ATU’s Athletic Therapy Programme a game changer for student learning and the campus community

The Athletic Therapy & Exercise Rehabilitation programme at Atlantic Technological University (ATU) is transforming the university's sports teams and the campus community with its Student Led Clinic.    

Designed to give students hands-on experience in their field, the programme offers a dynamic blend of academic learning and practical application through placements with the university’s sports teams and a student-led injury clinic. 

As part of their third-year curriculum, students on the programme are assigned to ATU's Donegal sports teams, where they serve as the first point of contact for any injury-related concerns. They provide services such as emergency first aid, injury assessment, and rehabilitation planning, all under the supervision of experienced mentors. This exposure helps students develop essential skills, from clinical reasoning to on-the-spot decision-making, preparing them for diverse roles in private practice, sports teams, or self-employment. 

The initiative immerses students in real-world scenarios- on-field injuries, diagnosing conditions like hamstring or ACL tears, and devising rehabilitation strategies for common athletic injuries.  

Michael Murphy, Head of Sport at ATU's Donegal Letterkenny Campus, highlighted the initiative’s value: 
“This programme allows our students to put theory into practice in a real-world environment. Working with our sports teams provides them with invaluable experience that helps build the confidence, skills, and professionalism needed for a successful career in athletic therapy. It's exciting to see how this initiative not only supports our teams but also contributes to the development of future professionals in the field. Second-year students also benefit from peer mentoring, with third-year students guiding them through the demands of athletic therapy, further enhancing learning across year groups.” 

In addition to their team placements, the students run a free injury clinic for ATU’s Donegal athletes, with plans to expand services to staff and students. Under the guidance of lecturer Ciara Mulrooney, students lead appointments, from injury diagnosis and clinical testing to treatments such as soft tissue therapy and electrotherapy. The clinic also provides personalised rehabilitation plans, ensuring that those receiving care have a clear path to recovery. 

Dervla Dunnion, a third-year student from Ballybofey, says this course embodies the blend of both athletic therapy with an mphasis on sports related injuries. She added:  
“Being able to put our skills to use in student led clinics and throughout our placement is very valuable and exciting. The college has many teams that require athletic therapists on board for games and training, and the skills and experience you gain from placement is critical in our learning.” 

Nicola Dunnion, Head of the Department of Tourism and Sport at ATU's Donegal Letterkenny Campus, says the initiative is a win-win for the ATU community, offering students a practical way to apply classroom knowledge while helping reduce the impact of injuries.  
“We are delighted to see the impact that the BSc (Hons) in Athletic Therapy & Exercise Rehabilitation programme has already had on our campus, and soon, across the local region. The mentored, real-life experience garnered by our students will greatly enhance their employment prospects post-graduation. This initiative is growing in strength and complements the other sporting courses offered at ATU.” 

With plans to run the initiative annually, the Athletic Therapy team anticipates a greater need for student-led clinics as demand grows among athletes, staff, and students seeking injury support.

Photo caption: ATU students gaining hands-on experience in injury assessment and rehabilitation during the sports event. 

Ivana Hanjs    
Communications Officer     
Ollscoil Teicneolaíochta an Atlantaigh (OTA), Éire    
Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Ireland    
Tel: +353 89 963 9559     
E: ivana.hanjs@atu.ie