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Considering Studying Physiotherapy

  • 08-04-2019 7:38pm
    #1
    Registered Users Posts: 10


    Hi, I'm currently in my final year of college in a business degree due to finish in 4 weeks. I've taken a particular interest in physiotherapy and have decided I would like to pursue a career in it. I was just wondering if anyone would have any idea what might be the best entrance route for me and the best way to go about it. I am 25 but no science background so I could possibly apply for a course as a mature student. Would it be possible for me to get into a course? I would appreciate any feedback. Thanks!


Comments

  • Registered Users Posts: 255 ✭✭The Hound Gone Wild


    nathang93 wrote: »
    Hi, I'm currently in my final year of college in a business degree due to finish in 4 weeks. I've taken a particular interest in physiotherapy and have decided I would like to pursue a career in it. I was just wondering if anyone would have any idea what might be the best entrance route for me and the best way to go about it. I am 25 but no science background so I could possibly apply for a course as a mature student. Would it be possible for me to get into a course? I would appreciate any feedback. Thanks!

    There are only four universities that offer physiotherapy in the Republic; RCSI, TCD, UCD & UL. Dont bother with sports science or sports rehab. Nothing but studying physiotherapy will allow you to practice as a physiotherapist.

    You've missed the cut off for a September 2019 start so September 2020 will be the aim. Classes are tiny, only about 30-40 students per year AFAIK. Check the number of mature entry/graduate entry places for each course (I'd be surprised if it was more than one).

    Not having any science background will put you at a significant disadvantage. Look into a LEVEL 6 access to science course, I think UCD offer one, start that in September. If nothing else look at LC requirements and sit any subjects you don't currently have. (Biology is probably the main one)

    To stand out on any application you'll need some shadowing experience. Get onto any private physios and see if you can shadow for a day. Ask any physios from your local LOI team, GA club, rugby club where ever you can.

    Best of luck with the process!


  • Registered Users Posts: 10 nathang93


    Thank you for your reply, you have clarified a lot for me!

    Do you think I would be silly to take this career route at 25 if I was to go through the UCD access to science programme?

    Thanks again!


  • Registered Users Posts: 255 ✭✭The Hound Gone Wild


    nathang93 wrote: »
    Thank you for your reply, you have clarified a lot for me!

    Do you think I would be silly to take this career route at 25 if I was to go through the UCD access to science programme?

    Thanks again!

    No problem, happy to help.

    Personally I don't think it's silly. Physiotherapy is a great degree to have; good job, decent money, good pension, well respected.

    What was the plan with your business degree?


  • Registered Users Posts: 5,578 ✭✭✭Scraggs


    You should also look into studying in Scotland or UK. You might even make the cut to start in September if you are quick about it. Both your Junior Cert results and Leaving Cert results will be taken into account as well as your degree so check the requirements as they will vary from uni to uni.

    If you know any physios you should meet with them and find all about the day to day job. It's quite varied and not all sports which is a reason many people leave the course!


  • Registered Users Posts: 10 nathang93


    No problem, happy to help.

    Personally I don't think it's silly. Physiotherapy is a great degree to have; good job, decent money, good pension, well respected.

    What was the plan with your business degree?
    I don't know what I want with my business degree. I've been offered a contract with a big accountancy firm but I know I will hate it down the line. Business definitely does not excite me. I think I took this route for security.

    I've recently decided I wanted a more fulfilling career and I do not think business does that for me.

    I've noticed recently that I have such a huge interest in science even though I never studied it. I'm highly interested in health & fitness, biomechanics, physics and I just feel physiotherapy would be a really fulfilling career if I could get there eventually!


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  • Registered Users Posts: 10 nathang93


    Scraggs wrote: »
    You should also look into studying in Scotland or UK. You might even make the cut to start in September if you are quick about it. Both your Junior Cert results and Leaving Cert results will be taken into account as well as your degree so check the requirements as they will vary from uni to uni.

    If you know any physios you should meet with them and find all about the day to day job. It's quite varied and not all sports which is a reason many people leave the course!
    I have looked at this option but I think it would be very difficult to fund.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,816 ✭✭✭skooterblue2


    nathang93 wrote: »
    I don't know what I want with my business degree. I've been offered a contract with a big accountancy firm but I know I will hate it down the line. Business definitely does not excite me. I think I took this route for security.

    I've recently decided I wanted a more fulfilling career and I do not think business does that for me.

    I've noticed recently that I have such a huge interest in science even though I never studied it. I'm highly interested in health & fitness, biomechanics, physics and I just feel physiotherapy would be a really fulfilling career if I could get there eventually!

    I will tell you my mate has just been refused it. He had everything going for him. He was fit, 30, loves Physics, Chemistry and Biology. He has a prior qualification in reflexology and has diversity points............ He didnt get it.

    I said if it didnt work out he could do acupuncture. There are some amazing people who are past pupils of Lansdowne acupuncture college who are doing TuiNa and who specialise in Muscular problems. Jane Carroll down in Wexford is one of the best. You can make your money doing business and do a bit of Acupuncture on the weekend and after work. There is an unlimited amount of study and research to do, enough to fill a life time. I loved the psychology of it because the anatomy of it came easy to me.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 17 am27


    nathang93 wrote: »
    I don't know what I want with my business degree. I've been offered a contract with a big accountancy firm but I know I will hate it down the line. Business definitely does not excite me. I think I took this route for security.

    I've recently decided I wanted a more fulfilling career and I do not think business does that for me.

    I've noticed recently that I have such a huge interest in science even though I never studied it. I'm highly interested in health & fitness, biomechanics, physics and I just feel physiotherapy would be a really fulfilling career if I could get there eventually!

    I will tell you my mate has just been refused it. He had everything going for him. He was fit, 30, loves Physics, Chemistry and Biology. He has a prior qualification in reflexology and has diversity points............ He didnt get it.

    I said if it didnt work out he could do acupuncture. There are some amazing people who are past pupils of Lansdowne acupuncture college who are doing TuiNa and who specialise in Muscular problems. Jane Carroll down in Wexford is one of the best. You can make your money doing business and do a bit of Acupuncture on the weekend and after work. There is an unlimited amount of study and research to do, enough to fill a life time. I loved the psychology of it because the anatomy of it came easy to me.

    Where did your friend apply for? Did they give any feedback on why he didn't get in?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,816 ✭✭✭skooterblue2


    am27 wrote: »
    Where did your friend apply for? Did they give any feedback on why he didn't get in?

    I think he only applied to two realistic places. He is a mature student in the Dublin commuter belt and cannot afford to dramatically relocate to Cork or Galway. So that leaves UCD and Trinity. Its only his first year back at full time education.

    The competition for physio is tough and tougher again for matures. It is hard physical work and you also need a certain amount maturity as well. I know a few massage therapist who are branching out into acupuncture because it is hard work as you get older but they do have a great client list.

    I didnt probe too far why he didnt get it but he was refused fairly fast. One reason maybe because he didnt have honours maths he also didnt have full Chemistry and Physics but his Biology was top end. Loads of people want a very small places.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,816 ✭✭✭skooterblue2


    am27 wrote: »
    Where did your friend apply for? Did they give any feedback on why he didn't get in?

    The feedback he told me was that he left a gap of employment of 4 years in his personal statement. He was working CiH and didnt want social finding out about it. They said he had an incomplete statement and that is why they didnt call him for interview.

    He will get it next year and he is a great candidate for it.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 17 am27


    am27 wrote: »
    Where did your friend apply for? Did they give any feedback on why he didn't get in?

    The feedback he told me was that he left a gap of employment of 4 years in his personal statement. He was working CiH and didnt want social finding out about it. They said he had an incomplete statement and that is why they didnt call him for interview.

    He will get it next year and he is a great candidate for it.

    At least he knows the score now for next year after having a trial run I suppose. Only a few months before the time to apply comes around again in reality. Best of luck to him! :)


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,816 ✭✭✭skooterblue2


    nathang93 wrote: »
    Do you think I would be silly to take this career route at 25 if I was to go through the UCD access to science programme?

    I dont think you are silly at 25 realising you may have made a mistake. Did you ever see a decent person in the wrong job/career? It twists and changes them and they become nasty. I think it is great before you realise this now and want to take corrective action.

    Imagine you are 40 and miserable and your partner kicked you out and took the kids, with a drinking problem in a job you hate? It is always easier to correct these things when you are younger. See Simon Sineks youtube about people in the wrong job.

    You may not necessarily be in the wrong job but you do need a very fulfilling and absorbing hobby. I see it all the time with people who are very unhappy and it manifests as psoriasis, cancer, digestive and heart problems. I studied with two women. One was an estate agent in the boom and made so much money she appeared to have everything but was miserable. Then the crash happened and picked herself up and started studying acupuncture and now has a thriving business and was never happier. The other was selling electrical lighting and was miserable and successful. Changed career less money and happier.

    If it is any comfort to you I am 42 and still havent found what I am looking for yet. But I am happy and healthy and sociable and Debt free. I have a lot to be thankful.


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