Moving towards a career in physiotherapy

Millie-Anne Hutchinson, a T level in healthcare student from Stockton Riverside College, has found a passion for a potential career in physiotherapy after a placement within North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust.

Millie-Anne has shared her T level experience with us so far:

Tell us about your T Level Experience so far:

I have been on my physio placement since October, and I have fallen in love with the job. My duties in the placement are to go around the classes, of which we have four classes every Thursday. The physio does shoulder and back classes, knee classes are for those who have had total knee replacements and two escape classes for those who have arthritis. I always join in the shoulder warmup and talk to the patients and ask about their day and get to know them a little better each session.

This has helped with my college work because when we talk about multidisciplinary teams, and someone mentions physios, I can share my point of view from what I have seen from my placement.

What have you liked about your time on placement at the Trust?

I have loved my time on placement, this placement has made me re-think my entire career path and when having discussions about my placement it always puts a smile on my face. The staff I work with every week are so lovely and make me feel so included and not just like another student – as they do have a lot of university students doing their own placements there.

What do you like about the T Level course?

I enjoy the practical aspect of the course, especially second year when we have the placement experience every week, which then means we can test each other doing physical observations, or practice on the bed with the slide sheet. I also love the teachers – they are so amazing and understanding.

Is there a reason you wanted to pursue a career in healthcare?

Experience from family using the healthcare system is my main reason for wanting to be in the healthcare system – watching the nurses and doctors around me was a true inspiration to me. I’ve always been interested in the healthcare system and the part professionals play into looking after all of us.

How supportive have you found the Education team at the Trust?

The education team at the trust have been supportive of us, especially the teachers. They always understand if there are things going on in your life, or even if you are not feeling well, they are always so supportive and understanding of all our needs.

Has the placement met your expectations and how useful do you think it will be in your future career plans?

My placement was not was I was expecting (but in a good way). The second I walked into the physio department and took the first class, I knew immediately that I loved it and maybe wanted to change my career into being a paediatric physiotherapist, or a regular physiotherapist.

Would you recommend the T Level Health programme to others who want to get into healthcare?

I would recommend the T-Level course to those who do have an interest in helping people and want to be in this job to help people in their most vulnerable state.