Charlie Markey, '98
Owner / Manager,
Markey Physical Therapy

 

Mary Kinsella, '05
Salary Doubled in one year.

 

 

 

 

Mark Higgins, '04.
Clients: Gold medal winners, Beijing Olympics

 

 

 

Harry O'Neill, '07
Work address: Croke Park
4 All-Ireland Finals in 4 years

 

 

 

 

Bride O’Brien, '92
Working hours – Whenever to whenever

 

 

 

 

 

 

"As long as I can remember, my ambition has been to work for myself and manage my own business. Because I am fascinated by the human body and enjoy meeting and helping people, this area seemed ideal for me and so I commenced the physical therapy course in 1996 starting my own practise in ‘99. I enjoy learning and have studied every year since picking up additional qualifications and skills with which to help patients. It gives me great satisfaction now to return to the Institute as a Tutor and mix teaching and practise. The area is developing all the time – as is the Institute’s course, so it is endlessly challenging."

 

"Though I had studied Science and enjoyed the topic, I found myself in a career in retail. I loved that I was always meeting new people but still felt I’d like something different. So when the opportunity came to study evenings and weekends I knew it was right for me.
I started in practise pretty soon after graduating, moving after a little while to being self-employed which suits me best. I was lucky that my clients stayed loyal to me and gave me lots of referrals sending in family and friends. It meant that my practise built much quicker than I had ever hoped it might. It took a little time but financially it has worked really well for me. I have my degree and as a single person with commitments did not have to take a drop in income which was important. These days I start work early a couple of mornings and also work late a couple of evenings. It gives a nice work/life balance where I can spend time with family and friends and still have financial independence while owning my own business."

"As a Personal Trainer I had a huge interest in sport and in that way came in contact with a lot of people that had injured themselves. I often wished I could help them! I looked for a good course and took advice from some well-established therapists, all of which pointed me towards Physical Therapy.
Once I graduated in 2003 I moved to the US getting the opportunity to work first the Men’s U20’s and then the Women’s National Soccer Teams. I loved every minute of it. Though working while studying on weekends is challenging, physical therapy and my qualification opened doors for me. I found a fabulous job and felt honoured to be therapist to the National Soccer Team when they brought home the Gold Medal at the Beijing Olympics. Physical Therapy has allowed me to be actively involved in sport at the highest level and when the Team wins I feel that I have contributed to their success."

 

"Those who know me know how much a part of my life Gaelic Football has been. So when I saw a career path that incorporated this I didn’t have to think too long about pursuing it.
Being part of the backroom team with the Kerry Senior footballers each year since I graduated has been a great experience; it has meant I have been pitch side now for four All-Irelands. I am lucky to also be part of a run of success at my club in Killarney so I hope to see Croke Park again before I finish.
As well as treating sports people. I have a private practise from home. The work is fulfilling and I find it rewarding to track patient’s progress and feel that I can reduce discomfort and help them return to daily living. Being able to get a recognised degree and qualification is good for me and reassuring for my clients."

 

"I think I was in one of the first graduates from the Institute in 1992.  My background was in Nursing but I wanted to move away from shift work and be more available for my family.  Though I had a terrific employer and enjoyed the camaraderie at the hospital, the hands-on nature of physical therapy was really attractive.  I also love working one-on-one with people to improve their health. 
Well, that was twenty years ago and Physical Therapy opened a doorway for me into a new area of healthcare and also to a speciality within it when I later gained a qualification in Osteopathy in the UK.  Today, I still use skills and techniques I picked up in my first classes!
I work from home and over the years planned my diary to allow me care for my (then) small children.  This meant I was there for them as they needed me and I also found I can schedule my patients to accommodate my lifestyle.  Over the years I feel I have become well established as a health professional within the community and regularly liaise with my patients’ medical advisers."

 

"I started my practice in 2002 while I was still doing my studies in The Institute of Physical Therapy, doing a few hours a week as a remedial therapist as well as doing my full time job in the fitness industry. By the time I graduated in 2004 I had my own office in Swords practicing full time Physical Therapy. Since then it has grown to a clinic consisting of three treatment rooms, including my own and a waiting area. My career as a Physical therapy has given me many rewards including funding for the purchase of my first home. Now I have a successful business, beautiful home and a rewarding career. I owe this success to the decision I made in 2000 to register as a student with The Institute of Physical therapy." -- read more
Leona Bermingham, Ph Th, - Class of 2004

"Studying with the Institute gave me a firm foundation for safe and competent practice. I found the lecturers were really helpful and thoroughly enjoyed the course."
Mike Lynch - Class of 1999

"I really enjoyed studying - and later teaching - at The Institute and had the privilege of working with some wonderful tutors with whom I have remained in contact. The unique physical therapy approach and the hands-on skills helped my practise and professional development tremendously. I have been really encouraged also seeing the progress the Institute is making in the last 10 years or so, since my time there."
Tony Cannon - Class of 1998

"The staff were great, I found the lectures well structured and the combined pool of experience of all the tutors was invaluable. Your questions never went unanswered even if they did get you to dig up the answer yourself, none the less a great learning experience. I found what helped a lot were the study groups organised by IPTAS. No matter what part of the country there was always a study group near by to help."
Steve Fallon - Class of 1997

"The knowledge gained in the Institute gives you the ability to succeed, to be competent and to proceed with caution and safety. The teachers in the Institute are of the highest calibre. The lectures are up to date; they cover all relevant information required for examinations."
Pat Tiedt - Class of 1993