How to register to work as a physiotherapist in Ireland [UPDATED]

If you are a foreign trained physiotherapist who wants to work in Ireland, you may be wondering what steps you need to take to get a job in this country. Here is an outline of the main requirements and challenges that you may face, along with some resources to help you achieve your goal.

1. Apply for Recognition of Qualification

If you earned your physiotherapy degree outside of Ireland, you will need to have it recognized, which entails comparing it to the proficiency standards demanded by accredited Irish degrees. 

You would need to Complete the application form electronically here and fill out and submit all the certified copies of the documents outlined in the application form checklist.

This process of recognition, which has a fee of €410, usually takes four months.

Until your qualification is recognized, you cannot apply for registration.

The six standards of proficiency areas listed below will be used to evaluate you:

  1. Professional autonomy and accountability 
  2. Interpersonal and professional relationships 
  3. Effective communication 
  4. Personal and professional development 
  5. Provision of quality services Domain 
  6. Knowledge, understanding and skills

If deficiencies are found, they can be corrected through lifelong learning, work experience, the use of “compensation measures,” or a combination of these. 

European Economic Area (EEA) nationals with EEA
qualifications who wish to practise a regulated profession in an EEA state other than the one
in which they obtained their professional qualifications, on either a self-employed or
employed basis.
The intention of the Directive is to make it easier for qualified professionals to practise their
professions in European countries other than their own. Public health, safety and consumer
protection are safeguarded through the qualification recognition process.
The mutual recognition of professional qualifications is governed by Directive 2005/36/EC.
Mutual recognition of professional qualifications means that the qualifications gained in one
country (the home country) are recognised in another country (the host country).
European Economic Area (EEA)
The relevant European States are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech
Republic, Denmark, Éire (Republic of Ireland), Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,
Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The
Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland and United Kingdom.

Directive 2005/36/EC

2. Apply for Physiotherapy Registration with CORU

If you are a fresh graduate of physiotherapy, a foreign trained physiotherapist who has been working outside Ireland, or a trained physiotherapist returning to the profession, then you are a “Section 38” applicant.

You would be required to:

  • hold an approved qualification;
  • complete the online application form;
  • demonstrate that you are fit and proper to practice the profession; and
  • satisfy the Board that you have sufficient knowledge of the language necessary to practice the profession in Ireland; this may include undertaking a language test.

To apply, go here. 

3. Register with the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists (ISCP)

The ISCP has 16 Professional Networks to support you in your career, including employment groups. These networks provide opportunities for networking, professional development, and staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in the field. Additionally, joining the ISCP will give you access to a range of resources and benefits that can further enhance your professional growth as a physiotherapist in Ireland.  

Each Network focuses on a key area of physiotherapy practice and is led by a volunteer committee that focuses on each network’s members needs.

I suggest you join them if you’re serious about quickly establishing yourself as a physiotherapist in Ireland. On their website, there are also frequently updated job listings.

4. Start Applying for jobs

In Ireland, physiotherapists may work in a variety of settings, including clinics, hospitals, community health centers, schools, sports organizations, private practices, etc. Websites like Indeed.ie, Irishjobs.ie, Physiotherapy.ie, and others allow you to search for job openings. Through social media sites like Facebook groups and LinkedIn, you can connect with other physiotherapists. Prepare a resume and cover letter that highlight your qualifications and accomplishments, and be prepared for interviews that could test your clinical expertise.

Even though the process may seem cumbersome, if you really want to move to Ireland and work as a physiotherapist who received their training abroad, you shouldn’t let that stop you from realizing your dream. Despite some of the difficulties associated with adjusting to a new system and environment, remain motivated.

This post was first published July 15, 2017.

28Comments

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  1. 1
    Anonymous

    thank you so much for the valuable information i was really lost and confused but not anymore , this is one great work you have belt by helping the physiotherapy community to achieve better goals god bless you …. thank you again i appreciate it

    yours faithfully

    Amr Osman

  2. 3
    Anonymous

    Thank you for information. I want to know how easy it is for foreign trained Physiotherapist to get job offers in Ireland after registration with CORU?

  3. 4
    Nancy

    Thank you for reading. I can't tell how "easy" it is to get a physiotherapy job in Ireland, but I can tell you there are jobs for Physiotherapists. Once you get registered put yourself out there and apply to job openings.

  4. 6
    Nancy

    Hi Naik,

    You actually apply for your qualifications to be assessed first.

    After you apply for Recognition of Qualifications, CORU will consider all the information that you have provided.

    If deficiencies are observed they will look at any additional information you have provided in your application, like relevant additional training and / or relevant post qualifying work experience.

    If these can still not cover for the deficits then the options remaining will either be to take an aptitude test or engage in a period of adaptation (supervised practice).

  5. 8
    Anonymous

    hello mam i have done 5 year bachelor degree programe DPT (doctor of physicaltherapy) from pakistan. mam plz give guidence about how i can apply for job in ireland….another Question is OET exam for physio in ireland acceptable???

  6. 11
    Unknown

    Hi mam
    my name is vineel I'm doing sports physiotherapy there are any openings over there and I didn't understand that after registration in CORU and I cleared my tofel so that I'm eligible for job or not.

  7. 17
    Unknown

    Hi…I am a registered physiotherapist in Ireland.. I recently completed my registration with Coru..I am from India…but now the problem is that the immigration law is not in my favour.. They said that my profession is not in the selected occupation list.. Please guide me further… Regards Prabhjot Singh

  8. 25
    Unknown

    Good day!

    I'm Bryan from the Philippines. I have 10 years working experience as a Physiotherapist in my country and currently working as a Chief-Physiotherapist in a tertiary hospital.

    I am considering to move to Ireland and reviewing all of the processes and requirements needed for recognition.

    My question is, have you encountered a foreign physiotherapist (especially from the Philippines) applying to Ireland that has been recognized by the CORU and got a job as a Physio?

  9. 27
    Rinta Roy

    Hi,
    I’m Rinta from India. I am planning to move to Ireland and applying the coru recognition processes. But CORU recognition process is delay, no response from CORU.
    Could you please any solution or suggestions for overcome from this problem?

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