Alan Flynn
An undergraduate degree in Sport and Exercise Management with teaching experience and a desire to become a physiotherapist led Alan Flynn to choose to study his MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) at Portobello Institute.
Having gained valuable experience from his work placement at Shelbourne FC during his first year of study, working with the Men’s Senior Team and lead physiotherapist, he’s now looking forward to what his second and final year on the programme will bring.
“I completed my undergraduate degree in Sport and Exercise Management at UCD before training as a Lifeguard in the National Aquatic Centre where I worked for two years. I also worked in a restaurant and as a primary school substitute teacher for 3 years.
“I always had the ambition to become a physiotherapist and when the opportunity to study a masters degree in physiotherapy came up, I grabbed the opportunity with both hands,” he said.
Finding the Right Path to His Career
When Alan began researching his options for study, Portobello Institute stood out for the personal support and encouragement offered from the very beginning.
For Alan, enrolling in the MSc Physiotherapy wasn’t just the next step in his education; it was a chance to turn a long-held ambition into reality.
“Portobello Institute welcomed me with open arms and made the application process easy to navigate and even emailed me to encourage me to apply for the February admission, as they felt I was a suitable candidate based on my CV and application letter,” he said.
His decision to pursue physiotherapy was rooted in a lifelong love of sport and a growing appreciation for the role physiotherapists play in helping athletes recover and thrive.
“Sport, physiotherapy, and helping people have always been a dream of mine.
“Ever since I was young, I have played sport to a high level and as I got older and started to experience injuries within sport, my passion grew for physiotherapy through the gratitude that I felt for the physiotherapists that helped me along my sport journey.
“I hope throughout my physiotherapy career I can change people’s lives in the way that I have seen physiotherapists change others,” he said.
Student Life at Portobello
Alan has found his time as a student to be both enjoyable and rewarding, with strong connections made along the way.
“I have enjoyed my time as a student at Portobello Institute so far, and I am looking forward to completing my first year and moving into my second and final year of my degree.
“Meeting like-minded, intelligent people has been an incredible experience, and I have learned many things from my peers as well as my lecturers,” he said.
Reflecting on his journey, Alan believes the course has been the perfect fit for him.
“I think this course was perfect for me, as Portobello understood that every student is different, and do their best to meet the needs of every student, which can sometimes be difficult.
“I have learned at an extraordinary rate during my time at Portobello Institute, which I can attribute to the high level of teaching, mentorship, peer-encouragement, passion, and hard work,” he said.
Gaining Real-World Experience with Shelbourne FC
Engaging and inspiring work placement opportunities are a cornerstone of the MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) programme, and Alan’s first-year placement gave him invaluable experience with one of Ireland’s leading football clubs.
“I carried out a thoroughly enjoyable placement at Shelbourne FC during my first year of study, working with the Men’s Senior Team and lead physiotherapist, who recently won the League of Ireland in 2024,” he said.
This opportunity provided hands-on learning that helped to build his confidence and practical skills while building his network in Ireland’s sports circles.
“I was lucky to have the opportunity to work with a high-level physiotherapist that encouraged participation from me throughout the placement.
“He also placed responsibility on me to rehabilitate some of the injured players while supporting me when necessary. This gave me a great platform to learn by doing, with hands-on practical experience in injury assessment, injury prevention, and injury rehabilitation.
“My placement with Shelbourne FC was a huge success and I learned so much from my practice educator, that I can now bring forward into my future career, building on the knowledge that this placement has provided me with.
“The assessment and rehabilitation skills that I have acquired have brought my physiotherapy skill to a new level, where I feel more confident to treat patients in an effective and efficient way,” he said.
Looking Towards the Future to a Physiotherapy Career
As Alan looks ahead to graduation, his goal is to use his knowledge and skills to make a real difference in people’s lives.
“My goal is to use the knowledge that I have and will acquire throughout my degree to help people understand their conditions, and improve their quality of life through good quality rehabilitation, as well as centring their rehabilitation around them, through making connections with the patient and their family,” he said.
He is confident that his qualification from Portobello Institute, awarded by Health Sciences University, will give him the platform he needs to succeed.
“This physiotherapy qualification will give me the platform to work in healthcare and physiotherapy clinics, allowing me to gain further experience, and continue my development as a physio constantly and consistently to create a fulfilling and long-lasting career,” he said.
For Alan, studying physiotherapy has not only opened doors but also given new meaning to a phrase he lives by:
“‘If you enjoy what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life’. The physiotherapy course at Portobello Institute and the placement at Shelbourne FC have given meaning to this quote for me, where I look forward to learning new things every day and the future career in Physiotherapy that awaits me,” he said.
Turning Ambition into Action
Alan’s story shows how dedication, passion, and the right support can transform ambition into a fulfilling career. By choosing Portobello Institute, he has been able to combine academic study with real-world experience and the right qualification, gaining the skills and confidence needed to succeed on his path to physiotherapy.
If you are ready to follow your passion and take the next step in your career, explore our MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-Registration) programme today.
If you are interested in studying Health Science at Portobello Institute, visit our faculty here.
