Module: Clinical Practice 1

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Clinical Practice 1
Module Code	TRE1025
Faculty	Science & Health	School	Health & Human Performance
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	15

Description

This module provides students with supervised clinical experience, developing their practical and professional skills in patient assessment, treatment, and management. Under the guidance of CORU-registered Practice Educators, students will apply theoretical knowledge in real healthcare settings, aligning with CORU’s Code of Conduct and Standards of Proficiency. This 7-week placement occurs at the end of Year 1, consolidating academic learning through hands-on experience. Students will refine their clinical reasoning, gain insight into multidisciplinary teamwork, and understand the organisational and ethical aspects of physiotherapy practice. The placements enhance competency in safe, effective, and evidence-based physiotherapy management. Students will also complete a Learning Portfolio, fostering reflective practice, which is submitted one week post-placement.

Learning Outcomes

1. Upon successful completion of this module the learner will be able to: Demonstrate safe, effective, and evidence-based physiotherapy practice in accordance with CORU’s Standards of Proficiency; by applying clinical competencies, professional behavior, and practical skills in patient assessment, management, communication, documentation, and professionalism during clinical placement.
2. Upon successful completion of this module the learner will be able to: Exhibit professional attitudes, behaviours, and ethical awareness in clinical settings, including confidentiality and legal responsibilities.
3. Upon successful completion of this module the learner will be able to: Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the roles of other healthcare professionals and the ability to contribute effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
4. Upon successful completion of this module the learner will be able to: Select from complex and advanced skills to conduct subjective and objective assessments, assist in treatment implementation, and the ability to adapt management based on patient needs and different contexts.
5. Upon successful completion of this module the learner will be able to: Communicate effectively with patients, caregivers, and colleagues, and accurately document findings using the SOAP note format.
6. Upon successful completion of this module the learner will be able to: Apply safe patient management practices to a high level, including correct manual handling techniques and risk assessment.
7. Upon successful completion of this module the learner will be able to: Demonstrate a systematic understanding of administrative processes, patient record access, and documentation standards at the forefront of physiotherapy practice.
8. Upon successful completion of this module the learner will be able to: Adopt a reflective approach to practice, evaluating and modifying treatment programs in line with emerging best practice while recognizing scope-of-practice limitations.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Clinical placement	245	Direct Patient Contact. In-Service Training. Reflective Practice. Family /MDT Meetings Case conferences Ward rounds. Case Presentations. Home Visits MDT Joint sessions
Independent Study	130	Independent student study
Total Workload: 375

Section Breakdown
CRN	30028	Part of Term	Semester 3
Coursework	100%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC2	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Cliona O'Sullivan	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Practice assessment record	The Clinical Assessment Form (CAF) evaluates students’ clinical competencies, professional behaviour, and practical skills while on clinical placement. It ensures students demonstrate safe, effective, and evidence-based physiotherapy practice while adhering to CORU’s Standards of Proficiency. The form assesses patient assessment, management, communication, documentation and professionalism. It provides structured feedback to support student development, ensuring they meet required competency levels for professional practice.	80%	n/a
Professional Portfolio	The learning portfolio features a Clinical Skills Log to track student progression in development of professional skills and competencies, paired with a Reflective Practice Assignment. The Reflective Practice Assignment aims to develop students' ability to critically evaluate their clinical experiences, enhancing self-awareness, clinical reasoning, and professional growth. It encourages reflection on patient interactions, decision-making, and challenges, promoting continuous learning and evidence-based practice.	20%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Clinical Observation & Participation
Engage in physiotherapy assessment and treatment procedures under supervision.

Supervised Patient Management
Conduct assessments and deliver treatments while developing clinical reasoning skills.

Documentation & Record-Keeping
Learn accurate documentation of assessments, treatments, and patient outcomes.

Referral Processes & Data Management
Understand referral pathways, patient record access, and data storage in healthcare.

Physiotherapy Department Operations
Gain insight into the administrative and operational aspects of physiotherapy services in different settings.

Multidisciplinary Collaboration
Observe and understand the roles of healthcare professionals and the importance of teamwork.

Indicative Reading List

Books:
None

Articles:
None

Other Resources

1: CORU – Standards of Proficiency for Physiotherapists,
420081: 1, Health Service Executive (HSE) – National Clinical Programmes,
420082: 1, World Confederation for Physical Therapy (WCPT) – Professional Practice Guidelines,