Abstract
According to the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, "Physiotherapy helps to restore movement and function when someone is affected by injury, illness or disability". This book provides a practical approach for those considering physiotherapy as a career. Dispelling the myths about physiotherapy, Chris McKenna, Cath Wright and experienced physiotherapists explore current practice and introduce the reader to a range of innovations in modern physiotherapy training and practice.
The reader is taken on a journey from their initial enquiry about this essential profession, to the point at which they consider the direction of their first graduate post. Information is provided to en-able a prospective student to access a suitable course and negotiate the application process. They are presented with advice from experienced educators on how to get the most from their academic and practice placement opportunities. This text culminates in the consideration of the variety of career opportunities available for the successful graduates.
Table of Contents
| Section Title | Page | Action | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Book Cover | C | ||
| Title | i | ||
| Copyright | ii | ||
| Contents | iii | ||
| About the publisher | vii | ||
| About the authors | vii | ||
| Foreword | viii | ||
| Acknowledgements | ix | ||
| Shining a light on your future career path | x | ||
| Chapter 1 Introduction and overview | 1 | ||
| Chapter summary | 5 | ||
| Key points | 5 | ||
| Useful resources | 5 | ||
| Chapter 2 How do I know that physiotherapy is the right career for me? | 7 | ||
| What do you want from your career? | 9 | ||
| Can someone with a disability be a physiotherapist? | 10 | ||
| What are the qualities of a good physiotherapist? | 11 | ||
| Personal skills | 11 | ||
| Academic skills | 11 | ||
| Practical skills | 12 | ||
| What relevant experience should I get? | 12 | ||
| Working in a team | 13 | ||
| Understanding and communicating with people | 14 | ||
| Chapter summary | 17 | ||
| Key points | 17 | ||
| Useful resources | 17 | ||
| References | 18 | ||
| Chapter 3 How do I choose which course and university to apply to? | 19 | ||
| Location – does it matter? | 21 | ||
| Should I live at home? | 23 | ||
| What courses are available? | 24 | ||
| Postgraduate or undergraduate? | 25 | ||
| Should I worry about reputation? | 27 | ||
| What is the course structure? | 28 | ||
| How do they teach and how do I learn? | 29 | ||
| How will I be assessed? | 30 | ||
| Chapter summary | 32 | ||
| Key points | 32 | ||
| Useful resources | 32 | ||
| Chapter 4 How do I apply? | 33 | ||
| The Universities and Colleges Admission System (UCAS) | 35 | ||
| Direct application | 36 | ||
| What do the admissions team look for? | 36 | ||
| Your personal statement | 36 | ||
| The interview process | 38 | ||
| Individual interviews | 38 | ||
| Group interviews | 38 | ||
| Group activities | 39 | ||
| Feedback | 40 | ||
| What if I still have questions? | 41 | ||
| Chapter summary | 43 | ||
| Key points | 43 | ||
| Useful resources | 43 | ||
| Chapter 5 What is life like as a student? | 45 | ||
| Accommodation | 47 | ||
| Living in student halls | 47 | ||
| Living in a shared house | 47 | ||
| Renting a room | 48 | ||
| Finance | 48 | ||
| Timetables | 48 | ||
| Books and equipment | 49 | ||
| Induction week | 51 | ||
| Library facilities | 52 | ||
| University support | 53 | ||
| Academic support | 53 | ||
| Financial support | 53 | ||
| Counselling services | 54 | ||
| Personal tutors | 54 | ||
| Extra-curricular activities | 56 | ||
| The students' union and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy | 56 | ||
| Chapter summary | 58 | ||
| Key points | 58 | ||
| Useful resources | 59 | ||
| Reference | 59 | ||
| Chapter 6 How do I manage my finances as a student? | 61 | ||
| Accommodation costs | 64 | ||
| Are there professional costs related to my course? | 65 | ||
| Will I have to pay fees? | 66 | ||
| Can I obtain a student loan? | 66 | ||
| Special needs funding application | 68 | ||
| Chapter summary | 70 | ||
| Key points | 70 | ||
| Useful resources | 70 | ||
| Chapter 7 What do the early years of studying physiotherapy involve? | 71 | ||
| What skills can I transfer to the programme? | 73 | ||
| Do I need to be practical or academic? | 74 | ||
| Topics covered | 75 | ||
| Anatomy and physiology | 75 | ||
| Physiotherapy assessment, intervention and evaluation | 76 | ||
| Research | 76 | ||
| Practice placement | 77 | ||
| Getting the most out of lectures | 78 | ||
| Getting the most out of seminars | 79 | ||
| Getting the most out of practical/laboratory classes | 81 | ||
| Other learning opportunities | 81 | ||
| Chapter summary | 82 | ||
| Key points | 82 | ||
| Useful resources | 82 | ||
| Chapter 8 Physiotherapy practice placements | 83 | ||
| What does being on practice placement mean? | 85 | ||
| What activities will I undertake? | 86 | ||
| What hours will I work? | 87 | ||
| Do I wear uniform? | 87 | ||
| Will I get support? | 88 | ||
| How will I be assessed? | 89 | ||
| What about my safety? | 91 | ||
| What is an elective placement? | 92 | ||
| Is there an opportunity to study overseas? | 93 | ||
| Chapter summary | 94 | ||
| Key points | 94 | ||
| Useful resources | 94 | ||
| Chapter 9 What do the final years of studying physiotherapy involve? | 95 | ||
| Is there a dissertation to write? | 97 | ||
| Will there be option modules? | 99 | ||
| Preparing for practice | 100 | ||
| Developing a continuous professional development (CPD) portfolio | 101 | ||
| Final exams | 103 | ||
| The National Student Survey and the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey | 103 | ||
| Chapter summary | 105 | ||
| Key points | 105 | ||
| Useful resources | 105 | ||
| Reference | 105 | ||
| Chapter 10 What career paths are available to me? | 107 | ||
| Getting your first job | 109 | ||
| Starting your own business | 111 | ||
| Registering with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) | 111 | ||
| Joining your professional body | 112 | ||
| Professional indemnity | 113 | ||
| Preceptorship and mentorship | 113 | ||
| The NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework (KSF) | 114 | ||
| Choosing a speciality | 114 | ||
| Becoming a consultant physiotherapist | 115 | ||
| Taking the management path | 115 | ||
| Thinking about teaching | 117 | ||
| Working internationally | 118 | ||
| Chapter summary | 119 | ||
| Key points | 119 | ||
| Useful resources | 119 | ||
| Reference | 120 | ||
| Chapter 11 Physiotherapy in the statutory sector | 121 | ||
| The National Health Service (NHS) | 123 | ||
| Inter-professional working | 128 | ||
| Chapter summary | 129 | ||
| Key points | 129 | ||
| Useful resources | 129 | ||
| Chapter 12 Physiotherapy in the non-statutory sector | 131 | ||
| New areas of independent practice | 138 | ||
| Chapter summary | 139 | ||
| Key points | 139 | ||
| Useful resources | 139 | ||
| Chapter 13 International perspectives | 141 | ||
| Chapter summary | 147 | ||
| Key points | 147 | ||
| Useful resources | 147 | ||
| Chapter 14 A day in the life – physiotherapy in action | 149 | ||
| Chapter summary | 160 | ||
| Key points | 160 | ||
| Useful resources | 160 | ||
| Index | 161 |