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Upgrade options for Neuromuscular Therapists
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.
The National Qualification in Neuromuscular Therapy course was audited by the SMA and the verification process involved cross-referencing 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. Quality assurance analysis was carried out to ensure the assessment process was fair and standardised and that teaching staff are appropriately qualified.
The course is now fully recognised by the CNHC (Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council), UK. CNHC were set up by the UK government to protect the public. They do this by providing an independent UK register of complementary healthcare practitioners. Protection of the public is their sole purpose. They set 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. All of them are professionally trained and fully insured to practise.
In the absence of similar professional standards for complementary therapy in Ireland, NTC have 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 in this country.
CNHC is also the holder of an Accredited Register by the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care, an independent body, accountable to the UK Parliament. NTC meet all the requirements of the verification process and 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.

Highly Respected
- Prerequisites
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These upgrade options are exclusively available to NMT graduates who have previously completed this course with the National Training Centre and are graduates of the National Qualification in Neuromuscular Physical Therapy pre 2018.
These upgrade options are not available to students or therapists of any other bodywork therapy course
- Purpose
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The aim of the upgrade options is to provide NTC graduates who successfully qualified before 2018 with the option to achieve the newly updated SMA Level 5 accredited qualification. This is optional for therapists who wish to upgrade to this status.
IMPORTANT: – If you do not wish to upgrade your original qualification remains valid and fully qualifies you to offer treatment to the public.
- Upgrade Options
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Option 1 – Submission of Clinical Practice Portfolio of Case Studies and Learner Workbook
This option is for graduates who qualified pre 2018 and who have been actively working in clinical practice to the present day. Individuals must provide documented evidence of clinical experience and be confident that their knowledge and skills are up to date when choosing this option. Evidence of current clinical practice and insurance must be provided. Therapists will have access to the NTC Programme Manual, the NTC Learning Portal and will be provided with the necessary documentation required to complete their portfolios.
Students will be required to:
- Complete and submit a portfolio of clinical practice with evidence of 100 treatment hours to include 25 hours of case studies to be completed on 5 patients x 5 treatments
- Complete and submit the NMT Learner Workbook
- Submit evidence of established clinical practice and insurance to practice for the previous 3 years from the time of application. This can include a sample of treatment records of consultation and testimonials from patients to support the therapists application
- Details of CPD undertaken since their original date of qualification
Applications for this option will be assessed on an individual basis.
Option 2 – Refresher Course and Completion of Observed Summative Practical Examination
This option is for graduates who qualified pre 2018 but who may not have been practicing regularly in the last 2-3 years. This option is strongly recommended for individuals who need to refresh their knowledge and update their practical skills and competencies. This option will include access to recorded and/or live online lectures and practical workshops which will refresh therapists knowledge of anatomy, physiology and clinical applications of Neuromuscular Therapy including subjective and objective assessment, injury scenarios and differential diagnosis.
Students will be required to:
- Attend the onsite practical workshops (minimum 6 days)*
- Complete and submit a portfolio of clinical practice with evidence of 100 treatment hours to include 25 hours of case studies to be completed on 5 patients x 5 treatments.
- Complete and submit the NMT Learner Workbook
- 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 the individual needs and an additional charges may apply.
Option 3 – Completion of Full Course at discounted reviewers rate
This option is available to individuals who have previously completed the Sports Massage and NMT courses pre 2011 and / or may not have worked in practice for several years. This option will allow you to complete the full course at the reviewer’s discounted rate but is subject to availability.
These upgrade options are exclusively available to NMT graduates who have previously completed this course with the National Training Centre and are graduates of the National Qualification in Neuromuscular Physical Therapy pre 2018.
These upgrade options are not available to students or therapists of any other bodywork therapy course
The aim of the upgrade options is to provide NTC graduates who successfully qualified before 2018 with the option to achieve the newly updated SMA Level 5 accredited qualification. This is optional for therapists who wish to upgrade to this status.
IMPORTANT: – If you do not wish to upgrade your original qualification remains valid and fully qualifies you to offer treatment to the public.
Option 1 – Submission of Clinical Practice Portfolio of Case Studies and Learner Workbook
This option is for graduates who qualified pre 2018 and who have been actively working in clinical practice to the present day. Individuals must provide documented evidence of clinical experience and be confident that their knowledge and skills are up to date when choosing this option. Evidence of current clinical practice and insurance must be provided. Therapists will have access to the NTC Programme Manual, the NTC Learning Portal and will be provided with the necessary documentation required to complete their portfolios.
Students will be required to:
- Complete and submit a portfolio of clinical practice with evidence of 100 treatment hours to include 25 hours of case studies to be completed on 5 patients x 5 treatments
- Complete and submit the NMT Learner Workbook
- Submit evidence of established clinical practice and insurance to practice for the previous 3 years from the time of application. This can include a sample of treatment records of consultation and testimonials from patients to support the therapists application
- Details of CPD undertaken since their original date of qualification
Applications for this option will be assessed on an individual basis.
Option 2 – Refresher Course and Completion of Observed Summative Practical Examination
This option is for graduates who qualified pre 2018 but who may not have been practicing regularly in the last 2-3 years. This option is strongly recommended for individuals who need to refresh their knowledge and update their practical skills and competencies. This option will include access to recorded and/or live online lectures and practical workshops which will refresh therapists knowledge of anatomy, physiology and clinical applications of Neuromuscular Therapy including subjective and objective assessment, injury scenarios and differential diagnosis.
Students will be required to:
- Attend the onsite practical workshops (minimum 6 days)*
- Complete and submit a portfolio of clinical practice with evidence of 100 treatment hours to include 25 hours of case studies to be completed on 5 patients x 5 treatments.
- Complete and submit the NMT Learner Workbook
- 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 the individual needs and an additional charges may apply.
Option 3 – Completion of Full Course at discounted reviewers rate
This option is available to individuals who have previously completed the Sports Massage and NMT courses pre 2011 and / or may not have worked in practice for several years. This option will allow you to complete the full course at the reviewer’s discounted rate but is subject to availability.
Funding for Fitness Professionals

Schedules and Locations
Options are available at various locations
What our graduates say
The reviews and testimonials shown here are unsolicited and from NTC graduates.

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.
Amanda June

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.
Ismail Sina

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.
Rob Date
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.
Eamonn Maher
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.
Sabine Graef

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.
Alan Devine

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.
Liam Cotter

I have just sat my NMT exams and if it wasn’t for Larry, one of my tutors who helped me out, I would have let my nerves get the best of me. I also wish to thank the rest of the tutors and staff for all their help over the past 18 months.
Nicole Dunne

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.
Steve Kirby

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.
Colin Cassidy
Our Neuromuscular Therapy team
Only fully qualified tutors deliver the National Qualification in Neuromuscular Therapy which is directed by internationally renowned pain and injury expert, John Sharkey, MSc.


John Sharkey is an international educator, author and authority in the areas of Clinical Anatomy, Exercise Physiology, human movement and the manual treatment of chronic pain using European Neuromuscular Therapy. John is a graduate of the University of Dundee, University of Liverpool and University of Chester. He completed undergraduate and post-graduate studies in the areas of Exercise Physiology, Clinical Anatomy and holds a post-graduate certificate in education. He is currently a senior lecturer within the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Life Sciences, University of Chester/NTC, Dublin and is the programme leader of the Biotensegrity focused Thiel soft fix cadaver dissection courses department of anatomy and human identification, Dundee University, Scotland.
John has been delivering human anatomy dissection courses for many years teaching the geometry of anatomy and movement from the unique Biotensegrity-Anatomy for the 21st Century perspective. His presentations are respectful, dynamic, entertaining, educational and insightful.
John promotes his model of “Biotensegrity-Anatomy for the 21st century” integrating the pioneering work of his mentor Dr. Stephen Levin MD. John has been teaching European Neuromuscular Therapy using living anatomy and specialising in chronic pain conditions. He is recognised as one of the worlds leading authorities on fascia and Biotensegrity. He is a member of the editorial board of the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies (JBMT), International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine and other professional journals.


Larry, who like all NTC tutors holds the National University of Ireland’s Diploma in Training and Continuing Education teaches primarily resistance training on our fitness programmes and also heads up the strength and conditioning course.
Larry is also a tutor on the National Qualification in Neuromuscular Physical therapy and runs his own successful private practice for the treatment of pain, injury and dysfunction.


Michelle has been delivering educational excellence at the National Training Centre since 2000. She is passionate about all aspects of fitness and health and holds a Masters Degree in Exercise and Nutrition Science from the University of Chester.
Michelle teaches exercise to music, anatomy and physiology, fitness assessment and exercise physiology on our primary health fitness programmes and also delivers suspension training and indoor cycling.


Kevin is a practicing Neuromuscular Therapist (NMT) and member of the Association of Neuromuscular and Physical Therapists.
As a result of many years of study and industry experience Kevin has a unique understanding of the integration of NMT in the broader field of health fitness and athletic performance. He was the resident club therapist for Monaghan United F.C. for 6 years and has also worked with both Monaghan and Cavan GAA at club and county level offering sports first aid, pain & injury prevention strategies and event massage. He started his career administering emergency first aid volunteering with the Monaghan Civil Defence from an early age at various events around the country and opened Back in Action, a pain & injury clinic in 2005.
As a key member of National Training Centre’s educational committee and as course leader of the Higher Diploma in Neuromuscular Therapy (HDipNMT), Kevin has been instrumental in the development and delivery of NMT and is currently completing his MSc in Neuromuscular Therapy. He has completed fresh frozen cadaver dissections in the Department of Anatomy, Kings College London and is part of a team of international lecturers who have brought advanced qualifications in NMT to a groups of physiotherapists, osteopaths and other health care providers in Warsaw, Poland and King’s College London .
Kevin also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications in Creative multimedia and has been instrumental in implementing a streaming video resource for HDipNMT students which is currently being expanded across a range of courses offered by the National Training Centre. These videos from world authorities were filmed during actual classes on and in a specialised studio in National Training Centre.


Rebecca started in the health and leisure industry in 2009 as a Lifeguard, Swimming Instructor, Personal Trainer and Exercise to Music Instructor. Rebecca represented Ireland on the Irish Elite Boxing Squad and is an International Scuba Diving Instructor. She managed a successful spa and leisure centre onboard the Disney Wonder cruise ship, travelling international waters from Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, Mexico, South America to the Caribbean.
She has studied in Maynooth University and Neuromuscular Physical Therapy in the National Training Centre where she completed the Higher Diploma in 2014. She has since gone on to study Physiotherapy in University of Limerick and has completed several Human Anatomy Dissection courses/internships in Kings’ College London, University of Dundee, University of Edinburgh and The von Hagens’ Plastinarium in Germany with fresh frozen, formaldehyde and Theil methods of cadaver preservation. She has dissected with world renown anatomists and surgeons such as Prof Dr. Gunther von Hagens, Dr. Vladimir Chereminskiy, Dr. Jean Claude Guimberteau, Dr. Antonio Stecco, Dr. Niall Galloway, Dr. Abduelmenem Alashkham, Dr. Willem Fourie, and John Sharkey MSc.
Rebecca is currently the personal assistant of Prof Dr. Gunther von Hagens and continues to run a successful private clinic in Co. Kildare where she performs Neuromuscular Therapy, trigger point needling, pitch-side services, swimming lessons and personal training.


Cristopher orignally hails from the Phillipines and is a qualified Physiotherapist. Cris teaches on many of the NTC’s bodywork educational programmes and his area of speciality is in myofascial triggerpoint dry needling.


Sabine Graef is a graduate of the NTC and holds the Higher Diploma in Neuromuscular Therapy. She owns her own Neuromuscular and Sports Therapy Clinic and specialises in acute and chronic pain management and injury rehabilitation.
Sabine holds a Bachelor of Education in Sports Science and Physical Education. She worked as a professional coach in various sports ranging from grassroots level to professional sports performance for many years. Sabine specialised as a physical coach in sports specific strength and movement to help athletes in optimising their potential.
Since coming to Ireland in 1995, Sabine continuously furthered her professional education in various disciplines.
Sabine promotes the important role and function of fascia, bio tensegrity and movement in medical and clinical applications, and as integral part in our health and wellbeing.


Ray teaches on our Physical Therapy, First Aid and Sports Taping & Strapping programmes.


David is a Neuromuscular Therapist and a Manipulative Therapist with over 20 years teaching and clinical experience.
He is a graduate of the NTC and University of Chester and is currently a PhD candidate at Ulster University. His doctoral research concerns the rehabilitation of patellar tendinopathy.
David is a Sports Therapy lecturer at University College Birmingham and he is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.
