r/physiotherapy

I recently graduated from UBC with a life science degree. After working in industry for a few months, I realized that I don’t really enjoy the work environment, and the current job market/pay has honestly been pretty demoralizing as well. Through researching different healthcare careers, I became really interested in physiotherapy and the rehab side of healthcare. The main issue is that most of my experience so far has been research/lab based, so I would essentially be starting from scratch in terms of PT-related experience/shadowing.

Academically, my cumulative GPA is not amazing because I struggled earlier in undergrad (80%), but my recent GPA is much stronger. Based on last 30–60 credit calculations (depending on the school), I’m sitting around a 4.0/4.33 (~86%). I’m also considering taking a few additional courses to raise it a bit more.

I was wondering realistically:

• Do I have a competitive GPA for Canadian PT schools?
• How important is PT-related experience/shadowing?
• Are there any schools that are more friendly toward applicants with strong upward trends?

Would appreciate any advice from current PT students or applicants. Thanks!

My girlfriend has a going to study physiotherapy next semester and has briefly mentioned getting a colouring book to help.

I thought I would buy one for her but am unsure on what one. I was wondering if anyone could recommend one? Or let me know if it’s even worth it?

I'm an 23 years old male argentinian personal trainer working currently in italy at a gym.

I'm mainly interested in financial and time stability, since working as a personal trainer does not provide it. I depend on clients, looks, charisma and stuff that i can't do naturally

How is it working as a physiotherapist in your country? Thanks

Hi,

I’ve started a new job in MSK in the NHS in the U.K., having switched from ward work.

I have found that the department uses a lot less manual therapy and other interventions than when I trained, no acupuncture, no electrotherapy . The main intervention is assessment and exercises provided by an app and referral to gym.

We have fixed NP slots and fixed FU slots and we are not allowed to change them, this can be challenging as some patients are acute and some have had T&O surgery etc but the emphasis is on PIFU and self management and if you don’t discharge or PIFU promptly your diary becomes unmanageable. Which puts an emphasis on discharge over outcomes I guess.

Any tips or advice for managing this? I think it is a change in mindset.

Thanks.

Hi everyone,

I’m a 24-year-old software developer from the UK and I’ve been thinking seriously about changing careers and becoming a physiotherapist. I’ve realised I’d like to work in a career that’s more people-focused and where I can directly help others.

I recently started reading Ross and Wilson Anatomy & Physiology to see if I enjoy the subject, and so far I’m finding it interesting.

My concern is that my background is in Computer Science. I did Maths at A-level but didn’t take Biology or other sciences. I’ve noticed that a lot of physiotherapy undergraduate courses require Biology.

Has anyone here gone into physiotherapy from a non-science background? Is it still realistically possible, and are there any routes/foundation years you’d recommend?

Thanks!

Hi all,

I'm currently on my last months of training as a physio student here in the UK, and since I'll probably have loads of time whilst trying to secure a job I've thought it would be a good idea to complete a few courses on sports massage/manual therapy, taping and dry needling.

I've been looking at different courses and providers but there are so many and vary so much in structure and content that I gotten more confused than before. For sports massage, I've seen courses lasting from 2 days to 5 consecutive days or even several weekends for multiple consecutive weeks. Regarding the short duration courses, I have my doubts about 2 day-courses equipping me with enough skills and knowledge to provide good service to my patients. I've also heard that courses need to be ITEC/VTCT, ActiveIQ, BTEC-approved to be accepted by insurance companies and the relevant regulatory bodies? I've tried to research about which regulatory bodies to listen to, but for some reason there are so many out there? Could someone with experience provide some light on this?

I've been looking at Breeze but some people have told me to avoid Breeze because it wasn't accepted by the relevant regulatory bodies, whereas other people have told me that they are good?

In a nutshell, I'm looking for recommendations on courses from reputable providers who are regulated by the relevant regulatory bodies and accepted by insurance companies?

I would really appreciate your help!!

Thanks in advance

A physio student

New grad physio here (~3 months into private practice in Aus working with foreign speaking population). How do you guys manage inherited chronic patients (work cover) who strongly expect passive treatment/manual therapy every session?

I recently found myself inheriting a couple of work cover cases from another physio who recently left and by reading their notes, it appears they have had years of massage/passive treatment with barely any active-rehab/self management. I saw one patient last week who didn't let me finish introducing myself and then lay down on the plinth expecting a massage.

I've seen that a few patients have recently had physio rejected by insurance due to said passive treatment, so I am wondering how you would approach this clinically without losing the rapport of the patient.

Is it also normal that some of the work cover patients have had very little improvement over 2-3 years? I am seeing a 0.5-1kg increase in functional capacity over several years for some patients.

Thanks for any input!

Hi I'm an internationally trained physiotherapist from India and I want some detailed information about the credentialing process.if someone from group already done with the credentialing process, please guide me for the process

Got into both but really stuck deciding between the two.

For context, would have to move away for both but U of A would be same province/driving distance from my hometown and I’m OOP for UBC.

Pros for UBC:
- Vancouver matches my lifestyle (more hustle + bustle, heavy on active lifestyles + outdoor and food)
- Incredible faculty connections and TAs are great
- No electives means you get to touch every subject matter
- Have heard good things about UBC grads
- Would be nice to experience a different region for a short time
- Multiple cohorts, can “switch” accommodations during placement
- More placement opportunities

Cons for UBC:
- More expensive cost of living/general Vancouver housing crisis
- Further from home
- It’s dark!
- Might be harder to move home and find a job there if I decide to go back to Alberta

Pros for U of A:
- Can visit home more often/closer to family
- Cheaper cost of living
- Has cool electives incl. sports/business/massage
- Could possibly stay with different family for placements as I have more flexibility/family across the province

Cons for U of A:
- Not the biggest fan of Edmonton as a city nor its climate.
- Would have to bring my car (~$800/month factoring in car payments, insurance and gas)
- More expensive tuition
- It’s Alberta

Would appreciate any advice before the deadline on Friday 🥲

Hi! I’m looking to apply this fall for physio programs in the UK as a Canadian student. I was wondering if anyone can share their experiences applying/going to school internationally? I used to be in Kinesiology and switched to pre law but still decided to pursue a masters of physio. I have taken all basic and required science courses like physiology, anatomy, biology, statistics, etc. however, I’m worried about how competitive of an applicant I’d be considering I’m not a science student. These schools still say they will consider other degrees but is it realistic to even apply? Whatever info or advice you can share would be appreciated!

For crying out loud ... questions about studying, work-life balance, pay, whatever ... guys, this is a very international sub. Do you really think that conditions are the same everywhere?

PLEASE TELL US WHERE YOU LIVE AND THEN YOU'LL HOPEFULLY GET MEANINGFUL ANSWERS.

We don't need your address, just your country.