Explore UCD

UCD Home >

Professional Certificate in Cardiac Rehabilitation

ProfCert (NFQ Level 7)

This course is available through the following application route(s)

Graduates of this course will be qualified to deliver Phase 4 Cardiac Rehabilitation.

The overall aim of this certificate is to educate exercise professionals on the science of exercise training for clients with cardiovascular disease. Students will develop their knowledge base of anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular system, understand the effects of aerobic and strength training and adaptive changes within the cardiac population and develop a clear understanding of the contraindications to exercise. They will understand the importance of risk stratification in this population and implications for practice. Students will be able to describe a patient’s journey from time of cardiac event (Phase 1) to completion of community cardiac rehabilitation (Phase 4)

About This Course

Core subjects include:

• Anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular system

• Risk factors for heart disease

• Disease processes within the cardiovascular system

• Effects of exercise and exercise training on the cardiovascular system

• Contraindications to exercise

• Risk stratification of cardiac clients within the cardiac population

• Cardiac rehabilitation programme design and progression

• Practical application of theory

• Adaptations to programm for the cardiac client with comorbidities.

All lectures delivered remotely, and the cardiac rehabilitation classes delivered via tele-health.

Graduates of this course will be qualified to deliver Phase 4 Cardiac Rehabilitation.

Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.

Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.

Module Type Module   Trimester Credits
Stage 1 Core Modules
PHTY41050 Cardiac Rehabilitation Autumn  10

EU Fee:  €1,430

1. Equivalent of Level 3 Fitness Instructor Qualification (European Register of Exercise Professionals) or Undergratuate/Graduate Degree in Health/Exercise Science.

2. Have delivered 150 hour of land-based exercise to adults in the past 24 months; or

3. Quaified Physiotherapist

Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. No


General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Professional Certificate in Cardiac Rehabilitation:

ROWCLASS Apply to   Application Type  
showAudience-audienceEU XA19
Professional Certificate in Cardiac Rehabilitation
Professional Certificate
Commencing 2024/2025 September Undergraduate Cert and Diploma Apply
* you can change options at the top of the page