Iain Ó Nuanáin
Iain Ó Nuanáin is a graduate of the BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy programme at Portobello Institute. This full-time, three-year level 8 Honours Degree, is awarded by London Metropolitan University.
Iain had previously attended another college, but he found that the Sports Therapy programme at Portobello Institute offered a more focused and structured learning environment. He appreciated the programme’s schedule, with two days per week dedicated to on-site learning, leaving the remaining time for independent study.
“I went to college before in Galway, there was a lot of messing around. I wanted to focus on the physiotherapy stuff. This Sports Therapy degree was two days a week then you’re home to do your own study in your own time, one day practical and one day theory,” he said.
Iain’s dedication to physiotherapy stems from a long-held ambition. Recognising that he might not achieve the CAO points required for direct entry into a Physiotherapy programme, he saw the Sports Therapy degree as a valuable steppingstone.
“When I was 16, I always wanted to be a physiotherapist but knew I wouldn’t get the CAO points, this is another route. I am really proud of myself,” he said.
Iain is working as a personal trainer, a role that allows him to apply his knowledge of anatomy and injury rehabilitation to help his clients. He is also the sports therapist for his local GAA club in Connemara. He described a sense of fulfilment in these roles:
“With some clients of mine, I can now give them more of a response and help them more. I’m a huge GAA fan so it’s great to be here in Croke Park, it’s a shame we can’t be here more often! I feel like a winner today as cheesy as that is. I cover my own club in Connemara, we have three teams and it’s great to oversee a group of lads in a small rural place,” he said.
Graduates of the BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy programme are eligible for professional membership with the Society of Sports Therapists (SST), which is an internationally recognised professional body. This membership enhances the credibility and employability of graduates in the field.
Iain is planning to take a year to travel before pursuing further education. He is interested in both clinical and club-based practice and is also drawn to teaching. He expressed particular interest in Portobello Institute’s new MSc Physiotherapy (pre-registration) programme.
“I would like to do a bit of both: clinical and club-based practice. I am also interested in education and would love to educate people on anatomy. Portobello Institute has the new MSc Physiotherapy [pre-registration] rogramme so I am definitely looking at that for after my travels. For now, I’m happy with sports therapy and personal training,” he said.
Iain’s success story illustrates how Portobello Institute’s Sports Therapy programme can provide a pathway for individuals who are passionate about careers in sports therapy and physiotherapy but may not meet the high demands of traditional entry routes.
Iain also demonstrates the wide range of career opportunities available to graduates of this programme, from working with individual clients to supporting sports teams.
Check out our MSc Physiotherapy (pre-registration) here!
