Year 1 of 5 Osteopathic Degree – Orthopaedic Sports Massage

At Level 5 in Year 1 there is a focus on the acquisition of underpinning knowledge and skills building on what has been learnt in secondary education or previous experience in the musculoskeletal related fields. Key subject areas are introduced, alongside an exploration of the basic principles and philosophy of osteopathic practice. The modules help students to develop their self-awareness and acquire knowledge of normal human function alongside specified range of practical osteopathic skills. Emphasis is put on massage as a treatment approach, and the relationship of biomechanics to the mechanism of sports injuries.

Entry requirements

Applicants are required to hold at the time of enrolment the established Leaving Certificate (or an approved equivalent) with a minimum of six subjects which must include: Two H5 (Higher level) grades and Four O6 (Ordinary level) grades or four H7 (Higher Level) grades. Subjects must include Mathematics, Irish or another language, and English.

In addition, applicants must hold an O6/H7 grade in one of the following Laboratory Science subjects: Biology; Physics, Chemistry; Physics and Chemistry; or Agricultural Science.

QQI Entry

Certain QQI Awards are acceptable in fulfilling  requirements for this programme

Mature applicants (21 years or over) may apply requesting that prior and/or experiential learning be credited

Course Content

Module DO 1.1 Foundation sciences

Learning outcomes:

1. Explain in detail, the structure and functions of the bones, joints, tendons, ligaments and muscles in the body.
2. Correctly Identify, locate and palpate superficial structures and anatomical landmarks of the human body
3. Describe the physiological processes of the nervous, cardio-vascular, lymphatic, digestive, respiratory, endocrine, immune and reproductive systems.
4. Recognise the inter relationship between the structure and function of human cells, tissues and organs with the basic biochemical processes that occur in the body
5. Give an overview of the organisation of the nervous system and its role in the human body functioning.

Module DO 1.2 Osteopathic Principles and Technique

Learning outcomes:

1. The ability to perform active and passive examination of the cervical, dorsal, lumbar sacro-iliac and appendicular regions with consideration of underlying biomechanics.
2. The use of a range of soft tissue massage techniques to the cervical, dorsal, lumbar and sacro-iliac and appendicular regions with consideration of the underlying anatomy.
3. Explain the indications and contraindications to the use of massage.
4. Operator self-care and safe patient handling skills.
5. Describe the principles and concepts underlying the philosophy and key concepts of Osteopathy

Module DO 1.3 Integrated Biomechanics

Learning outcomes:

1. Explain the classification of injury to the body.
2. Evaluate the effects of acute and chronic disease on the body’s systems.
3. Describe the stages of healing for different body tissues.
4. Define and describe specific sports injuries to the spine and peripheries
5. Describe in detail the biomechanical function and the concept of the muscular chains with regard to the lumbar spine, pelvis and joints of the lower extremities during rest and activity.
6. Demonstrate evidence of patient observation with reflection

Clinical Hours: 100 hours

Prices

Orthopaedic Sports Massage Payments Options Available	Total Fee - €4,500	15 Practical Weekends
Non Refundable Deposit Payment (1)	€500	On Application
Payment (2)	€3,000	Paid by Friday 1st September 2023
Payment (3)	€1'000	Paid by Fri 26th January 2024

Payment options available on request for all courses.
Fees all inclusive of books, tutor notes, and exam fees.

Proposed Course Dates

Year 1 OCI accredited Osteopathic Pathway/ Orthopaedic Sports Massage Diploma Course 2023/24

Session	Date	Day	Month	Year	Notes
1	30-1	Sat-Sun	September/ October	2023
2	4-5	Sat-Sun	November	2023
3	18-19	Sat-Sun	November	2023
4	9-10	Sat-Sun	December	2023
5	6-7	Sat-Sun	January	2024
6	20-21	Sat-Sun	January	2024
7	3-4	Sat-Sun	February	2024
8	17-18	Sat-Sun	February	2024
9	2-3	Sat-Sun	March	2024
10	6-7	Sat-Sun	April	2024
11	11-12	Sat-Sun	May	2024
12	15-16	Sat-Sun	June	2024
13	13-14	Sat-Sun	July	2024
14	17-18	Sat-Sun	August	2024
15	24-25	Sat- Sun	August	2024

Year 2 of 5 Osteopathic Degree – Orthopaedic Sports Therapy

At Level 6 in Year 2 there is a focus on consolidation and development of the knowledge and skills acquired in Year 1 and its application to understanding of abnormal states of health. The concept of reflection for personal and professional development is first introduced and skills are acquired to enable students to study effectively in the ‘Foundation in Professional Practice’ module. Students’ manual dexterity is further developed. Students learn to integrate theoretical and practical knowledge within supervised clinical experience, complemented and informed by developing reflective skills

Entry requirements:

Successful completion of all modules in Y1 of combined pathway

Mature applicants (21 years or over) may apply requesting that prior and/or experiential learning be credited

Course Content

Y2 is made up of 3 modules. Successful completion of these modules will allow the progression to Y3 of the combined BSc pathway or an exit award of Diploma in Orthopaedic Manipulative Therapy.

• 15 weekends of Academic Teaching
• 200 hours of clinical attendance

Module DO 2.1 Diagnostic and Professional skills 1

Learning outcomes:

1. Demonstrate integration and understanding of anatomy, physiology and pathology to inform the osteopathic assessment and management
2. An ability to conduct effective and comprehensive clinical examinations of a range of body systems
3. Confidence, accuracy and consistency in the recognition of signs and symptoms relevant to pathologic conditions in the human body, in order to aid the differential diagnostic process.
4. Appropriately select and analyse orthopaedic and clinical tests to assist in the diagnostic process.

Module DO 2.2 Human Pathophysiology

Learning outcomes:

1. Analyse the inflammatory response to injury and the healing phases of bone, soft tissue and nerves
2. An understanding of the major types of disease processes the importance of genetic influences and / or internal and external agents, which may contribute to disease processes.
3. Explain the aetiology, epidemiological and pathogenesis of disease processes and to describe the processes whereby disease may affect the normal structure and function of the human body
4. Describe the medical treatment of common diseases.

Module DO 2.3 Osteopathic skills

Learning outcomes:

1. Demonstrate proficiency and competency in a broad range of osteopathic techniques, including HVT, myofascial, MET, functional and soft tissue.
2. Justify the use of repetitions, sets, tempo, intensity, frequency and exercise selection in training.
3. Discuss the effectiveness of principles of training, adaptation and periodisation
4. Safe, sensitive and competent patient handling skills throughout any examination procedure and technique

Prices Orthopaedic Sports Therapy

Orthopaedic Sports Therapy	Total Fees - €4,500	15 Practical Weekends
Non Refundable Deposit Payment (1)	€500	On Application
Payment (2)	€3,000	Paid before Friday 1st September 2023
Payment (3)	€1,000	Paid Before Fri 26th January 2024

Payment options available on request for all courses.
Fees all inclusive of books, tutor notes, and exam fees.

Year 2 –  Orthopaedic sports therapy Diploma Course 2023/24

Session	Date	Day	Month	Year	Notes
1	30-1	Sat-Sun	September/ October	2023
2	4-5	Sat-Sun	November	2023
3	18-19	Sat-Sun	November	2023
4	2-3	Sat-Sun	December	2023
5	6-7	Sat-Sun	January	2024
6	20-21	Sat-Sun	January	2024
7	10-11	Sat-Sun	February	2024
8	24-25	Sat-Sun	February	2024
9	2-3	Sat-Sun	March	2024
10	6-7	Sat-Sun	April	2024
11	11-12	Sat-Sun	May	2024
12	15-16	Sat-Sun	June	2024
13	20-21	Sat-Sun	July	2024
14	10-11	Sat-Sun	August	2024
15	24-25	Sat- Sun	August	2024

Diploma in Spinal Manipulative Therapy (Year 3 of Osteopathic Degree Course)

Year 3 of 5 Osteopathic Degree –  Diploma in Spinal Manipulative Therapy

This one year course is taught by Osteopaths and Medical Practitioners. The student is taken through the fascinating subject of back pain from consultation/examination to treatment plans for specific conditions associated with the spine.

The student is taught observation and palpatory skills, which aid diagnosis of spinal pain. Advanced techniques such as M.E.T. (muscle energy technique), C.T.M. (connective tissue manipulation), S.T.R. (soft tissue release) are also taught, as well as rehab exercise programs for all forms of back pain. The student is also taught spinal manipulation, where and most importantly when it is safe to adjust.

On the team of lecturers a Medical Doctor will lecture on the effect of prescribed medicines for back pain and why some drugs work for different types of pain.

The Doctor also covers Respiratory and CVS examination of the patients presenting at the clinic, which have pain, which may not be of muscular skeletal origin.

The extensive content of this course ensures the student once graduated is a safe and competent practitioner.

Qualification: Orthopaedic Spinal Manipulations

Qualifies you to;

• Orthopaedic Sports Therapy Levels 1 & 2
• Neurological / Orthopaedic Assessment of the spine
• Manipulations of the cervical / thoracic / lumbar spine
• Assessments of referred pain from the spine
• Understanding medical conditions presenting in clinical settings as mechanical pain
• Understanding of Pathophysiology/ Rheumatology Conditions and their presentations

If you wish to go forward in your studies and be qualified to do

• Pelvic Assessments and Adjustments
• Rib Assessments and Adjustments
• T.M.J. / Sinus Assessments and adjustments
• Paediatrics (under 16yrs of age)
• Advanced Manipulations for the Cervical / Thoracic / Lumbar Spine

Then you want to study year 4 and 5 of our Osteopathy Degree Course.

Course Content – Spinal Examination & Manipulation

1. Examination and treatment of;

• Lumbar spine
  Thoracic spine
  Cervical spine

2. Neurological and Orthopaedic testing of the spine
3. Pharmacology
4. Rheumatology
5. The understanding of Disease Process / Pattern
6. Red flags for Manipulation / Treatment
7. Case History Taking / Case Presentation
8. E.T. of the Cervical, Thoracic and Lumbar spine
9. V.T of the Cervical, Thoracic and Lumbar spine
10. Treatment plans for Spinal Conditions
11. Clinical studies of Back Pain
12. Medical Examination of the Viscera
13. Visceral Dysfunction presented as Spinal Pain
14. X-Rays / M.R.I Reading and Understanding
15. Writing Referral Letters to Medical Consultants
16. Writing Medio – Legal Reports
17. Academic Research for Sports Injuries Studies

Edit

Spinal Manipulative Therapy Level 1	Total Fee – €6,000	20 Practical Weekends
Deposit – Payment (1)	€1’000	On Application
Payment (2)	€3,500	Before Friday 2nd September 2022
Payment (3)	€1’500	Before Friday 27th January 2023

Year 3 Diploma in Spinal Manipulative Therapy 2023/24

 

Session	Date	Day	Month	Year	Notes
1	8-9	Sat-Sun	October	2022
2	22-23	Sat-Sun	October	2022
3	12-13	Sat-Sun	November	2022
4	26-27	Sat-Sun	November	2022
5	10-11	Sat-Sun	December	2022
6	14-15	Sat-Sun	January	2023
7	28-29	Sat-Sun	January	2023
8	4-5	Sat-Sun	February	2023
9	18-19	Sat-Sun	February	2023
10	4-5	Sat-Sun	March	2023
11	25-26	Sat-Sun	March	2023
12	15-16	Sat- Sun	April	2023
13	22-23	Sat - Sun	April	2023
14	13-14	Sat-Sun	May	2023
15	27-28	Sat-Sun	May	2023
16	10-11	Sat-Sun	June	2023
17	24-25	Sat-Sun	June	2023
18	15-16	Sat-Sun	July	2023
19	19-20	Sat-Sun	August	2023
20	9-10	Sat-Sun	September	2023

 

Year 4 Osteopathic Degree Dates 2023/24

Prices Advanced Spinal Manipulative Therapy ( non practicing Osteopathic Diploma)

Spinal Manipulative Therapy	Total Fee - €7,500	20 Practical Weekends
Deposit - Payment (1)	€1'000	On Application
Payment (2)	€4,500	Before Friday 18th August 2023
Payment (3)	€2,000	Before Friday 26th January 2024

Session	Date	Day	Month	Year	Notes
1	8-9	Sat-Sun	October	2022
2	22-23	Sat-Sun	October	2022
3	12-13	Sat-Sun	November	2022
4	26-27	Sat-Sun	November	2022
5	3-4	Sat -Sun	December	2022
6	17-18	Sat-Sun	December	2022
7	14-15	Sat - Sun	January	2023
8	28-29	Sat-Sun	January	2023
9	11-12	Sat-Sun	February	2023
10	25-26	Sat-Sun	February	2023
11	11-12	Sat-Sun	March	2023
12	25-26	Sat-Sun	March	2023
13	15-16	Sat-Sun	April	2023
14	20-21	Sat-Sun	May	2023
15	10-11	Sat-Sun	June	2023
16	8-9	Sat-Sun	July	2023
17	22-23	Sat-Sun	July	2023
18	12-13	Sat-Sun	August	2023
19	9-10	Sat-Sun	September	2023
20	23-24	Sat-Sun	September	2023	(Final Exam)

Year 5 Validated by the Osteopathic Council of Ireland (OCI) – Combined pathway Osteopathic Degree

 

Osteopathic Linked Pathway

ICOM embraces the philosophy that the body has an innate natural ability to self-regulate and heal itself. Osteopathy is a “whole person”
approach to medicine and Osteopaths provide complete care to their patients, not just their symptoms. They do so by careful consideration of the
global health of each patient, creating a treatment approach appropriate for each individual’s needs.
ICOM has a long history of teaching manual therapy and is proud to be the first Osteopathic Council of Ireland (OCI) approved Osteopathic
Education Provider in Ireland. ICOM offer a 4+1year part-time Linked Pathway with Y1-4 delivered by ICOM culminating in an Osteopathic
Diploma (non-practicing). Upon successful completion of this students are then eligible to progress to a part-time 1-year BSc (Hons) programme
delivered by Nescot, an approved Osteopathic Education Institute in the UK
This 4 +1year pathway will allow students to become OCI recognised Osteopaths.

RATIONALE

From January 2018, the title of “Physiotherapy” along with “Physical Therapy” became protected by law, due these changes in the legislation in Ireland, ICOM decided to start a part-time Osteopathy course. As a result, since June 2019 ICOM have offered a 4 +1year part-time pathway in Osteopathy, that if successfully completed will lead to an OCI accredited qualification.

Mr. Kieran Corcoran D.O. (ICOM Director) is a qualified osteopath and registered with the OCI and he has successfully run several courses at the College in Cork. The College was started in 1994 as a platform for mature students to obtain diploma courses in Remedial Massage, Sports Therapy, Physical Therapy, Manipulative Therapy, Electrotherapy and Cranial Therapy. He also delivers CPD courses for Physiotherapists, Osteopaths, and other healthcare professionals

AIM OF THE PROGRAMME

The aims of the programme have been designed to reflect the following statement from the European Framework for Standards of Osteopathic
Practice (EFSOP).
“The primary aim of an osteopathic education provider is to educate students to become safe and effective osteopaths who are fully capable of
working autonomously in a variety of clinical settings as primary contact healthcare practitioners.”

The programme meets the academic and vocational requirements for Osteopathy published by the OCI Standards in Osteopathic Training and
Education (SOTE), the European Framework for Standards of Osteopathic Education and Training (EFSOET) and the EFSOP. The programme
aims are as follows:
 To produce a competent Osteopath who fulfils the standards set out in the EFSOET and confers eligibility on them to apply for professional
registration with the OCI.
 To produce a graduate demonstrating reflective, self-evaluative and critical thinking and transferable skills whilst providing safe, caring,
ethical and competent Osteopathic treatment.
 To develop a graduate demonstrating a commitment to life-long learning, research and evidence-based practice, continued professional
development and business entrepreneurship.

 

COURSE STRUCTURE

The course is be based on the EFSOET, as Ireland does not have its own standards for Osteopathic Education.
The EFSOET approximate guide for the notional number of contact hours of study would be in the region of 4,000 – 4,800. Of this total,
osteopathic clinical training should account for no less than 1,100 hours.
Courses include the following scientific and professional underpinning studies:
 Anatomy (gross, functional, integrated, applied, neurological, embryological, histological)
 Physiology

 Pathology
 Neurology/neuroscience
 Nutrition
 Biochemistry
 Peripheral and spinal biomechanics
 Principles and philosophy of osteopathy
 Palpatory skills and diagnosis
 Osteopathic procedures (full range including structural, myofascial and functional)
 Interpretation of clinical laboratory techniques
 Exercise physiology
 Pharmacology
 Psychology/psychosomatics
 Clinic observation
 Information and communications technology (ICT) skills
 Emergency support skills/first aid
 Health studies and other healthcare systems
Research studies:
 Critical analysis
 Evidence in practice
 Research methodologies (quantitative and qualitative)
 Research ethics
 Research proposal
Clinical/professional studies:
 Differential and clinical diagnosis
 Clinical reasoning
 Clinical methods and procedures
 Case history-taking

 Communication skills
 Professional ethics
 Clinical dietetics
 Ergonomics
 Gynaecology and obstetrics
 Paediatrics and osteopathic care of children
 Rheumatology
 Orthopaedics and trauma
 Osteopathic care of the elderly
 Radiological diagnosis and clinical imaging
 Dermatology
 Osteopathic sports care
 Applied clinical osteopathy (full range of osteopathic procedures, including structural, myofascial and functional)
 Osteopathic evaluation and patient management (including reflective practice)
 Professional practice management (including medico-legal issues and business issues)
 Case analysis studies
Osteopathic clinical practice:
 Closely supervised clinical practice in suitable clinical environment(s) where effective tutoring, monitoring and student assessment can take
place.
All the above subjects other than the research project will be covered within the ICOM course. NESCOT will deliver and oversee all teaching
and learning on the 1yr BSc. This will include research methods, research proposal and professional development.
https://www.nescot.ac.uk/higher-education/osteopathic-medicine/courses/bsc-osteopathy-fc0043/

APPLICATION FORM

If you need additional assistance or have any questions,
PLEASE CONTACT US
@ 021 4 309 861

CLINIC TEACHING STRUCTURE Y1-4

Year Y1 Y2 Y3 Y4

Clinical hours Yr1: 100, Yr2: 200, Yr3: 300, Yr4: 300, Yr5 :100

Clinical hours are an essential part of the European and UK Osteopathic Standards in training requirement. The consensus is that students require a minimum of 1,000 hours of clinical training.

During that time students will peer observe and, once competent, start treating patients under the guidance of trained clinic tutors, as students become more confident and capable their level of autonomy is increased. Clinical hours are achieved by all students attending the ICOM supervised clinic. The clinic is open all year round this allows for 50-week attendance.

Clinical training and experience are documented in the form of a clinical log which is signed by the tutor at the end of each session. Students will be expected to make up any missing hours before they can achieve the Diploma.

NESCOT PROGRESSION (BSc Hons) Agreement has been reached with NESCOT in the UK for ICOM students on the Linked Pathway to progress to the BSc (Hons) course, on successful completion of the 4-year Diploma.

NESCOT is a UK recognised Osteopathic Education Institution (OEI), known as ICOM (International College of Osteopathic Medicine) at NESCOT (formally known as Surrey Institute for Osteopathic Medicine). ICOM@NESCOT has been an OEI since 1999, it was the first publicly funded OEI and is one of nine recognised providers in the UK.

Entry to the BSc is permitted on successful completion of the ICOM Osteopathy Diploma and documented clinical logbook.

Students are required to prepare a research proposal, to ensure they use evidence-based practice, a clinical portfolio demonstrating their professional abilities and records the variety of patients seen, it also allows students to justify their treatment (or non-treatment) approaches to patients. Communication skills are demonstrated in viva type assessments. Criticality is demonstrated in the case study and the presentation.

Address from Kieran Corocoran
I have been teaching Physical Therapy, Manipulative Therapy, Cranial Therapy and Sports Injuries here in Ireland since 1995. In that time I have seen people embark on life changing courses that allowed them to become their own boss and dictate how much income they earn!

I have seen people grow in confidence as they have gain tools and techniques to change their patient’s lives, and by doing so grow themselves as therapists.

My dream has always been to have a school of excellence and be a leader in health education in Ireland. In the 24 years that the college has been
graduating students we have achieved this and more. I am humbled and honoured to now be able to offer not only our part-time diploma courses
but also now provide Diploma graduates a progression pathway to obtain a degree in Osteopathy.

The dedicated staff at ICOM along with lecturers and tutors from Nescot will ensure the highest quality of course content and expertise. We will ensure all students are in a caring, nurturing learning environment.

Students will have class attendance at ICOM in Cork (Y1-4) with access to Nescot’s virtual learning environment. BSc teaching and learning will be delivered at Nescot and remotely.

I am very excited to be the principal of this College and I acknowledge all my colleagues both in Ireland and Nescot who have helped make this
happen.

 

Kieran Corcoran
ICOM Principal