Program Overview
Trinity College Dublin's B.Sc. (Physio.) Honours Bachelor Degree in Physiotherapy is a four-year program that prepares students to become competent physiotherapists. The program combines theoretical knowledge with clinical placements, allowing students to gain experience in various specialties. Graduates are eligible for membership in the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists and are highly sought after in a wide range of healthcare settings.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The B.Sc. (Physio.) Honours Bachelor Degree in Physiotherapy at Trinity College Dublin is a four-year full-time program that aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become competent professional physiotherapists. The program emphasizes the importance of functional movement in overall health and involves treating patients of all ages with various illnesses and conditions. Graduates of the program are eligible for membership in the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists, the accrediting body for physiotherapy in Ireland.
Outline:
The program consists of a combination of theoretical and clinical components. In the first two years, students focus on building a foundation of theoretical knowledge in subjects such as physiology, anatomy, physics, chemistry, pathology, and exercise. They also begin to study various conditions and specialties frequently seen in physiotherapy, such as respiratory and musculoskeletal conditions. In the third and fourth years, students spend up to 50% of their time on clinical placements in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, day centers, and private and community practices. These placements allow students to gain experience in specialist areas of physiotherapy, including neurology, respiratory care, coronary care, orthopedics, women's health, care of the elderly, sports, and outpatients. In the fourth year, students have the opportunity to develop specialized knowledge in a particular area of physiotherapy and undertake a research project. They also study subjects such as sports and exercise medicine, ergonomics, professional issues, and advances in physiotherapy.
Assessment:
Students are assessed through a combination of end-of-year written examinations, tests in certain subjects (such as anatomy), submitted assignments, and continuous assessment during clinical placements. Practical exams are also conducted to evaluate students' skills in patient assessment.
Teaching:
The program is taught by a team of experienced and qualified faculty members, including physiotherapists, physicians, and other healthcare professionals. Teaching methods include lectures, practical classes, tutorials, and clinical placements. The program also incorporates a multidisciplinary approach, allowing students to share courses with students in other health science disciplines.
Careers:
Graduates of the program are highly sought after in a wide range of settings, including hospitals, clinics, private practices, and sports teams. They can work with a variety of conditions or specialize in areas such as sports medicine, neurology, cardiology, respiratory, research, education, management, or private practice.
Other:
The program is based in the Trinity Centre for Health Sciences at St. James's Hospital, a purpose-built complex that houses other health science disciplines. The center is located about 3km from the main campus and is beside a Luas station on the line running between Tallaght and Connolly Station.
