Day in the Life of a Physiotherapy Student

05 Feb Day in the Life of a Physiotherapy Student

Have you ever wondered what it is like to complete an allied health placement? What does the average student on placement do in a day?

Physiotherapy students do multiple placements in five-week blocks, where they work closely with clients under the supervision of experienced clinical educators.

Two of our Masters of Physiotherapy students, Kristin and Lauren, share their experiences and insights into their day as a physiotherapy student working with children in the UniSA Health clinics.

We start at 12pm and first we log onto the computers to map out the day. Then there is generally about half an hour before the client arrives, we go into the room set up all the activities and talk through our management plans with our clinical educator.

Some students undertaking a paediatric placement find it difficult to learn how to adapt their communication style to engage and have fun with the children during their sessions. Lauren advises students to “just throw yourself in it because that’s where you’ll learn the most.”

When the appointment finishes, we are encouraged to self-reflect and discuss with the clinical educator to help build our confidence and further the application of our clinical skills.  “Educators want you to ask questions to help you learn,” Kristin said.

We document our clinical notes about the session and our clients’ goals. Then we have time to set up for the next client and repeat the process. At the end of the day, we pack up the therapy spaces, clean equipment and prepare for the next day.

Placements with the UniSA Health Clinics teach students hands-on skills and gives them practical experience working in primary healthcare, preparing them to join the workforce.

At UniSA Health Clinics it is our mission to educate the next generation of healthcare professionals while improving the health and wellbeing of our clients.