The Active Female: Pelvic Floor Function and Dysfunction

Module code: TRE1015

NFQ level: 9

ECTS credits: 10

Commencing: September 2024

Cost: The fee for this module is €1,250 and a HCI Pillar 3 Learner Fee Subsidy is available to a fixed number of eligible candidates. Eligibility criteria for the Learner Fee Subsidy are available on the microcreds.ie website. The subsidised fee is €775.00.

The University does not refund application or registration fees for professional development courses, however, students can defer their registration to the next available sitting, except in the case of micro-credential courses where there is no availability for a deferred entry.

Closing date: August 30th 2024, or earlier if this course is oversubscribed.

Module aim:

This 10 credit micro-credential module presents and discusses advanced current concepts and practical skills relating to pelvic floor muscle anatomy, function and dysfunction within female sport and exercise. It will teach the learner how to enable their clients/patients to prevent, navigate, manage pelvic floor dysfunction (such as prolapse, hypertonic pelvic floor, incontinence etc) and related musculoskeletal complaints within a context of keeping physically active and achieving high performance in sport and exercise.

Who should apply?

This module is suitable for any healthcare professional or sports practitioner who works with active women. Suitable professions include: physiotherapists, athletic therapists, public health nurses, practice nurses and other specialist nurses or midwives, general practitioners, sport and exercise medicine physicians, osteopaths, chiropractors, sports scientists, strength and conditioning coaches, athletic development coaches, exercise physiologists, Pilates instructors and coaches. Applications from international learners are also welcomed.

Learning outcomes:

Outline the functional anatomy of the female pelvic floor
Describe and clinically reason using an anatomical context the relationship between the female pelvic floor and the whole body
Discuss and critique current concepts in the understanding of the optimal female pelvic floor within a sport and exercise context
Explain and clinically reason the typical mechanisms and signs and symptoms of female pelvic floor muscle dysfunction
Use principles of sound logical and clinical reasoning in identifying how musculoskeletal complaints can impact pelvic floor muscle function

Online delivery:

This module will be 100% delivered online and is designed for those wanting to engage in education while working full-time. There will be a three hour per week commitment for 12 weeks with a mix of live classes, tutorials and online content. Learners should also allow for additional time for independent tasks and assignments.

Learners will be assessed via continuous assessment (e.g. through assignments and projects but not through a written exam).

All registered learners will have access to DCUs eLibrary and DCU’s student portal, Loop.

Entry requirements:

Candidates will be expected to hold a primary Level 8 award (NFQ or equivalent) in an area of sport, healthcare profession, or health sciences or cognate area (e.g. athletic therapy, physiotherapy, sports science, exercise physiology, strength and conditioning, coaching, nursing etc.). In line with DCU policy, students who do not have the appropriate level of academic attainment for direct entry may apply for access via the Recognition of Prior Learning process (RPL). All RPL applicants will be invited to interview and be required to demonstrate that their learning is comparable in terms of academic level training and assessment.

Please Note: Applicants may not apply to take more than 30 credits of micro-credentials.

How to apply

For information on how to apply for this micro-credential, please visit our Application Guide.

The Active Female: Pelvic Floor Function and Dysfunction - TRE1015