Therapeutic Exercise Program

The Therapeutic Exercise program is a core treatment used in physiotherapy practice. This module aims to increase knowledge on the benefits of physical activity and exercise, and to develop skills and advanced reasoning of therapeutic exercise for use in physiotherapy practice.

Program Details

• Award: Micro-credential
• Duration: 3 months
• Mode of delivery: Hybrid - Part-time
• Credits: 5 ECTS
• Next start date: October 2026
• Tuition fees: €750

About the Program

This module uses a case-based approach to integrate knowledge, practical skills, and advanced clinical reasoning to design, apply, justify, and evaluate the outcome of evidence-based safe tailored physical activity and exercise programs.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the benefits and risks of exercise and physical activity, and the physiological and psychological responses to exercise.
• Apply advanced clinical reasoning to justify therapeutic exercise in the context of evolving evidence.
• Demonstrate an understanding and application of the principles of therapeutic exercise in a range of populations.
• Demonstrate the ability to perform safe, appropriate, and evidence-based assessment for exercise prescription.
• Demonstrate the ability to design, apply, justify, and evaluate the outcome of evidence-based safe tailored exercise programs.

Progression Options

This module can be undertaken as a micro-credential or stacked to build to a higher award – MSc in Advanced Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy.

Module Content

Module content includes:

• Fundamentals of exercise testing and prescription
• Principles of self-management and exercise adherence
• Physiological impairments in bone, joint, and neuromuscular health across the lifespan
• Pain and exercise across the lifespan
• Psychosocial effects of exercise
• Strength and conditioning
• Motor control training
• Optimal loading of neuromusculoskeletal systems
• Integrated rehabilitation programs for complex presentations
• Case studies

Schedule

This program is delivered part-time through a blend of online content and activities and four in-person classes of three-hour duration. Access to online material is available from October, with the assignment due in January.

Assessment Format

An individual assignment (case study) makes up 100% of the assessment for this program.

Accreditation and Recognition

RCSI is proud to be a recognized University of the National University of Ireland (NUI). Recognition by Ministries and bodies in other jurisdictions must be determined by the individual applicants.

Admissions

Entry Requirements

To be considered for entry into the program, applicants must:

• Be a CORU registered physiotherapist (or equivalent)
• Hold a bachelor's degree. If you don't hold a bachelor's degree, please see the recognition of prior learning pathway outlined below.

English Language Requirements

English language requirements for Postgraduate programs are published on the RCSI website.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

If you do not have an undergraduate degree at level 7 or above, you may still be eligible to apply through recognition of prior learning (RPL). RPL is the assessment of knowledge, skills, and competence previously acquired.

Fees and Funding

• Total fees: €750 (needs to be paid on acceptance of the course)
• Fee includes: All resources and access to the online learning portal.
• Refund policy: RCSI accepts no obligation to refund any fee, or part thereof, in respect of a student who chooses to withdraw from a program.

Suitable for

This program is ideal for physiotherapists hoping to expand their knowledge and skills in the area of therapeutic exercise.

Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI)

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