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Prof Cert Referring for Radiological Procedures (Physiotherapists)

ProfCert (NFQ Level 9)

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

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  • Facilitates physiotherapists in developing competence in referring persons for radiological procedures
  • Blended learning programme over a single trimester providing a flexible approach to accommodate busy healthcare professionals and clinical site planning
  • Programme designed specifically to meet CORU standards of competence in radiological referral
  • One day of attendance required in UCD
  • Competency assessment performed by designated clinical supervisor

The Professional Certificate in physiotherapist referral for radiological procedures provides CORU registered physiotherapists with the requisite knowledge, skill, and competence to refer for radiological procedures safely and effectively in accordance with legal and professional regulatory frameworks and standards. Facilitating appropriately trained physiotherapists to refer people for radiological procedures will result in fewer steps in the care of patients who require diagnostics, improve patient experiences and optimise the expansion of healthcare service provision.

This is a 10 ECTS* credit, level 9 NFQ** award which involves both theoretical and practical instruction followed by competency assessment. The programme is delivered using blended learning over a single trimester with start dates in September, January and May. The programme is delivered primarily by lecturers from the UCD School of Medicine in collaboration with national experts in referral.

Prior to applying to UCD:

All applicants must have the support of their local site in advance of applying and a signed Declaration form must be submitted at the time of application. This requires signatures of relevant stakeholders to ensure appropriate local governance arrangements are in place to support students on the programme.

Please note:

There are a limited number of places available on this programme. All applications will be reviewed after the closing date and offers made prior to the start of trimester.

The Irish Department of Health through the SlainteCare integration fund is funding the initial four cohorts to undertake this education programme, so HSE physiotherapists in specific clinical programmes will be given initial priority.

* ECTS - European Credit Transfer System

** NFQ - National Framework of Qualifications

About This Course

The course content will be delivered using a hybrid approach with eLearning materials available for learners to complete both in advance of and following a mandatory attendance day in UCD

Learning outcomes

On completion of this postgraduate programme, students should be able to:

  • Critically utilise evidence-based knowledge and skill in conducting a person’s assessment and consultation to achieve a holistic approach to a person’s care when referring for medical radiological procedures.
  • Apply clinical decision-making skills in relation to referring persons for medical radiological imaging procedures within their scope of practice.
  • Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the legislative and regulatory framework associated with referral for medical radiological procedures, including professional guidelines, supporting safe practice.
  • Understand the role of the practitioner in the referral process.
  • Know the justification process.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of medical radiological procedures and their implication in a person’s safety.
  • Understand the principles of radiation protection of the person and staff.
  • Demonstrate effective communication skills and knowledge of the role of the multidisciplinary team management involved for the safe and appropriate use of medical radiological procedures.

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 Options - A)1 of:
Stage 1 Modules
 RDGY41830 Referring for radiology Autumn&Spring&Summer(separate)  10

Prof Cert Referring for Radiological Procedures (Physiotherapists) (XA26) Part Time
EU          fee per year - € 1210
nonEU    fee per year - € 1210

***Fees are subject to change

Entry requirements

  • Must be a qualified physiotherapist registered with CORU
  • Minimum experience: 5 years post qualification
  • Have written confirmation of the existence of a Local Implementation Group (LIG) to support clinical governance arrangements
  • Have written confirmation of the name and signature of the designated clinical supervisor. A supervisor must be a Registered Medical practitioner at, minimum, Registrar or Consultant level

Applicants for the initial pilot programmes in 2024/25 must be nominated by their clinical programme lead.

You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.

Part Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants: No


CORU registered physiotherapists with a clinical need to refer people for radiological procedures. Applicants must confirm relevant local governance structures are in place prior to application, including the support of a named clinical supervisor who will provide teaching, learning and competency assessment in the clinical environment.



Applicants should also upload a completed Declaration Form, as part of the application including signatures from each of the listed stakeholders.



For September intake, an in-person mandatory Study Day will be held on Friday, 5th September 2025 in UCD.



Application Guidelines - Physiotherapist Referral



Declaration Form - Physiotherapist Referral



SlainteCare are sponsoring selected applicants for the first four iterations of the course, so no course fees will be applied to the selected applicants - until Autumn 2025/26 (September 2025) intake.



All applicants for the September intake 2025 will have to apply via the HSCP office of the HSE.


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General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Prof Cert Referring for Radiological Procedures (Physiotherapists):

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XA26
Prof Cert Referring for Radiological Procedures (Physiotherapists)
Professional Certificate

Part-Time
Commencing September 2025
Graduate Taught
Not available to International applicantsApply
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