Health Fitness Courses
Bodywork Therapy Courses
Pilates Courses
Massage Courses
Human Anatomy Dissection Courses
Information
Where We Are
NTC Head Office, Dublin
Send Quick Message
For you if you qualified with NTC before 2018!
In 2018, the National Qualification in Neuromuscular Therapy course became an accredited programme of education by the SMA, The Association for Soft Tissue Therapists, at UK Level 5 which maps to between Levels 6 and 7 on the Irish National Framework of Qualifications.
Why are there Neuromuscular Therapy Upgrade course options? In 2018, the National Qualification in Neuromuscular Therapy course received accreditation as an educational program by the SMA, The Association for Soft Tissue Therapists, at UK Level 5. This accreditation mapped to between Levels 6 and 7 on the Irish National Framework of Qualifications. The accreditation process was rigorous and involved a verification process by the SMA. The SMA cross-referenced the learning outcomes of the NTC Neuromuscular Therapy Course, both knowledge and understanding and performance criteria, to the National Occupational Standards CNH27 developed by Skills for Health. This process ensured that the course met national standards for quality and performance, and that the assessment process was fair and standardised. Additionally, the teaching staff involved in the course were appropriately audited to ensure competency and qualification to teach.
The National Qualification in Neuromuscular Therapy course is now fully recognised by the CNHC (Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council) in the UK. The CNHC is an independent register of complementary healthcare practitioners set up by the UK government to protect the public. The council provides an independent UK register of complementary healthcare practitioners, setting the standards that practitioners need to meet to get onto and then stay on the register. All CNHC registrants have agreed to be bound by the highest standards of conduct and have registered voluntarily. Additionally, all of them are professionally trained and fully insured to practice.
Since there is no similar professional standard for complementary therapy in Ireland, the NTC has chosen to adopt the UK professional standards until such time as a national register for complementary therapies is established, and professional standards have been agreed upon in the country.
The CNHC is also the holder of an Accredited Register by the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care, an independent body that is accountable to the UK Parliament. As the NTC meets all the verification process requirements, graduates of the National Qualification in Neuromuscular Therapy will be accepted onto the Massage Therapy Register approved by the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care. This means that NTC graduates will be able to practice massage therapy in the UK and adhere to the highest standards of conduct and professionalism in the field.
I’ve frequently found myself enamored by the anatomy of the human body, and have always held a desire to enter into a field of manual therapies. The NMT course has brought me to the beginning of a journey that embodies both. Beyond the comprehensive materials delivered within the course, I’ve also found that it has brought me to a community that shares in a wide breath of resources and abilities to assist in the betterment and wellness practices of life.
I am so grateful for my experience with the National Training Centre; to all the staff and tutors who always made themselves readily available, for all their guidance, their rich knowledge and aptitude to help develop myself and the other students into qualified NMTs.
With deep gratitude for Larry, Chris, John, Michelle and Kevin; you have all impacted my world in such a meaningful way.
In April 2012 I completed the Certificate level Neuromuscular Therapy course. Since I completed the course I have had massive success and progression. I had several private clients that I attained from advertising in the gym that I was working in, and also worked on a referral basis with physiotherapist David Gardiner owner of Physiotherapyworks in Naas Co.Kildare.
In August 2012 I moved to Perth, Australia where I have enjoyed even more success. I spent 8 months working at Subiaco Sports Massage and while working in this clinic I had the privilege of treating several Olympic athletes including Sir Chris Hoy of the GB cycling team and also Western Force rugby team of the super 15s competition.
I really enjoyed my time at the NTC – we really had a great group and we all keep in touch.
I have been in the Sports Massage and the treatment of occupational and sporting injuries profession for 26 years and have attended many courses to gain the necessary qualifications to give my very best to those in my care. I had read a book written by John Sharkey which was well written, extremely informative and an excellent reference source. I subsequently had the pleasure of meeting John and went on to register for a Neuromuscular Therapy programme.
It is an excellent course with lectures of the highest standard delivering essential information and first-rate techniques. Applying them in clinical practice I have seen very positive outcomes in patients of all ages. I highly recommend NTC for all therapists at any stage in their career. You will not be disappointed.
Thank you to John Sharkey and all the NTC tutors. The Advanced European Neuromuscular Therapy course has been an eye-opener for me because of my background in Personal Training and Sports Massage. I have learnt unique ways of treating pain and have been applying these techniques to my existing clients.
In particular, a long-term client of mine with knee chronic pain, after few hours of treatment her knee pain has reduced by 80 percent.
Once again thank you to all NTC tutors this would not have been possible without you. It is a shame the course has come to an end but I also can’t wait to treat people with chronic pain and do a diploma in Neuromuscular Therapy. I will definitely recommend this course to a friend or a family member.
Thanks once again for an inspiring and enlightening weekend (although my wife’s upper trapezius muscles may disagree!). Learnt loads and I am very excited about the future of my practice.
Although already incredibly busy I find treating people with pain much more interesting and fulfilling than a runner with a tweaked calf. The education you have given me is truly going to develop me as a practitioner in such a dramatic way.
Thanks, John. Sad the course is coming to an end but will thoroughly recommend to others and will look to do the Masters in the future.
My experience at NTC was an enjoyable and positive one. This is where I realised my interest in Anatomy, Physiology and caring for people and is the main reason I’ve decided to go back to studying Nursing.
I met some fantastic people during my time at NTC and what I learned has played a huge part in me getting a place on Nursing studies.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff and tutors for guiding me to where I am now.
I really enjoyed the course and the highly engaged and motivated tutors. I found the course very interesting and was fascinated by the individual components of NMT.
I would like to thank everybody involved for their highly valuable input, knowledge and support while studying.
Can I pass on my sincerest gratitude to all the staff at NTC ? Once again you all have delivered another professional and enjoyable course that ensures a qualification that is recognised and accepted with high regard within the industry.
The good news is that I passed my Neuromuscular Therapy exams. I would like to pass on my sincere thanks to all the team in NTC for helping me in step one of a plan. You are a great team with wonderful tutors.
The neuromuscular therapy upgrade options are only available to individuals who have previously completed the National Qualification in Neuromuscular Therapy course with the National Training Centre and are graduates of this course before 2018. These individuals are eligible to take advantage of these exclusive neuromuscular therapy upgrade options to further their knowledge and skills in neuromuscular therapy.
However, it is important to note that these upgrade options are not available to students or therapists who have completed any other bodywork therapy course. These exclusive upgrade options are specifically designed to provide advanced training and knowledge to those who have already completed the National Qualification in Neuromuscular Therapy course with the National Training Centre before 2018. As such, they are not available to individuals who have not completed this course, regardless of their qualifications or experience in other areas of bodywork therapy.
It is important to note that this upgrade is entirely optional. NTC graduates who do not wish to upgrade their qualification are not required to do so. Their original qualification remains valid, and they are still fully qualified to offer treatment to the public. The upgrade options are only intended for those who wish to advance their knowledge and skills in neuromuscular therapy and achieve a higher level of accreditation.
Therapists who completed their NTC qualification before 2018 now have an excellent opportunity to upgrade their skills and advance their status with the neuromuscular therapy upgrade options. The upgrade options are designed to provide qualifying therapists with access to the recently updated SMA Level 5 accredited certification.
By taking advantage of the neuromuscular therapy upgrade, therapists can enhance their knowledge and skills in the field of neuromuscular therapy. This upgrade option is ideal for those who are interested in upgrading their status and obtaining a more advanced level of accreditation.
If you’re a therapist who completed your NTC qualification before 2018, the neuromuscular therapy upgrade is for you.
Don’t miss out on the chance to upgrade your skills and enhance your status as a therapist.
There are three neuromuscular therapy upgrade options available for NTC graduates who completed their qualification before 2018 to upgrade their neuromuscular therapy skills and achieve the newly updated SMA Level 5 accredited qualification.
Option 1 is for graduates who have been actively working in clinical practice and wish to submit a Clinical Practice Portfolio of Case Studies and Learner Workbook. This option requires individuals to provide documented evidence of clinical experience and up-to-date knowledge and skills. Evidence of current clinical practice and insurance must be provided, and therapists will have access to the NTC Programme Manual, the NTC Learning Portal, and the necessary documentation required to complete their portfolios.
Students must complete and submit a portfolio of clinical practice with evidence of 100 treatment hours, including 25 hours of case studies on 5 patients x 5 treatments, and the NMT Learner Workbook. They must also submit evidence of established clinical practice and insurance to practice for the previous 3 years from the time of application, along with details of their Continuing Professional Development (CPD) since their original date of qualification. Applications for this option will be assessed on an individual basis.
Option 2 is for graduates who may not have been practicing regularly in the last 2-3 years and need to refresh their knowledge and update their practical skills and competencies. This option includes access to recorded and/or live online lectures and practical workshops that will refresh therapists’ knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and clinical applications of Neuromuscular Therapy, including subjective and objective assessment, injury scenarios, and differential diagnosis.
Students must attend the onsite practical workshops (minimum 6 days), complete and submit a portfolio of clinical practice with evidence of 100 treatment hours, including 25 hours of case studies on 5 patients x 5 treatments, and the NMT Learner Workbook. They must also successfully complete the Observed Summative Practical Examination. Applications for this option will be assessed on an individual basis, and attendance on practical workshops is subject to availability. Additional practical days may be required depending on individual needs, and additional charges may apply.
Option 3 is available to individuals who completed the Sports Massage and NMT courses pre 2011 and/or may not have worked in practice for several years. This option allows individuals to complete the full course at the reviewer’s discounted rate, subject to availability.
Only fully qualified tutors deliver the National Qualification in Neuromuscular Therapy which is directed by internationally renowned pain and injury expert, John Sharkey, MSc.
Yes. The upgrade options are only available to individuals who have previously completed the National Qualification in Neuromuscular Therapy course with the National Training Centre and are graduates of this course before 2018.
Primary Bodywork Courses
Advanced Bodywork Courses
Primary Fitness Courses
Advanced Fitness Courses
Pilates Courses
Massage Courses
Dissection Courses
Neuromuscular Therapy Locations
Waterford Marine Search and Rescue
Mardyke Arena, UCC, Cork
NTC Head Office, Dublin 7
Maldron Hotel, Sandy Road, Galway
COURSE SCHEDULE
Neuromuscular Therapy Upgrade Options
Blended Learning Options available in Dublin, Cork, Galway and Waterford
ON SITE LESSONS
Sundays 10:30am to 4:30pm
Examinations and/or class will start at 9:30am on dates indicated with ♦
ONLINE LESSONS
Tuesday and Thursdays 19:00-21:00
Provisional Practical Examination Dates
July 2023 – 1st, 8th and 9th
(individual and group times will be issued by the NTC examination’s office)
OPTIONAL FREE COURSE – National Qualification in Kettlebell Training
Saturday June 10th 2023 from 10am to 5pm
Please Note
Dates are provisional and, although unlikely, NTC reserve the right to make changes to the timetable if and when necessary