RCSI PHYSIOTHERAPY AT A GLANCE RCSI DEVELOPING HEALTHCARE LEADERS WHO MAKE A DIFFERENCE WORLDWIDE
WHY PHYSIOTHERAPY The aim of the School of Physiotherapy is to educate professionally safe, competent, reflective and analytical physiotherapists who possess a sound scientific knowledge base, an understanding of the value of research and analysis, are responsive to the needs of clients and carers and are aware of the dynamic diversity of healthcare environments in which they practice. The BSc. Physiotherapy programme is accredited by, the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists (ISCP) which is a member organisation of the World Confederation for Physical Therapy (WCPT). Graduates are therefore automatically eligible for membership of the ISCP. RCSI Founded in 1784 Over 20,000 Alumni Globally Schools and 13 Institutes A career in physiotherapy offers you the possibility to work in: Hospitals - in orthopaedics, paediatrics, cardiorespiratory, care of the elderly, neurology, musculoskeletal and sports medicine; Primary, Community and Continuing Health Centres - visiting people in their homes, giving treatment, advice and appliances to help improve independence; School Environments - helping children with physical and intellectual disability achieve their full potential; The Workplace - providing ergonomic assessments, pre-employment screening, risk management and educating workers in correct lifting and handling techniques; Private Practice - assessing and treating a wide variety of muscle, joint and ligament problems; Research.
PHYSIOTHERAPY AT A GLANCE If you are interested in studying physiotherapy at graduate entry level, we believe RCSI is the best choice based on: Our heritage dating back over 230 years of developing healthcare leaders worldwide; Our student-centred approach; Strong clinical focus of the programme with over 1,000 hours in a variety of clinical settings, where supervised clinical training is undertaken; Our reputation as evidenced by referrals and recommendations by others in the field; Small class size and dedicated facilities; RCSI s exclusive focus on health care professional education our International student body.
WHAT OUR GRADUATES & STUDENTS SAY Jean Lewis (Class of 2012) As a postgraduate returning to study Physiotherapy, the prospect of three more years of exams was somewhat daunting. However, RCSI has consistently exceeded my expectations. The small class size immediately fostered a sense of comradery and community amongst the young and not so young! The faculty are highly skilled and educated and provided us with a strong support network both educationally and personally. Since graduating, RCSI has readily facilitated my application process to work as a physiotherapist in Canada where I'm currently discovering the challenges and rewards of this exciting career in private practice. Enda Clarke (Class of 2014) Upon completion of a BSc. in Sport Science and Health (2011), I commenced further study in Physiotherapy the same year at RCSI. Although, I felt initially that both disciplines would overlap in many respects, the effectiveness of small group learning practical s, in areas such as anatomy and manual therapy, provided an excellent learning experience supervised by experienced and informative staff members. Clinical placements, undertaken throughout the programme, provide students with a wonderful opportunity to develop and advance their skills with the support of experienced clinical tutors working in various hospital settings in Ireland. Ananda Babineau (Class of 2005) I was a young American looking to attend a comprehensive physiotherapy program and I also wanted the opportunity to have a life altering adventure. RCSI filled both of my requirements. One of my favourite components of the program is the clinical rotations which are divided all over Ireland. This gives the students an ability to learn in many different settings and hospitals and thus prepares one for a multitude of working environments and patient populations. RCSI prepared me to open my own business in Kuwait only a year after graduating and has continued to prove unbelievably comprehensive. I moved back to the United States in 2010 and experienced no trouble with having my degree fully approved by the Foreign Credentialing Commission on Physical Therapy (FCCPT) and had no problems passing my National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) on my first attempt. I definitely recommend this program for young, motivated and enthusiastic people looking to pursue an extremely rewarding career in Physiotherapy.
Zita McAlister (Class of 2013) My time at RCSI was very enjoyable, providing a great grounding for a career in physiotherapy. The course was comprehensive and well delivered. A great advantage was the broad clinical experience I got in a variety of hospitals around the country. As an undergraduate student, I completed the 4 year course. The first year lectures, shared with other faculties, gave me the opportunity to meet and make friends in other professions. RCSI also proved to be a great college experience. I enjoyed the various clubs, societies, trips and many late nights. I even got the opportunity to represent the college abroad on the Irish Universities hockey team! Rory Kelly (Class of 2010) I received my qualification as a physiotherapist in 2010, and I can safely say that my time in RCSI has shaped my career path in the short time since then. The skills and training I received enabled me to make the change over into working in private practice, as well as with a number of sports teams along the way, while also making the transition to working abroad as easy as possible. The physiotherapy degree in RCSI provides a great foundation for working both in the hospital and private set up. Practical groups are small, encouraging detailed and attentive learning. Clinical experience was varied and well organised, providing valuable experience in a variety of settings. As well as this, the size of the college generates a very social, community feeling, with a huge variety of clubs and societies available. The college was also highly supportive and accommodating in helping me in my application for registration in Australia, where a BSc in Physiotherapy from RCSI is currently recognized as equivalent to an Australian degree. Overall, my time in RCSI was invaluable. I had some great experiences and made a lot of friends along the way, and the training I received gave me a fantastic foundation for working as a Physio. Donna Baseshore (Class of 2002) First graduating class Donna has 12 years experience in the areas of outpatient orthopaedics and vestibular rehabilitation. She has attended several continuing education courses over the past decade including those with manual therapy concentration. She also has specialized training in advanced vestibular rehabilitation, Kinesio taping strategies and in the evaluation and treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction. She is currently employed by the Cumberland Orthopaedic and Spine Physical Therapy in Pennsylvania, USA. Alison Molamphy (Final Year student) RCSI hosts lots of events, making campus life fun and lively, and the learning environment is excellent. In my first year as an undergraduate, we broke into two groups for our practicals and often had one-to one teaching. If I don t know something or am unsure, I know where to go and who to ask - the staff knows us by name. I had the opportunity to do clinical practice in hospitals throughout Ireland. It has been a great experience and the added advantage of being an RCSI student is that accommodation was provided free of charge everywhere we went. This is unique among colleges. There s a mentor system in place, so if I want to go to Australia I can contact an RCSI mentor a past graduate who will help me. It s a great system and it works!
PHYSIOTHERAPY CURRICULUM ENTRY POINT ACADEMIC YEAR ACADEMIC MODULES SCHOOL LEAVER FOUNDATION YEAR Medical Physics Medicinal & Pharmaceutical Chemistry Human Biology Human Systems Professionalism Biomedical Laboratory Sciences Introduction to Diseases, Diagnostics & Therapeutics Introduction to Physiotherapy Practice GRADUATE 1 Anatomy Manual and Physical Therapies Musculoskeletal Physiology Movement Studies Methods of Enquiry Physics Health, Behaviour and Patient Safety Professional Development Clinical Attachment 2 Neuroscience Anatomy Neuroscience Psychology RCV Neurology Research Methods Professional Development Advanced Musculoskeletal Clinical Attachments 3 Advanced Physiotherapy Practice I (sports, women s health, paediatrics) Research Methods Advanced Physiotherapy Practice Care of the Elderly Clinical Attachments RCSI Admissions Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland Coláiste Ríoga na Máinleá in Éirinn 123 St Stephen s Green, Dublin 2 Tel: +353 1 402 2248/2228 Email: admissions@rcsi.ie www.rcsi.ie/admissions EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE IN SURGERY MEDICINE PHARMACY PHYSIOTHERAPY NURSING & MIDWIFERY RESEARCH LEADERSHIP POSTGRADUATE STUDIES RADIOLOGY DENTISTRY SPORTS & EXERCISE MEDICINE