| Module Title |
Clinical Practice 1 |
| Module Code |
TRE1025 |
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Faculty |
Science & Health |
School |
Health & Human Performance |
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NFQ level |
9 |
Credit Rating |
15 |
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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.
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Learning Outcomes
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| Workload | Full time hours per semester | | Type | Hours | Description |
|---|
| 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 |
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| Section Breakdown | | CRN | 30028 | Part of Term | Semester 3 | | Coursework | 100% | Examination Weight | 0% | | Grade Scale | 50PASS | Pass Both Elements | N | | Resit Category | RC2 | Best Mark | N | | Module Co-ordinator | Cliona O'Sullivan | Module Teacher | |
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| Assessment Breakdown |
| Type | Description | % of total | Assessment Date |
| 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
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Pre-requisite |
None
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Co-requisite |
None |
| Compatibles |
None |
| Incompatibles |
None |
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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
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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.
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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,
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