Options if can't get into physiotherapy first time

[Ami_stratton]

Hey guys,
I have applied for university but unfortunately havent been getting any places... if in clearing i can't get in a university i would appreciate any advice to what i could do in a year to help me for next year when i can reapply, things like if you can get apprenticeships or work experience and things like that ?
thankyou

amy

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[violablue]

There are a lot of options in similar fields. You could explore massage or athletic therapy. I'm not sure how things are regulated where you are. In Canada physios and massage therapists are regulated by a college and athletic therapy is not. This can make a difference in wages, whether insurance will cover fees, and that sort of thing.

I know a number of people who have schooled in two out of the three, with a kinesiology undergrad, as well. So committing to the schooling in another direction may slow you for a time with applying to physio, however, if you work hard and get good grades, it can also improve your chances with a physio school.

You could also spend a lot of time volunteering in a physio clinic, but that won't advance you as much as concrete schooling will.

[Ami_stratton]

thankyou for your advice

[bluebear]

Hi Ami,
if physio is something you are truly passionate about, don't give up.
i didn't get in straight out of school, so I went and enrolled in a massage course, and a physiotherapy assistant course and got some experience in related fields. After another year I got in and haven't looked back.
Ask to speak to the person who does the intake for the course and see what they would suggest will boost your chances.
good luck.

[nataliemelfa]

Hi Amy,

I was in the same boat three years ago...and I've just qualified from Leicester Uni this year! I took a year to really work on gaining experience. I enrolled at my local college to do advanced human biology (It was my grade in A level biology that let me down) and I did a lot of voluntary work. Uni's look favourably on voluntary work as it shows a caring a selfless nature, plus it will teach you so much. Focus on volunteering with children, disabled children/adults and the elderly as these are patients you will come across in the NHS that require the most care. I loved my time volunteering at a local school for disabled children and young adults!

Also, spend some time contacting your local football/rugby team, they often have physios which are happy to be shadowed, and if you have a first aid certificate you could be of some real help to a physio at a local club whilst learning a lot. Actual experience within the NHS is hard to come by due to restraints on time and staff, but you can easily contact any local schools for disabled children as they often have a physio dept. as well as sending letters requesting to observe physios in private practices

I volunteered a lot with Vitalise (Vitalise | Respite Care and Disabled Holidays for people with physical disabilities, visually impaired people and carers) which is a centre that offers holidays for disabled people so that their carers can rest. It is a great programme! You volunteer for 1-4 weeks at a time and are given free accomodation and meals for the entirety of your stay. I did this a couple of times and it was really rewarding and gave me lots to speak about in uni interview! I also went on a two week holiday as a guide for a blind person- it was brilliant! Have a shop around and find some local projects to get involved in.

I got onto a course no problem the next year, and actually I am glad it happened the way it did because it has made me a much better physiotherapist than I would have been
All the best x