Placement learning
You will work in environments that are reflective of today’s physiotherapy practise, like hospitals, GP practices, patients’ homes, care homes and professional sporting environments.
All students will experience placements in the core areas of physiotherapy ie musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiorespiratory and community.
Placement learning commences in February or March of year 2 under the supervision of a qualified Physiotherapist, so you will feel well prepared for treating patients.
However, although enjoyable, students often find clinical placements physically, mentally and emotionally demanding. Clinical and academic staff work together to assist supporting students with any challenges they may face.
Structure
| Duration | Placements last 4 weeks, usually 8.30 – 16.30, Monday to Friday. |
|---|---|
| Number of students | In some instances you may be the only student, but in the larger hospitals there may be a small group of students doing different types of placement. |
| Venue | A wide variety of clinical environments; in placements where students are unable to travel to and from the placement each day accommodation can be arranged by the programme’s clinical team. |
| Teaching style | Can be a one to one discussion with the clinical educator, be in-service-training with other clinical staff, or be based on a patient treatment session. |
Professionalism on your placement
Professional presentation is fundamental in order to meet health and safety requirements, optimise infection control and promote patient confidence.
You will be expected to adhere to the professional appearance and uniform policy. This includes having long hair tied back, having short nails (with no polish), not wearing anything below the elbow, no jewellery (including body piercings) and respecting the dignity of other students at all times.
On placement, you will be assessed on your clinical knowledge and skills as well as your professionalism (appearance and behaviour, basic management tasks, health and safety, attitude and communication).
Before going on my first placement I was veryapprehensive as the whole situation feels very unknownand I was worried I would feel out of my depth, but aftermeeting my clinical educator she immediately settled mynerves explaining what was expected of me and that theywould firstly give me the opportunity to observe them for afew days to give me an idea on their treatment approach.My first week has been an incredible experience andalthough I have never felt so tired I am already eagerlyawaiting the challenges that face me next week!
Assessment
The programme strives to assess in the context of the requirements of a qualified physiotherapist.
Assessment of students involves a wide range of tasks, and incorporates both formative assessment (primarily to help you develop) and summative assessment (the marks contribute to your end of year mark / degree classification).
The type of assessment is broad in order to accommodate different learning styles, but also to determine if you have the necessary knowledge, attitude and skills to be awarded a degree in physiotherapy.
All assessments take place throughout the academic year at strategic times in order to avoid a heavy assessment load at the end of each academic year, but also for students to receive feedback on one assessment and learn from it before progressing onto the next. Learning and teaching activities are specifically planned to prepare students for assessment.
Students with a disability or dyslexia can receive support for their learning, teaching and assessment.