The course is exclusively available to qualified bodywork therapists. Qualifying individuals include: 

• Doctors
• Dentists
• Rolfers
• Osteopaths
• Occupational Therapists
• Certificate Level Neuromuscular Therapists
• Orthopaedic Sports Massage Therapists
• Physiotherapists
• Chiropractors

All applications will be considered on an individual basis.

Certificate level Neuromuscular and Physical Therapy students who are approaching the end of their course are also eligible to apply.

The Higher Diploma in Neuromuscular Therapy will cover areas including:

• Cranial Manipulation
• Intra-oral Tissue Release
• TMJ Treatment
• Spinal Mobilisation (Using mobilisation with movement (MWM))
• Lymphatic Enhancement
• Respiratory Dysfunction
• Trigger Point Deactivation
• Rehabilitation Sequencing
• Advanced Anatomy

The cost of obtaining the Higher Diploma in Neuromuscular Therapy is €7,550.00. Fees can be paid by means of a deposit of €1,850.00 followed by twenty-seven monthly direct debit installments of €211.11.  A discount of €500.00 is available to individuals paying fees of €7,050.00 in full prior to course commencement date. Places on this programme are available on a first come first served basis.

SPECIAL LOW DEPOSIT OFFER 

Those booking a place on the Higher Diploma in Neuromuscular Therapy programme commencing June 8th 2013 will receive a free place on the National Qualification in Trigger Point Needling which is currently valued at €1,200.

We have reduced the deposit amount required from €1,850 to just €500.

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 here 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.

Leon Chaitow, DO

Leon Chaitow is an internationally known and respected lecturer,writer and osteopathic practitioner. Author of three books in the series, Advanced Soft Tissue Techniques (Muscle Energy Techniques, Modern Neuromuscular Techniques and Positional Release Techniques), Leon has also authored Palpation Skills, a book about assessment and diagnosis through touch. Additional books by this author include Cranial Manipulation Theory and Practice,which presents the latest thinking on the use of this valuable technique, together with the latest research evidence to support it's use, and Fibromyalgia Syndrome: A Practitioner's Guide to Treatment, which gives a multidisciplinary perspective on the management and treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome. All of Leon Chaitow's books are supported by one or more videos. Leon Chaitow is editor of the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. Additionally Leon has been one of the lead presenters at Bodywork and Movement Therapy conferences around the world.



Judith DeLany, LMT

Judith DeLany, LMT, began teaching NeuroMuscular Therapy in 1984, and has emerged as a leading pioneer in the field of NMT. As a result of many years as a clinician and educator, Judith has refined and developed methods of teaching the American version of NMT. She is the founder and director of the International Academy of NeuroMuscular Therapies, which sets standards for the training of healthcare practitioners in the use of NMT. As an internationally recognized speaker on such topics as chronic pain and myofascial dysfunction, Judith has served as a presenter and/or keynote speaker at numerous conventions and conferences in various fields of medicine and was presented Massage Therapist of the Year 1999 by the Florida Chiropractic Association. A published author of manuals and articles on pain management, Judith's most recent publication is a collaborative effort with Dr. Leon Chaitow titled Clinical Application of Neuromuscular Techniques, Vol 1 - The Upper Body (Churchill Livingstone Publishers). She currently serves as an associate editor for the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies in addition to being a contributing writer.

John Sharkey, NMT

John Sharkey is founder and director of European style Neuromuscular Therapy. He is a member of the medical team of the Olympic Council of Ireland and has held this position at the Sydney and Athens Olympic games and has been re-appointed for the 2008 Olympics to be held in China. John, was also a technical expert sub-committee member of the National Sports Medicine Institute (UK) and is a member of the International Advisory Board of the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies (JBMT). John brings more than 20 years of international presentation experience and a unique and exciting teaching style to anatomy, physiology and Neuromuscular Therapy. John Sharkey is also a founding member of the Sports Massage Association (UK) and a director of the European Health Fitness Association (EHFA).

Don Kelley, LMT

Don Kelley, LMT, brings to his classes a clear and concise teaching style which has been developed over nearly a decade of instructing and assisting NMT seminar trainings. Don has served as a board member of the International Academy of NeuroMuscular Therapies since 1990 and in that position has assisted in setting curriculum and certification standards for NMT courses. Don draws on his clinical experience, advanced background in anatomy, and in depth understanding of muscular health, and combines these with a dose of humour to bring forth a lively and information packed presentation.

Bonnie Thompson

Bonnie Thompson is a dynamic presenter with a keen ability to transfer information to the student along with a stimulating enthusiasm for learning. A graduate of the Colorado Institute of Massage Therapy, Bonnie has been a licensed massage therapist since 1987 and conducts her NMT practice in Colorado Springs. Her breadth of knowledge and practical experience in the fields of anatomy and neuromuscular therapy, combined with her zest for teaching and sharing information, is evidenced in her passionate presentations which may be witnessed in any setting.

Jamie Alagna, LMT

Jamie Alagna, LMT brings to her classroom an extensive background in anatomy and kinesiology. She obtained her Bachelor's of Science degree in Movement Therapy from Southern Illinois University and is also American Massage Therapy Association sports massage certified. Jamie has instructed a variety of subjects in the field of massage for over a decade while also maintaining an active NMT practice. When teaching NMT seminars, Jamie employs a creative teaching style which incorporates her dance and movement knowledge, gained from 20 years professional dance experience. This allows for an open, interactive environment for learning.

Paula Bergs

Paula Bergs has been teaching in the fields of manual therapies for over 10 years, with a strong emphasis in the areas of anatomy and physiology. She received her Bachelor's of Science degree in Life Science Education from the University of Minnesota and has served as a faculty member for several massage schools during the course of her career. Paula brings to the classroom a great breadth of knowledge and practical experience in the areas of anatomy and neuromuscular therapy which she presents in an easy going, yet methodical manner, while applying realistic solutions to real life problems.

Kevin Prunty, NMT

Kevin is a practicing Neuromuscular therapist and is the primary club therapist for Monaghan United F.C., a professional FAI league of Ireland soccer team. He has also worked with both Monaghan and Cavan GAA at club and county level and has volunteered with the civil defense from the age of 16. As a result of many years of study and industry experience Kevin has a unique understanding of the integration of NMT in the broader field of health fitness.  Kevin has studied under, and subsequently taught alongside, Dr. Leon Chaitow, Judith Delaney and John Sharkey. As well as completing Cadaver dissections in the Department of Anatomy, Kings College London with a special emphasis on fascia. Kevin is part of a team of international lecturers who brought a year long advanced qualification in neuromuscular therapy to a group of 30 physiotherapists and osteopaths in Warsaw, Poland in 2010. As a key member of National Training Centre's educational committee and as course leader of the Higher Diploma in Neuromuscular Therapy, Kevin has been instrumental in the development and delivery of Neuromuscular therapy to higher diploma level. Kevin is currently completing a Bachelor's Degree in Creative multimedia, and as a result was involved in the planning stages of NTC’s new online student area and implemented a streaming video resource for Higher Diploma students. These videos from world authorities in Neuromuscular Therapy demonstrate techniques and assessments, which were filmed during actual classes on the Higher Diploma in Neuromuscular Therapy programme. Kevin is a member of the Association Of Neuromuscular and Physical Therapists and is scheduled to embark on the MSc in Neuromuscular Therapy when it commences.

 Higher Diploma in Neuromuscular Therapy (H.Dip. NMT)

Dublin Programme Starting June 2013

Friday Evening from 19:00 to 22:00

Saturday and Sunday from 09:00 to 17:00

June 2013 - 8th, 9th

July 2013 - 26th, 27th, 28th 

September 2013 - 13th, 14th, 15th

November 2013 - 8th, 9th, 10th

January 2014 - 17th, 18th, 19th

March 2014 - 21st, 22nd, 23rd

May 2014 - 9th, 10th, 11th

July 2014 - 11th, 12th, 13th

September 2014 - 5th, 6th, 7th

November 2014 - 7th, 8th, 9th

January 2015 - 9th, 10th, 11th

March 2015 - 13th, 14th, 15th

May 2015 - 8th, 9th, 10th

July 2015 - 3rd, 4th, 5th

September 2015 - 4th, 5th, 6th

November 2015 - 7th, 8th

Do I need to hold any other qualification in order to participate on this programme ?

Yes. The course is exclusively available to qualified bodywork therapists. Qualifying individuals include: 

• Doctors
• Dentists
• Rolfers
• Osteopaths
• Occupational Therapists
• Certificate Level Neuromuscular Therapists
• Orthopaedic Sports Massage Therapists
• Physiotherapists
• Chiropractors

All applications will be considered on an individual basis.

Certificate level Neuromuscular and Physical Therapy who are approaching the end of their course are also eligible to apply.

What will I be qualified to do when I complete this course successfully ?

Students of the Higher Diploma will be recognised as advanced practitioners with a wide knowledge of advanced clinical applications of a variety of soft tissue assessment and manipulation methods. These are incorporated into a focus on myofascial pain, advanced trigger point syndromes and general musculoskeletal problems. Successful completion of this Higher Diploma opens a wide range of additional opportunities. For example graduates will be the first point of call for referral from certificate level therapists and general medical practitioners, whose patients will report back on the success of their therapeutic interventions. Until recently many of those suffering a wide variety of painful conditions had no where to turn for realistic and practical non surgical intervention. As an Advanced Neuromuscular Therapist, you will have the unique skills of cranial manipulation, intra-oral tissue release, dry needling and advanced hands on skills for the effective resolution of these painful conditions. Neuromuscular Therapists (NMT's) are experts in the area of Myofascial Trigger Point treatment. NMT's combine neuromuscular reactive training for appropriate rehabilitation of injured tissues and the treatment of Trigger points. 

Due to the excellent reputation in Ireland of our Neuromuscular Therapists, it is normal procedure for Orthopedic Specialists, Sports Medicine Practitioners, Chartered Physiotherapists and other allied healthcare professionals to seek the intervention of Neuromuscular Therapists to facilitate the best possible therapeutic outcomes for their patients.

Although Neuromuscular Therapy is firmly established, respected and accepted worldwide, this Higher Diploma is unique in it's representation of both the European and U.S. models of NMT, offering as it does a combination of the differing, yet complementary approaches, of the worlds most respected authorities of Neuromuscular Therapy.

Will I be able to get a job in a pain/sports injury clinic or in a hospital ?

Graduates of the Higher Diploma in Neuromuscular Therapy often work within multi-disciplinary injury clinics where therapists such as chiropractors, osteopaths, physiotherapists, Neuromuscular and Physical Therapists etc. offer a variety of pain and injury solutions. This multi-disciplinary model normally consists of a great deal of cross referral whereby therapists refer patients to each other, depending on the therapists individual area of expertise, and, having determined which treatment model is likely to offer the best solution, decide collectively on the best approach. Individual graduates can communicate on an advanced level and establish a G.P. referral scheme in conjunction with a local medical practitioner whereby the doctor will refer patients with appropriate symptoms to the Higher Diploma level Neuromuscular Therapist and using the contra-indication skills gained through the qualification process, the Higher Diploma level Neuromuscular Therapist can refer their patients to the doctor when advanced Neuromuscular Therapy may not be appropriate. Graduates who hold an existing medical qualification may find that they can combine advanced Neuromuscular Therapy with their existing skill set within the hospital environment. 

Are there many jobs available for qualified Neuromuscular and Physical Therapists in Ireland at present ?

Most advanced Neuromuscular Therapists operate in a self employed capacity either as sole traders, as part of a multi-disciplinary clinical team, or with a variety of sporting teams. There are many opportunities for qualified advanced Neuromuscular Therapists as individuals increasingly look outside of traditional medical disciplines for solutions to their health problems and as Neuromuscular Therapy is a complementary discipline and 100% science based, its appeal is broad. in addition as a practitioner qualified at an advanced level you will be able to offer intervention for a wider range of chronic pain dysfunction. Graduate appeal to patients will be result driven and their success from a business viewpoint will be in proportion to the time, effort and dedication they are prepared to offer their profession.

How much will I earn as a Neuromuscular and Physical Therapist ?

The recommended fee for each 45 minute advanced treatment session is €80.00. The number of sessions you decide to complete each week will be determined by your own commitment and the results you achieve. There is no reason why a committed advanced Neuromuscular Therapist would not see five or six patients each working day which would generate an income in excess of €2,000.00 per week. 

Will I need to get insurance ?

The National Training Centre's code of ethics insists that all Neuromuscular Therapy 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 NMT graduates are entitled to join, has negotiated a very attractive professional indemnity block insurance policy which offers extensive cover with an annual premium of approx. €100.00.The policy is one of the broadest available including many important features that other policies may not offer. The policy has been arranged through Balens Ltd and the insurer for the scheme is the Zurich and DAS Legal Expenses. Balens are a very well established, fourth generation family-run business dedicated to looking after health professionals. They are built on solid roots going back to 1950 and are pioneers in the development of top quality cover for all types of health professionals with special rates and industry leading cover that has been developing and improving over 22 years in this speciality. The scheme will cover thousands of other therapies/activities you may require cover for and many at no extra premium subject to suitable qualification held. Some of the features covered in the policy consist of Medical Malpractice, Professional Indemnity, Public Liability, Product Liability, Loss of Reputation, Breach of Intellectual Property, Client Confidentiality Protection, Loss of Documents cover, First Aid cover as well as Good Samaritan Acts. The indemnity limit is €4,000,000 per claim for the Republic of  Ireland. Unlike some other policies on the market, an unlimited number of claims may be made for any year and unlimited legal defence costs are also included. Also included, at no extra charge, is retroactive cover to pick up any previous insured work. Temporary cover abroad (excluding USA/Canada(although available on request)) is available with no time restrictions and at no additional premium as long as you are a UK/Ireland resident. If you cease to practice Balens include unlimited run off cover which means the policy will always be in place if a claim was made after you stop the policy running and this is also free of charge. For further information or proposal form, please contact Balens directly on 00441684 580771 or e-mail- info@balens.co.uk

Is this qualification accepted internationally ?

Yes. As this programme is based on both the European and American versions of NMT and is delivered by educational experts from both the EU and the US, advanced Neuromuscular Therapists are welcome to offer their services worldwide. In some American states therapists are required to sit and pass a state licencing examination before being allowed to practice. 

Is this course validated by HETAC ? 

The National Qualification in Neuromuscular and Physical Therapy in common with all complementary therapy programmes of education is not validated by HETAC. The latest situation regarding validation of programmes in complementary therapies is available on the HETAC website at www.hetac.ie or by clicking here.

How long does this course last ?

The Higher Diploma in Neuromuscular Therapy programme consists of 27 tutorial weekends (Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday). The weekends normally take place every second month although in some cases weekends will be scheduled for consecutive months. The full schedule is available by clicking on the Schedule button near the bottom of this web page.

How much does this course cost ?

The Higher Diploma in Neuromuscular Therapy costs €7,550.00. There are no additional fees for exams, oils, towels, course notes etc. There is a €500.00 discount available to students who pay course fees in full prior to the course start date. Course fees cover all materials including the course text books - Clinical Applications of Neuromuscular Techniques, Vol. 1 - The Upper Body and Vol. 2 - The Lower Body (Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh)

Can I pay by installments ?

Yes - students can opt to pay a deposit of €1,850.00 and twenty-seven monthly direct debit installments of €211.11. 

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 Protection, 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 Higher Diploma in Neuromuscular Therapy is available at the National Training Centre in Dublin.

How will I be assessed ?

Students of the Higher Diploma in Neuromuscular Therapy are assessed through both written and practical examination at the end of each course plus continual assessment throughout the programme via a Learner Workbook which contains specified tasks which must be submitted at various dates throughout the course.

What age group participate on this course ?

Students of all ages participate on the Higher Diploma in Neuromuscular Therapy.

What is the success rate ?

To date 100% of Higher Diploma in Neuromuscular Therapy students who sat examination have succeeded.

How much of the course is practical and how much is theory ?

The Higher Diploma in Neuromuscular Therapy comprises approximately 50% theory and 50% hands-on practical tutorials. Most tutorial sessions will contain both theory and practical aspects.