Clinical Measurement Physiology

The aim of this programme is to allow people, with a related undergraduate degree, to gain the qualification, skills and competencies to enter the healthcare work force as a Clinical Measurement Physiologist - performing diagnostics tests for patients, reporting and acting on the outcomes and being part of the interdisciplinary team treating patients. This course was developed in collaboration with the professional body for Clinical Measurement Physiologists, the Irish Institute of Clinical Measurement Science.

There is a strong emphasis on students learning to adopt a patient-centred and professional approach. Key skills acquired will be the ability to deliver valid clinical diagnostic data to colleagues and patients, broad clinical knowledge, critical thinking and research skills.

For the first time in Ireland this programme will provide the opportunity to train as a Clinical Measurement Physiologist in all five disciplines

Gastro-intestinal
Neurology
Vascular
Respiratory
Cardiology

Semester 1
Title Credits
Professional Practice I 05
Physiological Systems 10
Core Placement Skills 05
Clinical Measurement Instrumentation 10
Medical Imaging 05

Semester 2
Title Credits
Advanced Clinical Measurement Applications 10
Vascular Physiology I [E] 10
Respiratory Physiology I [E] 10
Neurophysiology I [E] 10
Cardiac Physiology I [E] 10
Gastrointestinal Physiology I [E] 10

Semester 3
Title Credits
Professional Practice II 05
Medical Pharmacology 05
Clinical Biochemistry 05
Vascular Physiology I [E] 10
Respiratory Physiology I [E] 10
Neurophysiology I [E] 10
Gastrointestinal Physiology I [E] 10
Cardiac Physiology I [E] 10

Semester 4
Title Credits
Project 10
Vascular Physiology II [E] 20
Respiratory Physiology II [E] 10
Neurophysiology II [E] 20
Gastrointestinal Physiology II [E] 20
Cardiac Physiology II [E] 20

[E] = Elective Module. Modules subject to availability.

2nd Class Honours (2.2) Level 8 degree in a relevant discipline are eligible to apply. Prior study to a Level 6/Level 7 in mathematics, basic science subjects (biology, physics, chemistry) are requirement in addition to the study of physiology and anatomy.

Please Note
Garda Vetting is a requirement of this programme

Applications for online programmes are accepted on the atu sligo website.

All programmes advertised will run subject to sufficient student numbers.

ATU sligo online has two intakes per year, the main one being in September with a smaller listing of programmes for January. For confirmation on start dates check www.itsligo.ie/online

For September, applications open from 1st February each year. Closing date for receipt of applications is 31st august.

For January, applications open from 1st November each year. Closing date for applications is mid-January.

The online application form requires personal details, previous qualifications, professional accreditations, employment history and a personal statement. We recommend collating all the necessary paperwork i.e. Transcripts of previous qualifications, academic certificates before you submit an application.

Once submitted, our admissions team will contact you to confirm eligibility and request copies of any previous qualifications.

Academic staff review every application and approve eligible candidates for the programme.

Admissions team will notify you if you are accepted onto the course and will request deposit to confirm your place.

Places are limited, so please apply early.

2 years part-time

Delivery Method: Blended

On-Campus Attendance
This 2-year course, has a blended delivery, with one semester being based in ATU Sligo and the other three semesters being on hospital based clinical placements at various locations. These placements will be supported by a practice placement educator in the hospital site and online lectures and tutorials.

Most of our online courses have about 2-3 hours of live lectures per week (but this can vary per programme). The rest of your study time consists of independent learning, communicating with your lecturers and classmates and carrying out assignments.

Live lectures normally take place between 6pm and 10pm, Monday to Thursday but this may vary depending on the availability of specific lecturers. If the Live Classroom scheduled times for the live online lectures do not suit you, recordings will be made available through Moodle and other accessible platforms. These recordings can be downloaded and watched later, at a time that suits you.

Please note, you may be required to take some time off work for the below:

• Exams Christmas Exams: 2 – 4 days in January each year. Summer Exams: 2 – 4 days in May each year.

• Workshops/Practical Classes: Approximately 2 – 4 days per year depending on the course you are studying. You will receive notification of the dates from your lecturer for each specific subject requirement.

During our Online & Flexible Learning Induction, you will meet with your Course Co-ordinator who will be available to answer any questions you might have, and they will give you your timetable for the upcoming academic year.

If you have any further questions, please contact our Admissions Team on admissions@itsligo.ie.

To help balance work, life, and online learning, it is important to understand the time that you will have to dedicate to your studies. This will help you to stay focused, reduce stress, and achieve your goals while also working full-time.

For part-time online or blended learning, it is recommended that you should try to allow for 5-6 hours per week per 5 credit module to your studies.

Career Opportunities
As a graduate you will be able to take up employment as a Clinical Measurement Physiologist. Clinical Measurement Physiologists are healthcare professionals working directly with patients performing, reporting and acting on diagnostic tests and investigations. Some Clinical Measurement Physiologists work in invasive areas such as operating theatres. Most of this work is hospital based but there are increasing opportunities to work in the community with the development of community based diagnostic hubs.

Clinical Measurement Physiologists work in one of five disciplines – Neurology, Respiratory, Vascular, Gastrointestinal and Cardiology and are a vital part of the interprofessional team looking after patients. For example eleven of the top twenty acute medical presentations require the skills of at least one of the Clinical Measurement disciplines. There is a huge demand for this profession, not only in Ireland but also in the UK, Middle East, Australia and New Zealand. So, with this qualification the world literally is your oyster.

Some Clinical Measurement Physiologists leave direct clinical practice and work as Technical Consultants or Device Specialists for companies that provide equipment or devices used in diagnosing or treating patients. These companies place a high value in having Clinical Measurement Physiologists in these roles.

Being an experienced healthcare professional can lead to opportunities in education or leadership positions in health service design and delivery. Scotland's current Chief Healthcare Science Professions Officer originally started their career in Northern Ireland as a Clinical Physiologist.

Further Study
Many Clinical Measurement Physiologists undergo internationally recognised accreditation in specific procedures or groups of procedures they carry out. These are mostly run by professional bodies or scientific groups and mostly involve self-directed learning. Some will undertake MSc or PhD by research in Ireland although some structured programmes are available in the UK. Working in healthcare will offer a new graduate many opportunities for further study and continuous professional development, which is vital to keep up to date with advancements in technology.