First intake of physiotherapy students at Wrexham Glyndwr share their experience

The first intake of students on Wrexham Glyndwr’s Physiotherapy Degree have shared their experiences of the course as they head towards the final stretch of their studies.

The University’s BSC (Hons) Physiotherapy Degree began three years ago with the first cohort of students enrolled in September 2019.

Three of the students on that course, all local, are set to graduate this year and have each described enrolling on the course as one of the best decisions they have ever made.

Prior to joining Wrexham Glyndwr, Anne-Marie Farrell had been working in the fitness industry but decided she wanted a change.

Looking to move into Physiotherapy, she says having the Degree course launch on her doorstep was ideal.

“From quite a young age it was something that I wanted to do but there was not a course available locally”, she said.

“My background has been in the health and fitness industry, I was looking at Occupational Therapy courses when I noticed Physiotherapy had started at Glyndwr, which was perfect for me.

“The experiences I have gained on the course have been amazing, I can’t fault it.”

Anne-Marie added: “My advice to anyone considering applying is to keep an open mind about the future – a career in sport is what comes to mind when people think of physiotherapists but there are so many different pathways available for physios.”

Iwan Davies was working in a completely unrelated industry but became interested in Physiotherapy as a career due to his own experiences of receiving treatment through participation in sport.

He said: “I play football as a hobby and had three experiences with physios, two bad and one good, and that was the catalyst for me to look at it as a possible career.

“I had zero experience in healthcare but during my time here I have been able to bank hours at Glan Clwyd Hospital, and the placements have been so varied.

“The course has been amazing and the teaching fantastic, I can’t speak highly enough about it.”

He added: “It’s a difficult course, so my advice to anyone considering applying is to give it some real thought. If it’s what you really want to do and you’re fully committed it will be a great experience.”

Graduates in Physiotherapy have options to find employment in the NHS, social services and third sectors. They also have the opportunity to explore employment in the private sector, sport and overseas.

After taking time to discover Physiotherapy was the career path for him, fellow student Daniel Jones was all set to embark on a Degree in England before he realised there was the option to do the course here at Glyndwr.

He said: “I left school and didn’t know what I wanted to do at first, and had never considered a career in healthcare.

“I enjoyed the gym and learning about anatomy and physiology so began looking at courses in England.

“I was all set to start at another University but turned that down when I found that a Physio course was running here at Glyndwr.

“This course has since opened my eyes to the variety of work physios do, the career paths that are open to you, and it’s one of the best things I’ve ever done.

He added: “You will get out of the course what you put in.

“There will be times when you’re stuck or something seems impossible but don’t give up. The support and encouragement you will receive here from staff and fellow students is amazing.”

For more information about the BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy course at Wrexham Glyndwr, please visit the university’s website.