Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Assisting and Caring for Others Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
•   Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Performing for or Working Directly with the Public Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
•   Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
•   Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
•   Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Working Life

As a sports physiotherapist, you could work with top professional sports people, amateurs or people who do sports as a leisure activity. Your work would include:

• examining and diagnosing injuries
• planning treatment programmes
• using methods such as manipulation, massage, heat treatment, electrotherapy and hydrotherapy
• keeping records of patient's treatment and progress.

If you deal with sports professionals, you would work in a team with coaches, other health care professionals and sports scientists.

You could specialise in a particular sport, or in a particular aspect of physiotherapy, such as rehabilitation.

You need to be able to work calmly under pressure, and to be able to make judgements confidently. You will be expected to give accurate timescales for when players may be able to start playing again, both to coaches and players themselves. There is quite a lot of lifting and carrying involved in this job such as packing kits, packing equipment, carrying equipment and setting up equipment.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Plan, prepare, or carry out individually designed programmes of physical treatment to maintain, improve, or restore physical functioning, alleviate pain, or prevent physical dysfunction in patients.
• Perform and document an initial exam, evaluating data to identify problems and determine a diagnosis prior to intervention.
• Record prognosis, treatment, response, and progress in patient's chart or enter information into computer.
• Instruct patient and family in treatment procedures to be continued at home.
• Evaluate effects of treatment at various stages and adjust treatments to achieve maximum benefit.
• Confer with the patient, medical practitioners, or appropriate others to plan, implement, or assess the intervention program.
• Administer manual exercises, massage, or traction to help relieve pain, increase patient strength, or decrease or prevent deformity or crippling.
• Obtain patients' informed consent to proposed interventions.
• Test and measure patient's strength, motor development and function, sensory perception, functional capacity, or respiratory or circulatory efficiency and record data.
• Direct, supervise, assess, and communicate with supportive personnel.

Further Information

• Sports Physiotherapist- from: N.C.S. [UK]

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.

 Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

CORU Requirements

There are a variety of study routes for students wishing to pursue a career in the health and social care professions. However, not all courses lead to the direct path of being able to practise in Ireland once qualified. In Ireland, if you want to practise as a Physiotherapist - Sports , you must be registered with CORU, - Ireland's regulator of health and social care professionals.

One of the functions of the Registration Boards at CORU is to approve and monitor education and training programmes. The purpose of regulating education and training programmes is to ensure that all graduates entering the Register meet the necessary standards and have the knowledge and skills required for public protection. This ensures the delivery of safe and effective practise to the benefit of the service user.

What does this mean when selecting a course to study in Ireland?

This is the current list of Approved Qualifications to work as a Physiotherapist - Sports . If you achieve one of these qualifications, you are eligible to apply for CORU registration.

What about studying abroad, and practising in Ireland once qualified?

If your professional qualification is awarded outside of Ireland and you want to register and work in Ireland, the process is a little more complex. You must first apply to have that qualification recognised by the Registration Board for your profession.

To be eligible to apply for recognition of your international qualification, you must have completed professional training, which gives you eligibility to practise your profession in the country where you were awarded the qualification.

The Registration Board will assess your qualification as well as any other relevant qualifications and work experience for compliance with the standards required for practising in Ireland.

If you are unsure about health and social care regulation, CORU is happy to help with any questions. You can contact CORU at [email protected]

According to The Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists, the professional body representing physiotherapists in Ireland.  Chartered Physiotherapists have a four-year full-time degree and 1,000 hours of clinical placement in public health services as part of that degree programme and also have expertise in musculoskeletal, cardio-respiratory and neurological conditions. CORU operates a register for occupation and approved qualifications.

Physiotherapy is a highly competitive profession in Ireland, with a limited number of undergraduate places available each year.

While the CAO Level 8 degree route is the most direct pathway, there are a number of alternative routes that may also lead to qualification as a physiotherapist, either in Ireland or abroad.

Main pathways and important considerations

1. Direct CAO Entry – Level 8 Physiotherapy Degrees

These undergraduate programmes are CORU-approved and represent the most direct route to practising as a physiotherapist in Ireland.

Universities offering Level 8 Physiotherapy through the CAO:

• University College Dublin (UCD)

• University of Limerick (UL)

• Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI)

• Trinity College Dublin (TCD)

• Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Letterkenny Campus

2. Direct Entry (Non-CAO)

Some private colleges offer direct entry physiotherapy programmes outside the CAO system.

• Chevron College – Level 8 Physiotherapy (fees apply)

Students considering private providers should always confirm professional recognition and eligibility to practise in Ireland.

3. CAO Level 6 / Pre-Degree Routes (Ireland)

These programmes do not qualify graduates as physiotherapists but may allow progression to physiotherapy degree programmes abroad.

Examples include:

• Health Science with Physiotherapy Studies – ATU Letterkenny

• Physiology and Health Science – SETU Carlow

Graduates from these programmes may apply to physiotherapy degrees in the UK and across Europe.

4. QQI / PLC Pathways – Important Considerations

There are many QQI Level 5 and 6 courses in physiotherapy studies, sports science, and exercise science.

Important:

Not all QQI courses are accepted for progression to physiotherapy degree programmes. However, these courses can:

• Lead to careers in related areas such as athletic therapy and strength & conditioning

• Provide progression routes to physiotherapy degrees in the UK and Europe

Example QQI Pathway:

Pre-University Physiotherapy – Coláiste Íde Finglas (Level 6, 1 year)

Possible progression routes include:

• Mature student entry to Trinity College Dublin and RCSI

• Direct pathway to Portobello Institute

• Physiotherapy degrees in the Netherlands

• Ulster University and other UK institutions

Ulster University accepts QQI applicants from these courses to its Physiotherapy degree with:

• 4 Distinctions and 4 Merits

• MSAT assessment required

• Please note: No tuition fees apply to all applicants (LC / QQI / Mature) regardless of whether this is their first degree or not.

5. Physiotherapy-Related Careers (Alternative but Allied Routes)

There are several CAO and QQI routes to careers closely related to physiotherapy.

Important:

Graduates in these roles generally cannot work in hospital settings but are employed in sports, rehabilitation, private practice and community settings.

Examples include:

• Athletic and Rehabilitation Therapy – TUS Athlone

• Athletic Therapy and Exercise Rehabilitation – ATU Letterkenny

• Athletic Therapy and Training – DCU

• Sports Rehabilitation and Athletic Therapy – SETU Carlow

• Exercise Science – SETU Waterford

• Sports Science & Health – Maynooth University

Some graduates from these programmes may later progress to postgraduate physiotherapy programmes in Ireland or abroad.

6. Postgraduate Entry – Level 9 Physiotherapy (Ireland)

Postgraduate physiotherapy programmes are typically:

• Two years full-time

• Fee-paying (€11,000–€17,000 per year)

Entry requirements vary from a degree in any discipline to sports/exercise science, human physiology, human biology, biomedical sciences, nursing, occupational therapy, physical education, athletic therapy & rehabilitation.

Institutions offering postgraduate physiotherapy include:

• University College Dublin (UCD)

• University of Limerick (UL)

• University College Cork (UCC)

• Dublin City University (DCU)

• Portobello Institute

Final Advice and Tips

Students should always:

• Check CORU     recognition where relevant

• Research progression routes carefully

• Consider timelines, costs, and locations

• Seek guidance before committing to a pathway

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: physiology and health science, sports and leisure management, pre university physiotherapy, sports physio, sports and physical therapy, holistic and physical therapies, recreation and exercise, physio assistant.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: physiology and health science, sports and leisure management, pre university physiotherapy, sports physio, sports and physical therapy, holistic and physical therapies, recreation and exercise, physio assistant.

Search for PLC Courses

If you are in a PLC course or considering taking one, you can check to see if there is a progression pathway to courses in the CAO system. The following link will list all PLC courses that are related to the Healthcare sector in Ireland. Use the filters on that page to narrow your search as required. 

Search Progression Routes

Note: Courses completed at PLC/FET level require specific FETAC awards and modules to meet minimum entry requirements to apply via CAO for a place under the HELS Higher Education Links Scheme.

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate)
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.

Example search terms include: nutrition and health science, physiology and health science, physiotherapy, sports studies physiology and massage, health physiology.

Search for CAO Courses

Tertiary Education Programmes

Tertiary Education Programmes are a new pathway to a bachelor's degree.  Students spend the first year in Carlow Institute of Further Education and Training (FET) then progress to South East Technical University (SETU) Waterford campus for years 2 and 3 of the Bachelor of Science in Applied Health Care (L7). Successful completion gives you the option to apply for an add on year to achieve a L8 qualification. This will allow you to access post-graduate MSc programmes in Healthcare and Physiotherapy in the UK.

Further information on this programme is available here.

Search Tertiary Education Programmes

Mature Entry

All candidates are required to apply through CAO. Mature Entry is for those that are 23 years of age or older by 1st January in the year of entry. Mature entry route is based on applying for a course via www.cao.ie by 1st February. Applicants may be required to sit an assessment test or attend an interview. 

Places are limited and mature applicants must satisfy the minimum entry requirements for the programme and will also be assessed based on each Colleges [RPL] Recognition of prior learning.

Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).

Example search terms include: physiotherapy, sports and exercise medicine, exercise physiology, GAMSAT exam.

Search for Postgraduate Courses

Note: for Irish physiotherapy students studying outside the Republic of Ireland

Irish physiotherapy students studying outside the Republic of Ireland should be aware that they may find it difficult to obtain a clinical placement in an Irish public health facility as part of their undergraduate training. Please note that the following is HSE policy:

Priority for Placements of undergraduate physiotherapists in Irish Public Health System PROTOCOL Priority will be given for students in the following agreed courses:

• BSc in Occupational Therapy – TCD, NUIG, UCC
• MSc in Occupational Therapy – UL
• BSc in Physiotherapy – UCD, TCD, RCSI, UL
• BSc in Speech and Language Therapy – TCD, NUIG, UCC
• MSc in Speech and Language Therapy – UL

Consideration requires to be given to the following:

1. Irish citizens studying outside the Republic of Ireland.
2. Additional courses.
3. Northern Ireland and UK students.
4. Other EU and international requests.

Career/ Professional Development 

Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world. 

In the HSE you could progress your career as a Senior Physiotherapist or as a Clinical Specialist in a specific area such as orthopaedics, neurology or working with children. Further information on clinical, management and educational pathways for career progression in the HSE is available here    .

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: physiology, health science, sports and leisure management, pre university, physiotherapy, sports physio, sports, physical therapy, holistic and physical therapies, recreation and exercise, physio assistant.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: physiology, health science, sports and leisure management, pre university, physiotherapy, sports physio, sports, physical therapy, holistic and physical therapies, recreation and exercise, physio assistant.

Search for PLC Courses

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate) 
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.

Example search terms include: nutrition, health science, physiology, physiotherapy, sports studies, physiology and massage, health physiology.

Search for CAO Courses

Sports Physiotherapy is a post-graduate qualification.

• UCD offer a 2-year Graduate Diploma in Sport Physiotherapy which is open to physiotherapists eligible for ISCP registration with 2 years experience. A 2-year Master's programme in Sports Physiotherapy is also available at UCD.

• NUIG offer a 2-year Master's in Sports & Exercise Physiotherapy which is open to chartered physiotherapy graduates (BSc Physiotherapy NUI) or another university deemed acceptable, with a minimum of two years experience post qualification.

You must first become a Chartered Physiotherapist:

1. Complete a recognised three or four year undergraduate university degree course (or a 2 year accelerated entry to practice MSc) which includes at a minimum 1,000 hours of clinical practice
2. Be accepted as a member of the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists/ CORU reg

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €41k - €93k

Salaries vary by employer, location, duties, role, experience, and sessional shift pattern & conditions.

Data Source(s):
HSE/ Indeed

Last Updated: July, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include:  Physiotherapists, Occupational therapists, Speech and language therapists, Therapy professionals n.e.c.  

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2025).

Employment in this occupation has been growing annually since 2022, with an additional 1,200 persons employed since 2023. Over three-quarters of those employed were women and almost a third were working part-time.

Employment permits issued spanned various therapist roles (e.g. physio, occupational, speech & language) and chiropractors. The delivery of Sláintecare, particularly in terms of community care and mental health services, will require additional staffing in these occupations as will the Education Therapy Service outlined above.

The number of awards relating to therapy and rehabilitation have remained stable in recent years, at approximately 1,200 awards annually between 2019 and 2023; with enrolments levels largely unchanged in recent years, output is not expected to increase in the short-term.

A new tertiary occupational therapy degree was announced in May 2025, although the number of places is unlikely to be sufficient to meet demand.

Although demand is evident, the numbers employed in each of the therapy categories are too small to allow for detailed analysis and to determine the extent to which shortages exist. A new workforce plan, as detailed in the Programme for Government, will help to determine the extent to which shortages are occurring in these roles.

Shortage:

Inconclusive

• Sport Ireland

  • Sport Ireland National Sports Campus, Snugborough Road, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15
  • (01) 8608800
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• CORU - Regulating Health & Social Care Professionals

  • Infinity Building, George’s Court, George’s Lane, Smithfield, Dublin 7, D07 E98Y
  • (01) 293 3160
  • [email protected]/ [email protected]/ [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists

  • Royal College of Surgeons, St Stephen's Green, Dublin 2
  • (01) 402 2148
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here