PLC (Further Education - FET)

Certificate

Pre-University Physiotherapy

Dunboyne College of Further Education
Dunboyne College of Further Education
Course Code
5M3807
Zone
Level
NFQ Type
Major
Duration
1 Year
Attendance
Full Time

Course Summary

Course Category: PLC (Further Education - FET) - Apply directly to College

This one-year introductory course explores the core principles of rehabilitation and the therapeutic techniques used to treat injury, illness, and disability. Students gain a deep understanding of human anatomy and the impact of impaired mobility on physical performance, learning practical skills such as therapeutic exercise, massage, and taping. By blending clinical insights with patient handling and care implementation, the program ensures graduates meet HSE standards, equipping them to effectively support therapy plans and help clients restore their mobility and overall function.

Certification:

  • Level 5 Laboratory Techniques 5M3807

Course Details

Dunboyne College of Further Education
College Link  >  Pre-University Physiotherapy

Colleges often have information about the course on their own website, along with other useful information relating to the college. (Note: Not always available)

This course prepares you for working in the following Career Sectors:

What will you study?

    Physiotherapy Assistant Practice
    Physiotherapy Assistant Therapy Theory
    Biology
    Physics
    Chemistry
    Mathematics
    Laboratory Techniques
    Body Massage and Figure Analysis
    Kinesiology
    Care Support
    Infection Prevention and Control
    Anatomy and Physiology
    Safety and Health at Work
    Communications
    Work Experience
Important
  • Colleges may add/remove modules to keep the course updated and to meet demands.
  • Almost all PLC courses have a Work Experience module, which requires students to find their own placement in an area directly related to their course.

Progression to CAO Courses

Higher Education Links Scheme (HELS)

This course results in a QQI Major Award, and provides progression opportunities to a number of Higher Education courses, including those in the CAO.

To view CAO courses to which this award provides a direct progression route, click below:

QQI Code

To calculate Points based on your QQI award results, use the PLC Points Calculator.

The Student - Career Interests

This course 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.

Naturalist

Not surprisingly, some aspect of the natural sciences will run through the Naturalist's interests - from ecological awareness to nutrition and health. People with an interest in horticulture, land usage and farming (including fish) are Naturalists.

Some Naturalists focus on animals rather than plants, and may enjoy working with, training, caring for, or simply herding them. Other Naturalists will prefer working with the end result of nature's produce - the food produced from plants and animals. Naturalists like solving problems with solutions that show some sensitivity to the environmental impact of what they do. They like to see practical results and prefer action to talking and discussing.

Further Research

National Statistics for this Award (All Ireland)

The following data provides general information about this Award from colleges across Ireland.

Disclaimer: These links are to web sites outside of CareersPortal and we accept no responsibility for the information on them.

Career Progression

Graduates of this course can access multiple academic pathways, including progression to related Level 8 degrees followed by a Level 9 Masters in Physiotherapy at institutions like UL, UCD, and UCC. The qualification also opens doors to undergraduate physiotherapy programs in the UK and various Level 7 or 8 degrees across Ireland, with mature students remaining eligible for direct university applications. Beyond further education, the course provides a clear route to immediate employment, qualifying students to work as Physiotherapy Assistants or Healthcare Assistants within the broader medical industry.

College Profile

Colleges News

Dunboyne College Applications Open
Posted by Dunboyne College of Further Education
Close