physiotherapy - what should i study at 6th form ?

[Ladyemem]

i would like to be a physiotherapist.

Obviously i would need to do Biology A Level and i would like to choose 2 other A Levels i'm interested in so have chosen Art and Law.
Is it necessary for me to take an additional subject like Btec diploma in Sport? or should i just stick to 3 subjects to ensure i get best grades i possibly can in those 3.

I'm not that academic but i did pass all my gcse with b's and c's.

Don't do Art and Law for physiotherapy, do at least one more science, three sciences if you can, or two sciences and another oldfashioned, perceved as hard A Level like History.

If you do BTEC do health and social care, not sports sciences, but look at uni requirements NOW, some will accept BTEC, but at DDD and with an A Level along side.

www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/explore-by-career/allied-health-professions/careers-in-the-allied-health-professions/physiotherapist/entry-and-training/ I assume you've read all of this already but just in case you haven't, you might want to scroll down to the section labelled Training for a career in physiotherapy:
The training involves both periods of theory and clinical experience gained by meeting and working with patients. During training you may also get the chance to work with students from other disciplines. This is a beneficial foundation for the team building which will become an essential part of your working life.

The theory part of the course covers anatomy, physiology, physics and pathology.

You will also develop communication skills, study psychology and gain experience off practical treatment.

You'd be better off doing physics and psychology than Art and Law. But the only person I know who did physio at university did Biology, Economics and French - so I guess it doesn't really matter.

Doing a separate sports diploma might allow you to specialise more in the field of physio that you choose to enter - if sports physio is where you'd like to end up then it certainly couldn't hurt.

Art and law is not going to cut it. Biology, physics and psychology or sport science at A Level. You need to be getting A+B grades and I suggest you do something sporty as extra curricular- eg hockey, rugby, mountain climbing etc.

Physio is hard to get into to so you'll need to keep your head down, study hard and think about what else you do to make you look good, charitable work and show initiative.

Good luck

Def do work shadowing as most Physio courses still interview.
Find various physios not just a local sporty outpatient private clinic.

Physios work in
Old peoples homes
Specialist schools (and non specialist too!)
Every single dept of a hospital, neuro, paediatrics, womens health, intensive care etc.
So think outside the box. It's not just backs and knees.

Can I add, you will need A's for Physio probably.
Don't be disheartened if you don't get them.
Try to get a job as a Physio assistant, get a different A level (physics? Or something hard) under your belt and apply again as a mature student.

Also you can do a 2 year masters nowadays so you convert a relevant degree into a Physio qualification.
Doing it this way is HARD and seems to lack respect in the field.

ok thanks for all your advice. The reason i chose Art as it was an subject i was also interested in and enjoyed. If i was unable to go down the physio route i would persue a career in Art.

I have looked at brighton university and entry requirements says ABB (1 A Level must be a biological science or PE.
DDD from a science or health studies course. Health and social care, sports performance and sports coaching not accepted as the course content does not provide students with enough science subjects. Other BTEC courses may be considered but only in conjunction with a biology or human biology A-level, grade B or above.

Ladyemem - you have to bear in mind that that is a minimum requirement - and that if lots of people get the minimum requirement to do the course, then they will cherry pick the best off the top.

Are you restricted to only 3 A levels? If not, perhaps you could consider Art as a 4th A level, or do it as an AS level.

Or, you could still do Art and maybe do Physics with the Biology. Remember that you are competing for a place - getting the grades does not mean you will automatically get a place.

Look at doing the shadowing as other posters have suggested as well - practical experience will help enormously in your application, and show that you are really keen.

No i can do 4 A Levels but am worried this would be too hard and reduce the chances of me getting a high enough grade in biology

i got b's and c's in my gcses. Is it at all possible to go on and get 3 A Levels grade B or above?

Only you can answer that. Did you study hard? Go the extra mile reading around topics? Commit to homework before social activities?
Is your school a high achieving school?

Most Physios I know (strangely as I'm not one, I know a lot) are complete swots throughout school.

Yes it's possible to get high grade A Levels but you will have to work hard, hard, hard!

All homework, lots of reading, extra help when stuck. Lots of reading round the subject and if essays or maths are needed then maybe extra tuition to get the higher marks.

It is doable if you work hard enough.

It will be hard work, but the expectations of universities are very high.
If you are serious about Physiotherapy than I would concentrate on Biology etc., however if you are also artistically minded, maybe have a look a Occupational Therapy.