11 Plus Exams Forum

DD is currently choosing her A levels and is showing an interest in physiotherapy. I know I can google it and I will, but I wondered if anyone had any practical advice about A level choices?

Thank you.

I think Biology is the obvious one. I don't think it matters which other subjects, but have a look at the UCAS website in case some places expect something else as well. Also you need work experience, so if she's really interested, she will need to find a placement at a local physiotherapist's practice or hospital.

Thanks LFH, I suppose I was wondering if she will need 3 sciences or maths - she may well do 2 sciences but I think that might be it. Of course this has come up since she did her work experience, but I'm sure we can arrange something - I do know a few physios I could probably call on, but they all qualified a fair few years ago and I know the requirements have gone up considerably since then.

scary, Mrs C is, I’ll ask her this evening, she’s at work at the moment (as am I obviously )

I’m pretty sure she did biology, maths and geography back in the day but will check. Either biology or human biology is the only one which will be a prerequisite, I think.

I'd be interested to know what grades you need for physio these days. That was my career choice, but didn't get the 2 As and 1 B needed I still remember breaking down in floods of tears ringing the clearing house and my Dad having to take the phone off me .Still, it all worked out ok and I love my paediatric nursing job...think I'm more suited to little children too !!

I think you can do a paediatric physio course as well - which may well be the way DD wants to go. Doesn't fancy the yukky stuff with nursing though!!

Off to do some googling...

According to the student room which is tha only place I have looked so far, offers seems to be in the range of ABB-BBC with one life science (two in some cases, what would that be other than biology/human biology?). Work experience is an absolute must. Intersting, but I wonder if she will have decided on something else next week (and why not at 15?!).

Biology is a must but check uni websites for other requirements. They will probably require another science and another academic subject. Grades required vary hugely between uni's but the most important thing is work experience. The more the better. Ring up hospitals now about work experience, although she will need to be over 16 for most hospitals before they will consider her. Places go fast and if a department like her they may possibly offer a volunteer role once a week - that would be seen as a big plus by uni's. Demand for places is huge. At one point threre were 35 applicants to every place although I don't think its quite that oversubscribed now but your DD will need to stand out from the crowd. Its a brilliant job but there are very few vacancies out there at the moment and it doesn't look like thats likely to change in the current financial climate. Do think hard about that as there is far too much wasted new grad talent unable to find work. Might be worth ringing the uni's and asking about their graduate employment rate.

..........and paediatrics is taught as part of the degree and is something that can be specialised in after graduating

Thanks Loulou - it sounds quite daunting, but better to be well informed.