Neuromuscular Therapy Upgrade Options

Upgrade options for neuromuscular therapists who qualified prior to 2018
  • NMT UPGRADE OPTIONS
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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.

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Highly Respected

National Training Centre (NTC) is Irelands longest established training provider in fascia focused touch therapies and has been providing bodywork and movement therapy courses in Ireland and abroad since the 1990s.
  • Prerequisites

  • 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

  • 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
  • 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

Fitness Instructors who are members of REPS Ireland are eligible for 25% funding from Leisure Health Fitness Skillnet. For more information contact Leisure Health Fitness Skillnet.
Contact Skillnet

Schedules and Locations

Depending on the option chosen practical classes will be available in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Waterford and Monaghan on various dates.

Options are available at various locations

Any theoretical content will be delivered online via ZOOM® and practical classes are available in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Waterford and Monaghan on various dates throughout the year.
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What our graduates say

The reviews and testimonials shown here are unsolicited and from NTC graduates.

” I will definitely recommend this course to a friend or a family member “

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

Neuromuscular Therapy Graduate
” The education you have given me is truly going to develop me as a practitioner “

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

Neuromuscular Therapy Graduate
” My experience at NTC was an enjoyable and positive one “

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

Neuromuscular Therapy Graduate
” I really enjoyed the course and the highly engaged and motivated tutors “

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

Neuromuscular Therapy Graduate
” Qualification that is recognised and accepted with high regard within the industry “

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

Neuromuscular Therapy Graduate
” You are a great team with wonderful tutors “

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

Neuromuscular Therapy Graduate
” If it wasn’t for Larry I would have let my nerves get the best of me “

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

Neuromuscular Therapy Graduate
” You will not be disappointed “

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

Neuromuscular Therapy Graduate
” I had the privilege of treating Sir Chris Hoy of the GB cycling team “

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

Neuromuscular Therapy Graduate

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, MSc
Larry Geraghty
Michelle O’Melia, MSc
Kevin Prunty, MSc
Rebecca Brewer
Cristopher Alejandro
Bobby Fitzsimons
Ray Morley
David Anderson, MSc
Lorraine Whelan