Newly Qualified Physio - Mother of 2 - Can it work?

[LizzieRap]

I am considering study to become a Physiotherapist, however the studying would be really hard to manage as we live a 50 min drive from the university and my husband often works away and irregular hours. He does what he can but to all intents and purposes I am a single parent, we don't have family near by either.

I think we could just about make it work to get me qualified, but then my main concern is, would I be able to find a job that is flexible around the children once I am qualified? Children would be 2 and 5 once I qualified.

Are there any Physio's out there who could help give me more info?

Thanks in advance for any help : )

Sorry just realised mistake children would be 4 (still in nursery) and 6 (in school) when I qualified

I’m not a physio myself but know one who will be going back to work two days a week after maternity leave, her son will be in nursery. She said it’s an in demand job - so perhaps there’s hope it could be flexible?

Could you ask the course tutors?

Thanks so much @hugsandpastries, I think after careful consideration and talking to other physio's I have decided to go down the yoga teacher training and sports massage therapy route instead, thank you for your reply xx

Sounds like a good plan @lizzierap, good luck with it!

I'm a Physio student atm! Currently coming to the end of my second year on the part time course. I have a 6 and an 8 year old. Feel free to DM me.

@LizzieRap hey OP! First of all amazing that you’re considering physio. I am in my third year studying as a mature student and I am biased but can honestly say it is a pleasure going into work everyday (when on placements) .

I have no children yet, living with DP however I have a pretty nasty commute due to who would accept me to study due to GCSE grades from years ago. So commute roughly 1.5 hours a day (up to 2 with traffic).

Flexibility wise it is absolutely possible to find a flexible job - although there is often talk of doing “clinical rotations” many of the cohort above me went straight into private clinics, some working part time and of course it is a job that eventually if you’re able to can work for yourself which would further increase flexibility of hours!

There are 2 students in my cohort with children most under 10, one colleague has 5 ranging between 17 and 6!! And she doing fab. In my uni the tutors are extremely supportive of personal situations and have even allowed me to work flexible placement hours to accommodate my commute. (One of my friends once brought her daughter to a lecture as childcare fell through and tutors were lovely!)
I would say, when you go for open days try and look out for how many mature students are there , speak to them and get a sense of how accommodating the uni seem as I’m sure they do differ.

Any further questions feel free to PM me and good luck!! You won’t regret it xxxx