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I'm 35 with a young family and I work full time. I am determined to make a career change to Physiotherapy. However, at this time I do not have the qualifications required to achieve this. Can anyone recommend study that I can do to reach the required standard. I am in the South east of England. Thanks.
I copied this off another thread, not even sure if it is was this website
Entry to physiotherapy courses is very competitive, with pre-entry experience being advantageous. Previous experience of work-shadowing a physiotherapist, voluntary work in a health or care setting, or working as a physiotherapy assistant strengthens your application. In addition to experience, candidates need to show evidence of:
good communication skills;
ability to work in a team - regularly liaising with other professionals, such as doctors, nurses, occupational therapists, teachers and social workers;
pragmatic problem-solving skills;
initiative, patience, sensitivity and tact;
excellent organisational and administrative skills;
the ability to be firm, encouraging and empathetic;
the ability to establish a rapport with patients and their families.
a genuine concern for the wellbeing and health of patients;
a real interest in anatomy and physiology.
When applying for a physiotherapy course, admission tutors also want to see that potential students have researched the profession, with a good understanding of the role.
Discrimination on the basis of age is now illegal and a considerable proportion of mature students have traditionally entered physiotherapy. Approved access courses are accepted for entry to physiotherapy degrees.
There has recently been a major shortage of opportunities for newly qualified physiotherapists. Most recent graduates have had to accept temporary contracts or find imaginative ways of starting their career, such as casual work as a 'bank' physiotherapist, voluntary work, working abroad, taking a gap year, the Territorial Army, entering private practice earlier than normally recommended, and postgraduate study and research. Some have taken up other posts such as therapy or physiotherapy assistant, teaching assistant (physiotherapy), educational support worker and care assistant. Although it appears that the situation is now improving for newly qualified physiotherapists, it is still crucial to market your specific skills to targeted organisations
Hope that helps but I have another question myself I hope that someone can answer. I've seen in a lot of forums on the topic people mention voluntary work being advantagous but I was wondering what type of voluntary work in particular, is it hard to come by and where to apply for it?
I'd really appreciate help on this.
Thanks
Brian
Hi Dan,
I'm currently studying physiotherapy, and there are quite a lot of mature students in general. I'm on the MSc course and theres 2 or 3 who are your age - and even in the undergrad theres a couple of older students.
Best thing to do would be to phone up the uni's and see what they say to what you have, and ask them for advice on what to do as a stepping stone for entry. As a mature student they will look at your working life as much as the qualifications you got in school - after all (no offence indended!) it was a long time ago, things change.
I would however say, think very carefully before making the switch. The job situation in the UK is extremely poor at the minute. There are a lot of unemployed physios out there just now. That said, if you're sure its what you want to do and you're aware of the situation yet still want to go for it then by all means do so - thats what I did.
Hi Dan,
I was a mature student, 42 when I started, and have just graduated this year with a 2.1, so it is possible.
However, studying requires a tremendous amount of self-discipline and sacrifice and an extremely supportive partner. My children were 5yrs and 7yrs when I started out and are now 9 and 11.
I did an Access to Healthcare course for a year, which covered a bit of psychology, biology, chemistry, social issues and study skills, and then applied to uni.
As I had family I could only apply to two universities, due to travelling, and was lucky to be accepted at both.
Sadly the job situation is rather poor at the moment and I have been told that it can take up to a year, post qualifying, to find a job. Many of my fellow students can apply anywhere in the country but I am restricted to reasonable travelling distance from home, which makes it difficult.
Hope this info. helps