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Tell us a little bit about yourself and what led you to choose your course?
I have played multiple sports from a young age, starting with Gaelic football at the age of four. My two main sports have been Gaelic football and gymnastics, and I have suffered my fair share of injuries and completed numerous rehabilitation plans. When completing my UCAS form, I decided to complete my CAO form as well to give myself some extra options. I noticed ATU’s Athletic Therapy and Exercise Rehabilitation course and became interested in what it had to offer.
I have always had an interest in completing a degree where I could help people, and with this degree, I can do that while also developing a better understanding of injuries I have suffered, as well as injuries I have never encountered before. Seeing that both ARTI and REPs Ireland certifications are available alongside the course was also a huge bonus, as not many degrees offer the opportunity to earn professional certifications while completing your degree.
What are your favourite modules on the course?
I loved the Psychology module in third year, as I have always had an interest in the psychological aspect of injuries and how they can affect an athlete’s recovery. I found it particularly interesting to learn how small changes in the way you speak to a client can change their perspective on their rehabilitation.
Furthermore, I enjoy the Injury Diagnostics module, as it gives you an insight into so many injuries that you may never have seen or heard of before. Some injuries you may never encounter in real life, but simply knowing that they exist can make a difference when working with clients.
Is there anything else about your course that you particularly enjoy or find beneficial? E.g. work placements, practical projects, etc.
I enjoy all the practical aspects of this course, especially now that we have the newly allocated Athletic Therapy room. This allows us to have a dedicated space to complete our student-led clinics, where students and staff from the college can come in and be treated by us. Whether they simply want a massage or are suffering from an injury, it allows us to gain valuable experience and practice before heading into the big, bad real world!
What is the best thing about your course that you think new applicants should know?
One of the best things about this course is the opportunities you can get from it! You receive EFR and C-EFR training through the course, which is beneficial for all aspects of life. It also allows you to work with your local first responder team.
You get to hear from some amazing practitioners from all over Ireland and beyond about their experiences as athletic therapists, how they have helped people recover from injuries, and how some have gone on to open their own clinics.
Finally, the hands-on experience from this course is phenomenal. From practising on skeletons to working with real people, you get to work with a wide range of people within the college from all different backgrounds. This gives you a great insight into what working in the industry could be like outside of college.
If you were speaking with a first-year student about to start your course, what advice would you give them?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions! If you don’t want to ask them in person, email your lecturer. They are always happy to help, and most of the time, you’re not the only one with a question. In first year, most of the class usually doesn’t know what’s going on, but that’s completely normal, you’re all there to learn new things!
Also, be hands-on. Practice makes perfect! Don’t be afraid to ask your classmates, housemates, friends, or even family members if you can practise on them. Whether it’s special testing for injuries or soft-tissue treatment, you need to get used to working with people and understanding that no two people are the same.
If you are involved in sport, volunteering, working, or have other passions you pursue outside of your academic life, can you tell us about that?
I never played sport during my time here at ATU due to injuries. However, during second and third year, I completed pitch-side work with multiple sports teams. This allowed me to meet new people, learn about new sports, and practise and learn what it is like to work with a variety of teams. This experience helped prepare me for working with teams outside of the college.
What are your plans after ATU and what long-term goals are you aiming for?
After my time at ATU, my long-term goals include securing a job in a clinic, as well as continuing to work with sports teams, with the dream of opening my own clinic someday. It is also an interest of mine to work internationally with athletes, particularly those who play sports that are not as common in Ireland.