Retraining in physiotherapy?

FakePie

There was an initiative some years ago in regards to graduates of some health sciences being made an offer for a largely funded BSc in physiotherapy in some British universities; something to do with a shortage of physio's?
Is that gone the way of the dodo bird?
Would definitely like to retrain in something like this but, I already have an undergrad so would have to foot the entire bill in an Irish university, which I don't have the resources to do.
If a funded British course were available - that would be right up my street - but it's a quite a while since acquaintance's I've known have done that so, perhaps you guys know if something like that is still available?

FakePie

The other thing I wanted to ask here was, as a physio - once you do your undergrad, can you come out and start working as a physio immediately?
As in, in psychology by example - an undergrad degree is fairly worthless.
You need have have much further studies, before you're eligible to practice.
How is physio in that regard?

ironwalk

Q1. Presume you're aware of post-grad professional qualification in Physiotherapy

https://www.ul.ie/graduateschool/course/physiotherapy-professional-qualification-msc

Don't know about the BSc through the UK but I haven't heard of people doing it recently.

Q.2 If you do a recognised physiotherapy qualification e.g through Trinity, UCD, UL etc. the standard of the course is quite high- to ensure that once you are qualified, you can enter the work force immediately.

You would be looking at entering a basic grade entry level physiotherapy post in the public sector e.g. hospitals HSE.
A good basic grade post will offer experience in a wide variety of specialities

Alternatively, Physios will do post-grads e.g. as masters in sports injuries, veterinary physio, spinal injury rehab etc etc
Leading to becoming quite specialised.

FakePie

ironwalk wrote: »

Q1. Presume you're aware of post-grad professional qualification in Physiotherapy

https://www.ul.ie/graduateschool/course/physiotherapy-professional-qualification-msc

Don't know about the BSc through the UK but I haven't heard of people doing it recently.

Q.2   If you do a recognised physiotherapy qualification e.g through Trinity, UCD, UL etc. the standard of the course is quite high- to ensure that once you are qualified, you can enter the work force immediately.

You would be looking at entering a basic grade entry level physiotherapy post in the public sector e.g. hospitals HSE.
A good basic grade post will offer experience in a wide variety of specialities

Alternatively, Physios will do post-grads e.g. as masters in sports injuries, veterinary physio, spinal injury rehab etc etc
Leading to becoming quite specialised.

I had heard something mentioned of that masters in UL - but, the fees don't exactly make it a more attractive option.

This is probably the worst thing one could say about a profession, especially if you're talking to someone OF that profession but - I want to do physio, specifically to have my own private practice, and decide my own hours.

I know it's looked on more favourably if one were to say, "I have a vested interest and passion for healing, I want to specialize, then progress to a research position".

In my case - nuh.

I want a solid professional qualification in something that, yes, I am interested in but no, don't necessarily have a life long burning passion for - that allows me to not have to avail of social welfare in some capacity to keep my head above water.

It is important to me to be regarded as competent, thorough, intellectual and up to speed - which is why I want a physio qualification, as oppose to some hoodoo-voodoo witch doctor qualification.


So with that being said, I was informed that, there was bursary funding available for UK based physio courses, which included living expenses in addition to course fees - which have been withdrawn as of, September last year.

BUMMER!!

I don't think I'd have the finance to specialize after an undergrad but - I'd be primarily interested in hands on based work, with whomever needs it, be it sports individuals, or just some dude that got out of his recliner too fast.

I'm looking primarily overseas at the moment - apparently the Netherlands has a range of options.
From what I see - fees would amount to about 10k in total.
Living expenses - that's another animal completely - which well and truly scares me.
But I'm for sure enthusiastic about the idea of it.

FakePie

The other thing I should clarify in regards to my decision to retrain in physio is:

My life revolves largely around sports.

I have a degree in a technical discipline but - working in that area, it's so far removed from my primary out of work endeavor - plus the hours were so long, there was obviously a conflict of interests - so one had to go.
I wasn't about to compromise my happiness for the sake of a job - so the job went.

With physio - I'm already pretty tuned in to anatomy and physiology from self treating injuries and personal training - so I figure it aligns pretty well with my more vested interests.

Don't get me wrong, I love my initial undergrad - research pharmacology - but like I said, there was a conflict there that could not be resolved.

And like I said - with physio - the idea is, I can have my own private practice, decide my own hours, and thus live my life on my terms.

They're the primary reasons I wish to do that course.

FakePie

ironwalk wrote: »

Q1. Presume you're aware of post-grad professional qualification in Physiotherapy

https://www.ul.ie/graduateschool/course/physiotherapy-professional-qualification-msc

Don't know about the BSc through the UK but I haven't heard of people doing it recently.

Okay let me revise her briefly.

I wasn't actually aware of this - but it's becoming a more appealing option since I've learned there are possibly assistance grants available.

Just so I have that correct - one can attain a masters in physio - without a physio undergrad, in two years?

I assume it's effectively structured like a conversion course.

Is that the primary/only post grad option for non-physio undergrads, available through a university outlet in Ireland?

I ran a couple google searches and, varying results.
Some post grads listed on outside websites, but checking the uni websites themselves - not listed?

ironwalk

Don't know where you looked. There's UL and other universities.
Suggest you give them a ring to enquire about undergrad component- might be that places go to people who've done an undergrad in a health-related course.

https://sisweb.ucd.ie/usis/!W_HU_MENU.P_PUBLISH?p_tag=PROG&MAJR=X784

https://www.ucc.ie/en/ckx23/

FakePie

Royal college of surgeons in Dublin run a 3 year program for graduates of other disciplines - with fees similar to if I applied to a university overseas.

How is their reputation as a college?

Anyone?

FakePie

ironwalk wrote: »

Don't know where you looked. There's UL and other universities.
Suggest you give them a ring to enquire about undergrad component- might be that places go to people who've done an undergrad in a health-related course.

https://sisweb.ucd.ie/usis/!W_HU_MENU.P_PUBLISH?p_tag=PROG&MAJR=X784

https://www.ucc.ie/en/ckx23/

That course in UCC wasn't listed on qualifax - oddly.

It's appearing that within Ireland, RCSI may be my best option.

FakePie

Actually just spoken to a few physiotherapists, some recently graduated.

The feedback I'm getting is that - education wise, physio is so broad that, what it can offer in terms of musculoskeletal education - is fairly limited.

That, specifically - hands on work - would be my interest.

It seems I'm being told that, you get your degree, then you get into clinical practice, specialize in an area - and at that point, you acquire knowledge via experience - specifically re MSK.

Does that sound about right??


If so - then in terms of becoming a hands on therapist treating MSK - perhaps some witchdoctor degree in osteopathy/chiropractic maybe better?