More than just a rub! what makes a Chartered Physiotherapist
More than 80% of the public don’t know that there is a difference between Chartered physiotherapist and Physical Therapist. In 110 countries worldwide the title “Physiotherapist” is synonymous with Physical Therapist. The title’s are not protected by legislation in Ireland which creates much confusion. Only Chartered Physiotherapists can work in a hospital setting. It is outside the hospital setting most confusion arises.
In Ireland training for physiotherapists includes musculoskeletal, cardio-respiratory, rheumatology, neurology, pediatrics, gerontology and rehabilitation. It can only be completed in Trinity College Dublin, UCD, UL, RCSI or Jordanstown over four years full time study which includes 1000 hours clinically supervised placements. The Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapy provides accreditation for those who have gone through rigorous educational standards.
Even though the term “physiotherapist” is not protected, “chartered physiotherapist” is, and those who have accreditation are the only ones permitted to use the letters MISCP (Member Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists).
More over those who become members of ISCP are required to complete ongoing continuing professional development and practice combining evidence based practice with clinical excellence. They are held accountable by rigorous professional standards and expected to practice within defined guidelines so while a physiotherapist may have the brains of a scientist, the heart of a humanist and the hands of an artist (if you must choose – choose chartered!!)
