Atlantic Technological University

Overview

The Athletic Therapy and Exercise Rehabilitation (Hons) programme at Atlantic Technological University (ATU) is designed to equip students with the skills to assess, diagnose, and facilitate recovery for athletes and active individuals. Throughout this four-year course, students will gain a solid foundation in scientific principles and apply this knowledge through practical experiences, including supervised student clinics, work placements, and a clinical research project.

What you'll study

The curriculum is structured into four years, each focusing on different aspects of athletic therapy and exercise rehabilitation:

• Year 1 (Foundation): Students will learn Clinical Anatomy, Health Related Physical Activity, Introduction to Clinical Skills and Professional Practice, and Sports Study Skills.
• Year 2 (Core clinical development): Focus will be on Musculoskeletal Assessment and Clinical Reasoning, Exercise Prescription and Programme Design, Nutrition for Athletic Rehabilitation, along with the continued development of practical competencies.
• Year 3 (Clinical application): Students will advance their clinical skills and participate in student-led clinics. Elective modules may also be available.
• Year 4 (Professional practice and research): The final year includes a work placement for clinical experience, a clinical research project, and competency assessments in professional practice.

Entry requirements

To be considered for the Athletic Therapy and Exercise Rehabilitation programme, applicants must meet specific academic criteria:

• Leaving Certificate: 6 subjects at O6/H7, including 2 subjects at H5, English or Irish at O6/H7, and Maths at O6/H7.
• QQI/FET: A major award is required, with additional distinctions specified.
• GCE/A-level/GCSE: 6 recognized subjects, including 2 A-levels at Grade C and 4 GCSE-level subjects at Grade C, including English or Irish and Maths.

English proficiency is also required, with acceptable scores from tests such as IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, or the Duolingo English Test.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Athletic Therapy and Exercise Rehabilitation programme will be well-prepared for a variety of roles within the fields of sports therapy and rehabilitation. Opportunities may include working with sports teams, fitness centers, rehabilitation clinics, and community health organizations. Additionally, graduates may pursue further studies or certifications to enhance their career prospects in athletic therapy.

Post-study work options in Ireland: After completing the degree, graduates may be eligible to apply for post-study work permission in Ireland, subject to the relevant immigration rules at the time of application.