Alternative Routes to Physiotherapy

Has your dream to become a physiotherapist been smashed because of the lack of leaving certificate points?  This year entry to physiotherapy at TCD or RCSI requires 542 points – if you don’t have that, don’t worry, you can join the growing numbers studying a BSc in Sports Therapy with Portobello Institute as an alternative route to physiotherapy. Available to study full-time or through flexible study at weekends and accredited by the University of Essex, entry to this 3-year programme is not based on leaving cert points.

Why can I use Sports therapy as an alternative route to Physiotherapy? 

You can use the BSc in Sports Therapy degree to access Physiotherapy because the curriculum is similar and therefore holders of this degree are eligible to apply for a Master's in Physiotherapy at home and abroad. For instance, Dan O’Mahony, Portobello Institute’s recent graduate of our Sports therapy degree, progressed directly to the master's course in physiotherapy at the RCSI ( read Dan’s full story). Jamie Judge chose to go to London and has now completed a Master's in Physiotherapy. 

What else can I do with a BSc Sports Therapy degree?

With this degree, you are a qualified sports therapist with the opportunity to open your own sports therapy clinic.  Our recent graduate Conor Sheils has done just that, establishing his clinic with a growing client base including a leading professional soccer club in Ireland.

Conor has been recently appointed as Senior Sports Therapist with Shamrock Rovers FC.

“After 3 years of in-depth study and research, I was equipped with the tools I needed to open my own clinic, the Athletic Injury Rehabilitationclinic at a North Dublin sports centre”.

As a qualified sports therapist, you are eligible to become a member of The Society of Sports Therapists (SST).  Sports Therapists who are members of SST are recognised globally for the high standards they have attained during their training and are employed by leading clubs throughout the sporting world.  Members are also eligible for their special Professional Indemnity and Public Liability Insurance.

What will I learn from a Sports Therapy degree?

The Portobello Institute Sports Therapy degree is designed to qualify you to work with athletes striving for elite performance. The course combines theory and practice where you learn what therapies to apply and why you are applying them.

You will learn:

• Fundamentals of anatomy & biomechanics
• Principles for human physiology
• Biomedical implications of exercise
• Musculoskeletal injury mechanism and assessment
• Sports massage and therapeutic modalities
• Sports first aid and pitch-side assistant
• Individually assess and treat athletes
• Provide immediate care of injuries
• Plan and implement a unique rehabilitation programme for each athlete
• Conduct sport and remedial massage for injury prevention and rehabilitation

How do I apply for this course

We are accepting applications for our BSc in Sports Therapy degree

Follow these simple steps to apply for this course

• Step 1 - Complete the online booking form here.
• Step 2 – We will contact you for confirmation of the entry criteria
• Step 3  - Confirmation of a place will be given to applicants immediately meeting the criteria.

Or  

If you do not meet the entry criteria, we will invite you to attend an interview with an offer of a place on the programme issued following an assessment of suitability.

How do I find out more about Sports Therapy & alternative routes to Physiotherapy?

If you are interested in any of our sports courses or have any questions you can book a consultation call with our expert sports advisor Sharde Sebastian here, email sharde.sebastian@portobelloinstitute.com or call 01 892 0029.