Clinical placements
In the School of Physiotherapy, we are committed to developing excellent workplace-ready clinicians who combine clinical competence with the personal and professional skills to advocate for health and well-being across populations, communities and individuals.
Clinical placements form a central component of physiotherapy education at RCSI, comprising one‑third of the BSc in Physiotherapy programme and offering students the opportunity to link theory to practice in real clinical environments.
Our purpose is to prepare graduates who are not only clinically capable but who act as leaders, role models and health advocates. We aim to nurture global thinkers who challenge the status quo and make meaningful contributions to service delivery, research, innovation and quality improvement within the profession. This is a cornerstone of clinical placement – our students are welcomed as colleagues in training and become valued members of their clinical teams, actively contributing to the delivery of high-quality patient care.
The Practice Education Team works closely with clinical partners to ensure every placement provides a safe, respectful and enriching environment – one that supports learning while enabling students to demonstrate their impact as emerging physiotherapists.
During placement, students develop:
- Clinical reasoning and decision-making
- Professional communication skills
- Assessment and treatment competencies
- Interdisciplinary teamwork skills
- Professional responsibility and ethical practice
Supervisors are CORU‑registered physiotherapists who oversee student performance, provide structured feedback and help students achieve their learning objectives. Placement activities for educators typically include:
- Supervising and mentoring a student
- Setting and reviewing learning objectives
- Providing structured feedback
- Completing assessment documentation
The Practice Education Team supports students, clinical educators and healthcare organisations throughout the entire placement lifecycle. Our work ensures that each placement is well structured, supportive and aligned with professional standards.
We provide clear guidance on expectations and placement requirements; support for supervisors completing assessments; ongoing communication with clinical sites and; assistance when students require additional academic or pastoral support.
Our team
- Practice Education Manager: Helen Heery
- Practice Education Co-Ordinators: Rebecca Sweeney and Fiona Daly
- Clinical Tutor: Sharon Cullen
Professional development
- Shape and influence future practitioners
- Build mentoring and supervision skills
- Contribute to CPD and professional growth
Knowledge exchange
- Students bring current academic knowledge
- Two way learning for clinicians and students
- Opportunities to engage with RCSI teaching and research
Workforce and service benefits
- Additional capacity for patient care
- Support with classes, admin, project work and audits
- Potential recruitment pipeline
- Strengthened links with RCSI
We are committed to building long‑term collaborative partnerships that enhance learning environments and strengthen clinical education across all settings. Learn more by downloading our brochure.
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If you would like to partner with RCSI in training the next generation of physiotherapists, please contact us today. We welcome enquiries from clinical educators, hospital managers, private practice providers, community services and specialist settings.
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