Jordi Condon

• Year of graduation: 2024

I chose UON for a combination of personal and practical reasons. One of these was the cost, as studying in Northampton was significantly more affordable than it would have been in Ireland, where I live. Also, the campus atmosphere seemed ideal for studying a master’s degree.

Attending an Open Day was a pivotal moment. I met with the course lead, as well as the lecturers and many others, so got an understanding of their teaching styles and passion for physiotherapy. There were many places I could have chosen, but the Open Day experience left me with a strong, positive gut reaction about UON.

Additionally, the level of support I received from the University staff was unparalleled. From the application process to any pre-arrival questions, the lecturers and administrative staff were extremely helpful compared to other universities I’d applied to. It was clear that it was an institution that values its students.

One of the best things about this course is the integration of theory and practical classes, which helped me to better understand the weekly topics. Our lectures and pre-reading material were heavy in theory, allowing us to comprehend complex concepts, but what cemented this knowledge was the practical classes, which were a great environment to experiment, innovate, and see how important our theory classes were.

The emphasis on evidence-based practice was also a major highlight of the course, enabling me to understand literature, be critical of it, and to make decisions backed by solid research. I now know the importance of not accepting information at face value, but to question, analyse, and use evidence to guide my practice.

What truly set this course apart for me though was the support from the lecturers. No matter what the problem, whether it was academic, personal, financial or logistical, they were always there to guide me. From day one, asking for help was not just accepted, but encouraged by everyone. The academic team went beyond their roles as educators, acting as mentors who genuinely cared about my success. Their support during out of office hours, as well as their feedback, one-on-one discussions, and advice on career paths, was invaluable.

The breadth of placement opportunities offered by UON is amazing. I completed placements in orthopaedics, mental health, stroke, neurological outpatients, and ICU, allowing me to apply everything I’d learned to a wide range of settings. The variety of challenges and practices within the physiotherapy scope were the perfect learning experience as I applied my theory to various real-life situations.

My first placement was at Three Shires Hospital, where I assessed patients before surgery and educated them about what to expect after their surgeries, which mainly included knee and hip replacements. I applied specific protocols, focusing on mobility, strength, pain management, and return to function.

Then, at St. Andrews Healthcare, I had a role in men and women’s mental health, falls, dementia, brain injuries, pulmonary conditions, and Huntington’s disease. I also completed a project to implement a change in the service for better patient outcomes, cost savings, risk management and evidence-based practice, introducing a structured plan for increasing physical activity for patients on a deaf ward.

My next placement was at Northampton General Hospital, where I was on a hyper acute stroke ward and saw stroke patients after they were admitted, conducting initial assessments to make a treatment plan. I promoted early mobilisation and made tailored rehab plans, based on mobility, strength, sensory changes, balance and function. Working within a multidisciplinary team, I also provided respiratory support for patients and educated patients and their families about their stroke recovery.

I was then at Reach for Health, where I saw a range of patients – from complex neurological conditions to routine musculoskeletal health injuries. I completed tailored rehab plans and conducted group classes for patients with neurological and respiratory conditions.

My final placement was at Kettering General Hospital, where I was part of the respiratory team on the ICU ward and was mobilising patients in a safe manner. I provided respiratory care, working with the professionals on the ward to provide a holistic approach to care. I also worked closely with a huge team of doctors and consultants, which I used as an opportunity to ask questions and gain experience in critical care environments.

The placements benefitted me in many ways. Exposure to different settings like clinics, hospitals and specialised wards enabled me to develop a huge range of skills and to understand and apply the treatment techniques that I’d learned in lectures. They also sharpened my clinical reasoning skills, allowing me to adapt my approach based on a specific case, patient need, and available resources, which enhanced my problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Additionally, the placements gave me a comprehensive view of how healthcare is delivered across different sectors, which is very important for navigating both public and private sectors after graduating. The exposure I had to various fields of physiotherapy helped me to identify the strengths and interests with will guide my career path, and I discovered a passion for neurological conditions that I hadn’t previously considered.

I also became more confident in handling situations with more responsibility. Exposure to high-stress scenarios built my resilience and prepared me for the emotional and physical demands of being a physiotherapist.

I developed a range of employability skills, including clinical competence, communication, problem-solving, time management, teamwork, professionalism, documentation and record keeping. I gained hands on experience and built a professional network which led to job offers and references. Undertaking placements shows employers that you have good practical skills, can work in a team, and have experience of adapting in a dynamic healthcare environment. It also improves clinical reasoning skills, making you attractive to employers who value clinical competency. A combination of these factors will give you a competitive edge in the job market.

My tips to get the most out of your placement:

• Be a sponge, absorb everything. Knowledge, Multidisciplinary Team meetings, how experienced physiotherapists communicate to patients – soak up all the learning opportunities you can
• Ask questions. You’re there to learn and your curiosity will make you stand out and learn more. It will also keep your educator on their toes
• Network – everyone you meet could be a future colleague or boss
• Document as much as possible. Take a notepad – it’s great for studying new concepts and guiding your reflections
• Volunteer – offer to help with tasks and shadow multiple professionals, not just your educator. You might not do a lot initially, but you’ll see everything
• Make mistakes – you’re going to mess up, it’s part of learning
• Take care of yourself. Master’s level placements can be exhausting. Eat well, sleep enough and keep up a hobby
• Embrace feedback – love it or hate it, feedback is invaluable and shows you where to improve. Arrange weekly meetings with your educator to discuss your areas of strength and weakness
• Embrace a setting that you might not have an interest in
• Celebrate your accomplishments

When you begin your placement dress professionally, but remember you’ll be working in very hot wards, so comfortable shoes and clothing will help a lot. Breaks are very important, so don’t feel ashamed to take them – I made great friends and allies on breaks, and you can discuss your case load with experienced physiotherapists in a relaxed environment.

I haven’t yet begun my professional career due to health issues, but I’ve made significant strides in preparing for my first role as a physiotherapist. I’ve engaged in CPD through online courses and workshops, ensuring my knowledge remains up to date.

I plan to settle in New Zealand to begin my career as a physiotherapist. I’m keen to work in a hospital in any acute setting and am currently registering with the New Zealand Physiotherapy Board. I will embrace any educational or career progression that comes my way and I’ll need to adapt to their culture, understand local practices and build a new professional network, so I’m currently working with a recruitment team to ease my transition. Fortunately, my studies included considerations of cultural sensitivity in healthcare, which will be very important in New Zealand with a multicultural society and a large indigenous Māori population.

My final piece of advice for anyone considering this course would be get used to a new celebrity status among friends who have back pain, knee pain or a tight hamstring!