A Career as a Physiotherapist in Ireland
If you’re passionate about helping people stay active and improve their quality of life, a career as a Physiotherapist in Ireland could be a perfect fit. It’s more than just a job, it’s a chance to make a real difference while building a rewarding and meaningful career.
Physiotherapists are part of a clinical workforce called Health & Social Care Professionals. Once qualified you can work in a variety of settings including acute hospital wards, rehabilitation services and community settings in patient homes.
Education & Training
Becoming a Physiotherapist opens the door to a fulfilling career focused on improving people’s mobility and quality of life. Whether you’re starting out or looking to build on previous studies, there are different educational paths to help you qualify.
- Tertiary degrees that provide seamless pathways from Further Education to Higher Education.
- Undergraduate BSc in Physiotherapy Honours Degree
- NFQ Level 8 course plus an MSc in Physiotherapy University Degree
Where Can You Study Physiotherapy in Ireland
Universities which offer excellent Physiotherapy courses in Ireland include:
- University College Dublin (UCD)
- Trinity College Dublin (TCD)
- University of Limerick (UL)
- National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG)
These programs mix classes with real-world training to give students the clinical skills they need to succeed.
CORU Registration
All Physiotherapists must register with CORU, the regulatory body for Health and Social Care Professionals in Ireland. This ensures that practitioners meet the professional standards necessary to provide safe and effective care. If you are an internationally trained Physiotherapist, CORU also assesses overseas qualifications, making Ireland an accessible destination for global talent.
If you have been qualified outside Ireland you can find further information on relocation and registration here.
Where Can I Work as a Physiotherapist in Ireland
Physiotherapists work across a number of settings including hospitals, community healthcare organisations and private practices.
Hospitals: In hospitals, they play a crucial role in various wards such as acute care, rehabilitation, orthopedics, and neurology.
Community: Within the community, Physiotherapists may work in local hospitals, health centers, or provide in-home care, directly to patients.
Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation centers offer another avenue, focusing on the recovery of individuals following injury or illness.
Private practice: Many Physiotherapists also choose to establish private practices, offering a wide range of services to the general public.
Additionally, they are integral to sports organisations, where they support both professional and amateur athletes through injury management, rehabilitation, and preventative care. Opportunities also exist in research and academic settings, allowing Physiotherapists to contribute to the advancement of the field.
Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists
The Society of Chartered Physiotherapists is a professional group that supports Physiotherapists in their work. It helps members stay up to date, offers training and resources, and supports quality care in Physiotherapy. Being part of this society can help Physiotherapists grow in their careers and connect with others in the field.
Opportunities for Career Progression
Once you’re qualified, you can work in different places such as hospitals and rehab centers. New graduates and experienced professionals alike can find opportunities to specialise in areas such as orthopedics, neurology, pediatrics, or sports therapy.
Physiotherapy Pay in Ireland: What to Expect
A common question from those starting their career is what to expect in terms of pay. Salaries can vary widely based on factors like experience, location, and the type of employer.
Entry-level Physiotherapists typically earn less than those with more experience, and senior or specialist roles tend to offer higher pay. Working in private practice or areas like sports medicine may also provide opportunities for increased earnings, especially with additional training or expertise. For detailed information on public sector pay, you can refer to the HSE pay scales.
Why Choose Ireland?
In addition to competitive pay and abundant job opportunities, Ireland offers friendly communities, stunning natural landscapes, and an exceptional quality of life. For international candidates, Ireland provides a professional healthcare system and globally respected universities. Moreover, the close-knit healthcare community fosters strong professional networks and ample opportunities for continuous growth and development.
Summary
Working as a Physiotherapist in Ireland means helping others and building your career at the same time. To learn more about Physiotherapy jobs in Ireland you can visit our website.
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