and Bodywork Therapy

15 - 16 Saint Joseph's Parade, Dorset Street, Dublin 7
tel. 01 882 7777 fax. 01 830 8757
DOWNLOAD PROSPECTUS (4.6 MB)

The National Training Centre exists to provide education and training in the areas of complementary medical healthcare and health related fitness which lead to industry recognised national qualifications.
The National Training Centre (NTC) comprises five schools and colleges. The National College of Exercise and Health Studies (NCEHS) provides training in the area of health related fitness. The National School of Sports Massage (NSSM) provides training in the area of orthopaedic sports massage. The College of Complementary Medical Education (CCME) provides training in the areas of neuromuscular and physical therapy. The Pilates Institute (Ireland) provides training in the area of pilates. The Irish College of Osteopathic Medicine which provides training in the area of osteopathic medicine.
NTC is the accepted authority in these areas in Ireland and we work with world authorities to bring the very latest educational experiences to our students.
Our organisation is 100% student focused and our custom built facilities recognise our commitment to enhancing student's learning experiences and outcomes.
The objects for which the Association is established are to protect and enhance the rights and privileges of those practicing physical therapies including, but not limited to, neuromuscular therapy, physical therapy and sports massage; to promote honourable practice; to repress malpractice; to settle disputed points of practice; to decide questions of professional usage of courtesy; and to establish a register of members.
When getting exercise instruction, using the services of a REPS Ireland Registered Exercise Professional has many benefits.
Most importantly, REPS Ireland is the independent verification that the exercise professional is suitable to give advice to or to instruct in a gym or a group exercise/aerobics class when they hold the National Qualification in Exercise, Health Studies and Personal Training.
Like most professional registration bodies, individuals registered with REPS Ireland agree to follow the industry Code of Ethical Practice
REPS Ireland also operates a complaints system for any person that wishes to complain about a registered trainer or instructor. Only persons who are deemed as suitable by REPS Ireland are able to continue to annually re-register, giving you confidence when dealing with a REPS Ireland registered trainer or instructor.
This advanced certification qualification offers participants the opportunity to qualify and practice in the area of intramuscular trigger point stimulation, or trigger point dry needling as it is more commonly known. This educational program will prepare clinicians to treat myofascial trigger points by dry needling. Participants will learn various dry needling techniques using solid acupuncture needles. This is a training programme with immediate clinical applicability upon completion.

Individuals wanting to participate on the National Qualification in Trigger Point Needling programme must hold the National Qualification in Neuromuscular Therapy or equivalent.
Individuals who do not hold the National Qualification in Neuromuscular Therapy but who have a background in medicine, physiotherapy, osteopathy, acupuncture etc. can complete an additional two day educational weekend regarding Trigger Points which, upon successful completion, will allow participation. Participants licensed to perform injection or dry needling therapy are eligible to take this additional weekend. This includes all allopathic, osteopathic, naturopathic, and podiatric physicians, physician assistants, nurses and nurse practitioners, acupuncturists, and physiotherapists, chiropractors etc.
Studnets are fully insured by the NTC while participating on this programme. Graduates must hold valid professional indemnity insurance in order to practice. All participants are expected to participate in the hands-on portion of the course.
Trigger Point Examination Weekend
This is a seperate programme for individuals who DO NOT have any background in Trigger Points. All other individuals do not need to participate on the Trigger Points Examination Weekend.
INTRODUCTION
Myofascial pain syndromes (MPS) affect muscles, joints and skeletal structures, leading to pain, loss of function and movement impairments. The myofascial trigger point, the characteristic and diagnostic feature of MPS, is the physical entity by which MPS is identified. Treatment involves inactivating myofascial trigger points, correcting biomechanical and postural dysfunction, and restoring normal movement patterns. This two-day workshop is presented to teach the techniques of trigger point identification, effective manual techniques of inactivation of trigger points, and restoration of function. Each teaching block consists of an introductory lecture and demonstration, followed by supervised hands-on practice in small groups.
WORKSHOP OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of the workshop, participants will be able to:
Each of the days on the Trigger Point Examination weekend will run from 09:00 until 17:00 and will include:
The programme will run on various weekends, and at various venues in Dublin, Cork, Galway and Donegal. Please contact the office of administration at the National Training Centre to confirm availability and venues on 01 882 7777.
The cost of the Trigger Point Examination weekend is €350.00. (Only required for those who do not hold the National Qualification in Neuromuscular Therapy or equivalent)
You can enroll online by selecting the course and payment option which best suits your requirements on the right hand side of this page.
Alternatively you can contact us by telephone on 01 882 7777 (Dublin), 021 430 1222 (Cork), 091 530 888 (Galway) or 074 912 1733 (Donegal).
You may also download an enrollment form by clicking the 'Brochure' button above and send completed forms to: National Training Centre, 15- 16 St. Joseph's Parade, Dorset Street, Dublin 7.
You may also contact us at anytime to discuss any queries you have or to arrange an appointment to visit our facilities.
Exercise physiologist and physical therapist, John Sharkey MSc, is an accepted pioneer and leading expert on the application of Dry Needling for the effective treatment of Myofascial Trigger Points. John is a member of the Science and Medical Team for the Olympic Council of Ireland and the editorial board of the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. John also works closely with the world renowned Leon Chaitow.
Dr Joe Donnelly is David Simons personal physical therapist. Based in the USA he is a Board Certified Specialist in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy (American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties) and Clinical Assistant Professor at Georgia State University Division of Physical Therapy.
Cristopher Alejandro, originally from the Philippines, is a qualified physiotherapist and neuromuscular therapist. Cristopher also holds the National University of Ireland's certificate in Training and Continuing Education.
The certificate awarded for the National Qualification in Trigger Point Needling is valid for life, however graduates must renew their licence to practice every five years. Graduates can attain Continual Educational Units for a wide array of workshops, master classes, conventions, magazine subscriptions etc. Alternatively graduates can elect to sit a recertification exam every five years.
In addition to following a strict code of ethics, all licensed Trigger Point Needling Therapists must be a member of a recognised professional body such as the Association of Neuromuscular Therapists and hold valid professional indemnity insurance.
The combination of continuing education and professional status will offer the reassurance the public insist on before a course of treatment commences. Individuals will be able to verify the professional status of Trigger Point Needling Therapists using an on-line licensing register.
The cost of participation on the National Qualification in Trigger Point Needling is €1200.00 for both modules. Qualification may only be achieved by completing both modules.
Places may be reserved by payment of a non-refundable deposit of €360.00 with the balance of €840.00 due on or before the Friday immediately preceeding the course start date.
Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to:
Review the functional muscle anatomy and myofascial trigger point referred pain patterns;
Demonstrate the anatomic and physiologic characteristics of the myofascial trigger point and identify it by palpation;
Discuss the indications and contra-indications to needling and injection therapy;
Discuss the possible complications of needling and injection therapy;
Discuss the pharmacology of the different drugs and biologicals used in injection therapy;
Diagnose and treat persons with myofascial pain syndrome using dry needling techniques.
The National Qualification in Trigger Point Needling includes the following elements:
Do I need to hold any other qualification in order to participate
on this programme ?
Yes. Individuals wanting to participate on the National Qualification in Trigger Point Needling programme must hold the National Qualification in Neuromuscular Therapy or equivalent. Individuals who are qualified in other areas of medicine or bodywork therpaies may meet the eleigibility requirement by sitting the seperate Trigger Point Examination module.
What will I be qualified to do when I complete this course successfully ?
On successful completion you will be qualified to treat myofascial trigger points by dry needling (intramuscular trigger point stimulation). Participants will learn various dry needling techniques using solid acupuncture needles.
Will I need to get insurance ?
The National Training Centre's code of ethics insists that all Trigger Point Needling graduates who are actively working in the profession, hold a professional indemnity insurance policy which covers the therapist against legal action taken by a patient as a result of an injury received during treatment. Therapists who are working on private premises may also need to hold public liability insurance. The Association of Neuromuscular Physical Therapists (ANMPT), which all of our Trigger Point Needling graduates are entitled to join, has negotiated a very attractive professional indemnity block insurance policy which offers extensive cover for practitioners.
Is this qualification accepted internationally ?
Yes. Graduates are free to offer their services worldwide. Some countries may require licencing prior to the use of needles. If you intend to offer Trigger Point Needling services in another country we advise that you check the regulations of that country to assertain the legal status there.
How long does this course last ?
The National Qualification in Trigger Point Needling consists of two weekend modules (Saturday and Sunday) with continual assessment throughout the course and a learner workbook which must be submitted on the last day of the course or within one month of completion. There will also be a practical examination on the second day of module 2. Please note that students cannot graduate until their learner workbook has been submitted.
How much does this course cost ?
The National Qualification in Trigger Point Needling costs €1,200.00. There are no additional fees for exams, needles, towels, course notes etc.
Can I pay by installments ?
No - There are no installment options available for this course.
Are there grants available to cover tuition fees ?
The National Training Centre is a FÁS approved training provider. National Training Centre’s approved Training Programmes and Trainers have been placed on the FÁS/EI National Register of Trainers. The registration number of National Training Centre is 903336. Many of our students receive funding for part or all of their course fees through FÁS, the Department of Social and Family Affairs, Skillnets and local Employment and Development projects. Individual students must contact their local office to enquire about eligibility.
Do I have to participate in work experience ?
No. There is no requirement for work experience participation.
Where is this course available ?
The National Qualification in Trigger Point Needling is available at the National Training Centre in Dublin.
How will I be assessed ?
Students of the National Qualification in Trigger Point Needling are assessed through both written and practical examination at the end of each course and through the completion and submission of a learner workbook.
What age group participate on this course ?
Students of all ages participate on the National Qualification in Trigger Point Needling.
What is the success rate ?
Over 95% of students participating on the National Qualification in Trigger Point Needling will successfully complete all of their final examinations on the first attempt. Every individual's ability to succeed will be in direct proportion to the number of tutorials attended and the commitment and time and effort they are prepared to commit to their studies.
How much of the course is practical and how much is theory ?
The National Qualification in Trigger Point Needling is primarily practical with some theoretical aspects included to provide the knowledge required to back up the practical applications.