Athletic Therapy and Training

Program Overview

The Athletic Therapy and Training program at DCU equips graduates with the knowledge and skills to excel in the field of sports medicine. The intensive, practical program combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience, preparing students for diverse career paths as athletic therapists, trainers, or researchers. Graduates enjoy excellent employment prospects and competitive salaries, with the program being accredited by Athletic Rehabilitation Therapy Ireland (ARTI) for professional recognition and international mobility.

Program Outline

Athletic Therapy and Training at DCU: A Comprehensive Breakdown

Degree Overview:

• Objective: The program seeks to equip graduates with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to excel as athletic therapists and trainers.
• Focus: The curriculum emphasizes musculoskeletal medicine and injury prevention, assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation, preparing students for diverse career paths.
• Structure: This intensive, highly practical program combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience, starting from the second year.
• Benefits: Graduates enjoy excellent employment prospects in sports medicine, musculoskeletal clinics, sports teams, or as independent athletic therapists and trainers.

Outline:

Year 1:

• Foundational Subjects: Anatomy, Strength and Conditioning 1, Physics for Health Science, Motor Control and Learning, Introduction to Athletic Therapy and Training, Sport and Exercise Physiology, Strength and Conditioning 2.

Year 2:

• Advanced Topics: Injuries, Introduction to Clinical Practice, Sport and Exercise Biomechanics, Integrated Sport and Exercise Physiology, Emergency Care, Injury Prevention, Ethics, Medicolegal and Consultation Skills, Psychology of Injury.

Year 3:

• Clinical Focus: Injuries, Nutrition, Soft Tissue Therapies, Injury, Exercise and Sport Biomechanics, Rehabilitation and Chronic Illness Rehabilitation, Clinical Reasoning in Practice, Applied Modalities and Clinical Practice, New Enterprise Development, Research Methods.

Year 4:

• Extensive Practical Experience: Clinical Experience, Independent Clinical Practice, Medicine in Sport, Research Project, Strength and Conditioning 3, Developing the Clinician and the Strength and Conditioning Professional.
• (Optional) Year 5: Master's in Athletic Therapy and Strength and Conditioning, including subjects like Conditioning Exercise as Medicine, Strength and Conditioning 4, Clinical Exercise Physiology for Strength and Conditioning, Research Project 2, Advanced Clinical and Rehabilitation Experience, Planning Skills for Sport Professionals.

Assessment:

• Variety of methods: Written exams, practical assessments, clinical placements, research projects, and presentations.
• Evaluation criteria: Emphasis on knowledge, practical skills, critical thinking, communication skills, and professional development.

Teaching:

• Experienced faculty: Renowned experts in their respective fields, including athletic therapists, physiotherapists, sports scientists, and rehabilitation specialists.
• Hands-on approach: The program emphasizes active learning through practical workshops, lab sessions, and extensive clinical placements.
• Access to modern facilities: Students utilize the university's state-of-the-art facilities, including rehabilitation labs, gyms, and sports fields.

Careers:

• High employability: Graduates enjoy a wide range of career opportunities, including:
• Athletic therapists and trainers in sports medicine clinics and teams.
• Musculoskeletal therapists in private practice or rehabilitation centers.
• Researchers in the field of sports medicine and exercise science.
• Salary prospects: Competitive salaries and excellent career progression opportunities.

Other:

• Accreditation: The program is accredited by Athletic Rehabilitation Therapy Ireland (ARTI), providing graduates with professional recognition and international mobility.
• Internationally recognized: The program attracts students from around the world, fostering a diverse and multicultural learning environment.

Additional Resources:

• Course webpage: https://www.dcu.ie/courses/undergraduate/bachelors-science-athletic-therapy-and-training
• Faculty of Health and Human Performance: https://www.dcu.ie/faculties/health-human-performance
Please refer to the official DCU program website and contact the relevant department for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

Full time €3,043 per annum EU Status Fee €8,415 per annum Non EU Fee. €19,200 per annum