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Athletic Therapy and Exercise Rehabilitation
Bachelor of Science (Honours)
Course Details
CAO Code | AU321 |
---|---|
Level | 8 |
Duration | 4 Years |
CAO Points | 357 (2024) |
Method of Delivery | On-campus |
Campus Locations | Donegal – Letterkenny |
Mode of Delivery | Full Time |
Work placement | Yes |
Course Overview
Our Bachelor of Science in Athletic Therapy and Exercise Rehabilitation is a four-year programme that equips learners with the knowledge and clinical skills to successfully diagnose, manage, and treat injuries in high-performance athletes, recreational exercisers, and the general public.
Sport and exercise are critical for health and performance and there is high demand for graduates with the ability to deliver rehabilitation at all levels of sport and physical activity. The programme provides training in contemporary diagnostic and therapeutic techniques.
The first two years provide the core foundation of the degree, including anatomy, physiology, and musculoskeletal assessment while the last two years develop clinical skills through student-led clinics, a work placement, and a clinical research project.
There is a strong focus on standards of professional practice. Programme accreditation by ARTI (Athletic and Rehabilitation Therapy Ireland) is pending, which will enable students in the final year to sit an examination to qualify as a Certified Athletic Therapist (CAT).
Course Details
Year 1
Semester | Module Details | Credits | Mandatory / Elective |
---|---|---|---|
1 |
Health Related Physical ActivityThis module explores the significance of physical activity in relation to health, fintess and well-being. Learners will be provided with the underpinning knowledge and skills to perform assessments and provide clients with feedback pertaining to their health and fitness. Learning Outcomes 1. Define each of the health-related components of physical fitness and discuss the benefits of improved fitness for children and adults, including factors that affect fitness and barriers to participation. |
10 | Mandatory |
1 |
Clinical Anatomy IIntroduction of the anatomy of upper and lower limbs to students. It will explore terminology, the skeletal system, joints, their classification, and muscle attachments of the upper and lower limbs including ligaments and tendons. Students will be introduced to nerves, their pathways and circulation of the body. Learning Outcomes 1. De tail relevant anatomy of the upper and lower limbs including muscle attachments, ligaments and tendons |
10 | Mandatory |
1 |
Clinical Skills IThis module is designed to introduce the fundamental skills and behaviours for professional practice as an Athletic Therapist. Students are educated on professionalism, communication skills, the role of an Athletic Therapist and scope of practice in clinical, field-based and multidisciplinary settings. Learning Outcomes 1. Describe the role of an Athletic Therapist in a clinical, field and MDT setting |
05 | Mandatory |
1 |
Sports Study Skills 1This module aims to develop learners' interpersonal and transferable skills through professional practice and participation in a range of physical activity. This module will also provide the learner with practical knowledge of computer applications relevant to the sport, exercise and rehabilitation sector. Learning Outcomes 1. Demonstrate acceptable written and oral communication skills in the context of their own discipline of study, using a range of ICT tools effectively for communication purposes |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
Exercise Prescription and Programme DesignThe aim of this module is to provide learners with the knowledge, skills and practice in designing and delivering safe and effective exercise programmes for a range of clients including children and adults. Learning Outcomes 1. Describe the significance of the principles of exercise prescription in developing each of the components of fitness including necessary modifications in: frequency, intensity, time, type, volume, progression and adherence to meet PA guidelines for health, fitness and performance. |
10 | Mandatory |
2 |
Clinical Anatomy IIThis module is an i ntroduction to the anatomy of cervical, thoracic and lumbar spinal regions in relation to joints, ligaments, muscles and tendons. Students will learn to describe the anatomy of the head and face while also characterising the brain . Learning Outcomes 1. Locate the functional and surface anatomy of spinal regions |
10 | Mandatory |
2 |
Clinical Skills IIThis module is designed to introduce the fundamental skills and behaviours for professional practice as an Athletic Therapist. Developing students' knowledge base on clinical techniques used in practice, this module will introduce ethical considerations, the subjective assessment and use of range of motion testing while encouraging critical thinking skills. Learning Outcomes 1. Describe ethics and governing laws for an AT |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
Introduction to Human PhysiologyThis module provides an introduction of human physiology and its systems to students. It will give an overview of the body's systems and their interconnections while beginning to explore the responses to exercise in relation to physical exercise and clinical pathology. Learning Outcomes 1. Describe the physiology behind the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory , nervous, digestive, endocrine, reproductive systems |
05 | Mandatory |
Year 2
Semester | Module Details | Credits | Mandatory / Elective |
---|---|---|---|
1 |
Biomechanics & Movement AnalysisThis module aims to introduce students to the concept of biomechanics. It will help develop knowledge and understanding of how to apply biomechanical factors and its effect on athletic performance, injury reduction and neuromuscular training. Learners will attain skills required to conduct qualitative and quantitive analysis of human movement. Learning Outcomes 1. Outline the role of Biomechanics in sport, exercise and injury |
10 | Mandatory |
1 |
Sports and Exercise NutritionThe aim of this module is to provide learners with a fundamental understanding of the key role played by nutrition in health, sport and exercise. Learners will develop an understanding of the components of a healthy, balanced diet and relevant current evidence-based sports nutrition guidelines in relation to a range of athletes. Learning Outcomes 1. Explain the fundamental principles of sports nutrition and the foundation of a healthy balanced diet. |
10 | Mandatory |
1 |
Injury Diagnostics IThis module will present students with the most up-to-date clinical techniques and technological advancements in the diagnosis of injuries. Students will develop an understanding of the presentation of lower limb injuries during this module. It will expand their knowledge on biomech anical, pathological and physiological reasons relating to musculoskeletal injuries and their clincial presentation . Learning Outcomes 1. Demonstrate proficiency in orthopaedic testing relating to the lower limb |
05 | Mandatory |
1 |
Soft Tissue Manual TherapyThis module will develop the student's ability to apply a range of soft tissue therapy techniques, identifying impairments, and safe progression/regression of treatments where appropriate. It will explore the reasoning of their use in comparison to other modalities using evidence-based practice. Students will also gain clinical and team placement experience hours in this module. Learning Outcomes 1. Explain the rationale behind the physiological and psychological effects of soft tissue therapy using research |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
Sports and Exercise PhysiologyThis module examines key physiological reactions and adaptions in response to sport and exercise stress. Learners explore physiological changes at rest and during various acute and chronic types of exercise. A range of assessment techniques will be employed to evaluate physiological responses to exercise and training. Learning Outcomes 1. Identify fundamental responses of physiological systems at rest and during exercise |
10 | Mandatory |
2 |
Foundation of Strength & ConditioningThe aim of this module is to introduce the learner to the concept of Strength and Conditioning. Learners will be provided with the knowledge, skills and practical experience required to plan, prescribe and implement strength and conditioning programming to aid the development of the health and skill related components of fitness and performance. Learning Outcomes 1. Describe the underpinning concepts and principles of strength and conditioning |
10 | Mandatory |
2 |
Injury Diagnostics IIThis module will present students with the most up-to-date clinical techniques and technological advancements in the diagnosis of injuries of the upper limb and spine. Students will develop an understanding of the presentation of upper limb and spinal injuries during this module. It will expand their knowledge on biomechanical, pathological and physiological reasons relating to musculoskeletal injuries and their clinical presentation. Students will also gain experience in student led clinics and team based settings. Learning Outcomes 1. Demonstrate proficiency in orthopaedic testing relating to the upper limb and spine |
10 | Mandatory |
Year 3
Semester | Module Details | Credits | Mandatory / Elective |
---|---|---|---|
1 |
Personal Fitness InstructionThe aim of this module is to develop the learner's academic and practical knowledge, skills and capabilities to a professionally competent level to enable them to prescribe, plan and deliver, safe and effective exercise programmes within a gym or health club environment. Learning Outcomes 1. Define the role of the personal trainer, the principles that underpin personal training and act as a positive role model within the parameters of industry standards. |
10 | Mandatory |
1 |
Therapeutic Modalities IThis module will introduce students to modalities currently applied in athletic therapy practice. It will investigate the underpinning theories and explore students' understanding of the application of these modalities. Learning Outcomes 1. Explain the most up to date pathophysiological basis of injury and healing in different tissues |
05 | Mandatory |
1 |
RehabilitationIn this module, students will develop the skills to clinical ly manage a presenting injury and begin its rehabilitation in relation to spinal and upper and lower limb injuries. It will allow students to develop a return to play protocol for athletes and utilise available software/assessment methods as appropriate . Students will use evidence-based practice and critically appraise current evidence. Learning Outcomes 1. Develop a comprehensive rehabilitation programme for common injuries in the spine and lower and upper limbs |
10 | Mandatory |
1 |
Student Led Clinic IThis module will allow students the opportunity to develop clinical skills and experience through supervised clinical hours and team-based settings. In addition to furthering their knowledge, understanding and practical competence in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions, learners will develop foundational behaviours for professional practice and explore up-to-date research in Athletic Therapy practice. Students will learn how to use prophylactic strapping and supports. Learning Outcomes 1. Demonstrate foundational behaviours of professional practice, including primacy of patient, and the ability to compile notes appropriately |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
Research MethodsThe aim of the module is to critically understand the issues related to the design, methodological and implementation issues relating to research in athletic therapy and exercise rehabilitation. In particular, the module will familiarise learners with the methodologies and tools of research so as to enhance their capacity and confidence to plan and undertake research in an appropriate topic in athletic therapy and exercise rehabilitation. Learning Outcomes 1. Identify and apply appropriate methodological techniques for research. |
10 | Mandatory |
2 |
Clinical RehabilitationDuring this module students will learn about clinical rehabilitation of different populations, such as chronic illnesses, elderly, paediatrics and adolescents. They will investigate the causes or different presentations of injuries within these groups and how to rehabilitate and educate them accordingly. Learning Outcomes 1. Investigate social determinants of health and the role of health promotion in clinical and athletic populations |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
Therapeutic Modalities IIThis module will expand students' knowledge of modalities currently applied in athletic therapy practice. It will investigate the underpinning theories and explore students' understanding of the application of these modalities by critically analysing the evidence relating to their clinical use. Learning Outcomes 1. Critically appraise the research underpinning manual therapy. |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
Psychology of Injury & RehabilitationThe aim of this module is to develop students understanding and skills to assess and critical analyse certain situations within sport, exercise and health settings from a psychological perspective. This module provides students with an introduction to the theory of sport and injury psychology and relevant psychosocial interventions. Students will also be introduced to general counselling and referral skills. Learning Outcomes 1. Evaluate how psychological factors influence involvement and performance in sport and exercisesettings. |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
Student Led Clinic IIStudents will attend weekly clinics to assess, diagnose and initially treat presenting injuries. Students will further their clinical reasoning skills and provide guidance to second year students on clinical skills assessments both in clinic and within a team-based setting. Students will devise emergency action plans, refresh their first aid skills and implement education strategies for injury prevention. Learning Outcomes 1. Use clinical knowledge to assess, manage and treat musculoskeletal injuries in clinic and field based settings |
05 | Mandatory |
Year 4
Semester | Module Details | Credits | Mandatory / Elective |
---|---|---|---|
1 |
Clinical Work PlacementThis module provides learners with an opportunity to apply theory to practice, develop clinical competencies and gain valuable clinical experience in athletic therapy and rehabilitation Learning Outcomes 1. Identify SMART personal and professional goals to be realised during clinical work placement |
30 | Mandatory |
2 |
Research ProjectThe Research Project provides learners with an opportunity to apply the concepts, methods and techniques which have been studied in the Research Methods module. The research project selected by the learner, in consultation with the research supervisor, will be on a topic that fits within the general philosophy of the programme. The project must show evidence of independent research and demonstrate that they critically understand the issues relating to the design, planning, writing and subsequent implementation of a level eight research project. The research project may take the form of either a thesis or a literature review and research article totalling 10,000 words. Learning Outcomes 1. Write, present and defend their research approach, analysis and conclusions/recommendations. |
20 | Mandatory |
2 |
Sports and Exercise MedicineThis module will introduce students to the field of sports medicine. Students will gain insight into doping practices, environmental factors leading to physiological changes, pharmacology and how to assess systemic disorders. It will also examine the sports medicine team and working with elite athletes. Learning Outcomes 1. Categorise pharmacological applications within exercise and injury rehabilitation |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
Student Led Clinic IIIThis module will expand students' clinical reasoning skills during student-led clinic attendance, it will also engage in entrepreneurial skills and consist of a capstone clinical examination. Learning Outcomes 1. Demonstrate evolving clinical knowledge to assess, manage and treat musculoskeletal injuries in clinic and field-based settings, adhering to best clinical practices and guidelines |
05 | Mandatory |
Progression
Follow up programmes elsewhere include:
Masters degrees in institutes and universities at home and abroad.
Download a prospectus
Entry Requirements
Leaving Certificate Entry Requirement | 6 subjects at O6/H7 |
QQI/FET Major Award Required | Any |
Additional QQI/FET/ Requirements | 3 Distinctions |
Garda Vetting | Entrants to this programme will be required to undergo vetting by An Garda Síochána. |
Testimonial
I found that even though there are thousands of students in ATU and dozens of different courses there was always lecturers, advice, resources and support available when needed. Within my course, the balance of practical based work and theory has given me not only the knowledge but an added advantage to continue and complete my Masters in Exercise and Nutrition. I could not recommend this course enough to someone interested in this line of study.
Gerard Coyle
Fees
Total Fees EU: €3000
This annual student contribution charge is subject to change by Government. Additional tuition fees may apply. Click on the link below for more information on fees, grants and scholarships.
Total Fees Non-EU: €12000
Subject to approval by ATU Governing Body (February 2025)
Further information on feesCareers
Career Pathways
The main employers are:
Health and Fitness Clubs
HSE and other National Health Services
Musculoskeletal Therapy & Rehab. Clinic
Professional Sports Clubs
Sports Nat. Gov. Bodies & Institutes
Graduate Careers
Graduate careers typically include:
Certified Athletic Therapist
Exercise Rehabilitation Instructor
Musculoskeletal Specialist
Sports Rehabilitation Practitioner
Strength & Conditioning Coach.
Further Information
Contact Information
Department of Tourism and Sport
Nicola Dunnion
Head of Department
T: +353 (0)74 9186645
E: nicola.dunnion@atu.ie
Tourism & Sport