor of Science (Level 7) degree in Applied Health Science.  This qualifies holders for entry to the register of practitioners maintained by the Irish Association of Physical Therapists.  It also qualifies graduates to set up in private practise from their own homes or to work in clinics alongside other therapists. 

Physical therapy is a hands-on treatment, which addresses muscular and skeletal problems through a “soft tissue” approach, which includes assessing muscles, tendons, fascia and ligaments.  The conditions treated include, amongst others, sports injuries, back and neck pain, muscle and joint injuries, tension headaches and whiplash problems.  It has become widely accepted as an effective treatment for the relief of pain, particularly the back, neck and shoulder pain associated with modern day stress.  It has also wide applications in the prevention and healing of damage caused by sporting injuries.  Physical therapy treatment is recognised and reimbursed by health insurers.

Course timetables are specifically geared to mature students.  The needs and requirements of those who already have full time work and/or young families are a priority.  The reason for this is that many undertaking training already have jobs!  However, changes in the work environment which have made permanent, pensionable jobs less attractive are combining to push people towards alternative careers.  Weekend classes (all day Saturday and Sunday - roughly twice a month) and certification from first year, makes this a workable alternative. 

The nursing and paramedic professions are well represented on the Institute’s student lists.  Many sports enthusiasts and PE teachers make the change as well.  People who have been involved in nursing or sport with aspirations toward self-employment do very well in physical therapy.  They may have suffered the frustration of injury and seen first-hand the need and benefits of physical therapy for prevention as well as for treatment.  They have a working knowledge of the types of common injury and can empathise with colleagues which is a great help in establishing one’s own practice.

Admission to the course is by way of interview.  The Institute welcomes mature students who have a strong interest in hands-on treatment, have excellent communication skills and also have the potential to study to third level.  It is not necessary to have achieve a certain number of honours or points in a previous exam but candidates are expected to be able to demonstrate their commitment and dedication to an exciting healthcare profession.

In all the Bachelor of Science in Applied Health Science degree takes three years to complete.  Certification as a massage therapist is offered at the end of the first year.  Classes for year one are now being held in Limerick, as well as in Milltown Park, Dublin and commence in September.

Anyone considering taking on a physical therapy course should be made well aware in advance that this is not an easy option.  Although the rewards in terms of job satisfaction and financial security can be excellent, it is hard work.  Completing the course takes dedication.  There are very high clinical and academic standards, which have to be met.  If you think you could meet this challenge and would welcome the opportunity, contact The Institute of Physical Therapy, 17 – 18 Priory Hall, Stillorgan, County Dublin. 
Phone 1 800 254 642  E-mail: info@iptas.ie   Web:  www.iptas.com