Year 12s: what will be the first way you research your future options? >>

Physiotherapy

I'm currently sitting my GCSEs and have chosen my A-levels. I hope to aim for a career in Physiotherapy so would firstly like advice on the most suitable A levels. I have currently chosen

Biology
Chemistry
Maths
German

Secondly, if anyone has any details on what physiotherapy involves (I know the basics but I'm interested to find out more) , or which courses at which Universities are best, could they please let me know.

Thank you!

Reply 1

roseyd

Hey, dunno if you've already found information but I'll give you some anyway! I'm going into my second year of physiotherapy and I study in Scotland.
Your A-levels are perfectly good, you have more than three suitable sciences for the course, you have chosen well! This will also be a huge advantage to you when you reach university.
In terms of what you will be learning in university, all universities throughout the UK will aim the first part of your learning (a year or so) with theory and the fundamental principles of physiotherapy practice. This will be combined with practical sessions with your classmates. You will learn applied physiology, psychology, anatomy, physics,etc. You will know absolutely everything there is to know about human movement in no time! Then you will also have the opportunity throughout the years but especially towards the end of the course to go on placements. You will be amazed at all the different specialities you will be working in. These range from palliative care, neurology, surgical, cardiorespiratory, sports, paediatrics and many more. You will be involved in treating patients undergoing cancer treatment and are unable to do basic human movements such as standing up and walking because their body is being weakened through through their battle with cancer and the effects of their treatment. Or you may be working with young and old individuals who have been paralysed and may or may not regain mobility. Or you may simply be working with a patient who has sprained their ankle! Or perhaps you might work in a surgical ward treating patients who have pain, mobility and breathing problems due to the effects of surgery and the anaesthesia. Its a field full of surprises! You will be able to diagnosis and treat many musculoskeletal conditions and also be able to identify when a problem involves the neurological, cardiac, vascular or many other systems of the body and refer the patient to the right specialist.

As for universities, all universities which offer physiotherapy are accredited and validated by the HCPC (physiotherapist's governing body) so don't worry about the best because they all have met the standards to offer the course. However, as most of your learning will come from working in a hospital, perhaps you should choose a university which is affiliated with a teaching hospital as you won't have any problems finding placements and you may also have lectures and classes in the hospital.

I hope I have helped and I wish you all the best in your A-levels! When you get into physiotherapy, you will be thinking "waw A-levels was nothing!".

Reply 2

ruthygizzy

I also want to to physiotherapay!! but i did physics and not biology... will that be okay?

Reply 3

roseyd

Yeah i think that should be fine, some universities may prefer you also having biology but it is not essential so long as you have atleast 2 or 3 sciences. There's quite a bit of physics (inertia, force, momentum, etc) involved so if you have a good understanding of that from school then that will be of huge help to you!

Reply 4

emilyjaaayne

Original post by ruthygizzy

I also want to to physiotherapay!! but i did physics and not biology... will that be okay?

9 times out of 10, universities will require at least a B or 100 ucas points in Biology for physiotherapy, as thats what I'm aiming to go for, the only exception that I've found is Leeds Met which also accept Human Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Physical Education, Sociology, Sports Studies or Psychology in place of bio

If I were you I'd do some pretty intense research into phsyio as it is extremely competitive and you need to know that it is exactly what you need to do :')
1- research the unis that offer it and places you'd like to go, check all of their entry requirements (most are those grades, plus relevant works experience and an interview)
2- see how the courses differ between unis, as they can vary quite a bit, see which would suit your interests most.
3- do some extra reading, watch online seminars etc just to ensure you know that this is what you want to do

Like I said, physiotherapy (as it is nhs funded) is very very competitive, about 2000 applicants to every 40 places, so your personal statement needs to show your dedication to the cause.

Good luck! :smile: