Building a career in physiotherapy: Yash’s journey at Salford

Developing clinical skills

One of the things I have found valuable about the MSc is the combination of structured teaching and practical learning.

The programme covers areas including neuromusculoskeletal assessment, rehabilitation, research and professional practice. The teaching combines keynote lectures with interactive tutorials, simulation sessions and hands-on practical demonstrations. There are also simulation facilities, including virtual wards and immersive simulation caves, which allow me to apply theory rather than just absorbing it from lectures.

The practical sessions have helped me apply what I learn and develop my understanding of assessment, treatment and clinical reasoning.

Developing my research skills

My Level 7 research project is a qualitative study titled Physical Impacts of Fatigue in Long COVID. The project investigates how fatigue affects physical functioning and daily activities in people living with Long COVID.

As part of the project, I carried out a thematic analysis of interview transcripts from 15 participants, coding their accounts to identify recurring themes around exertion, walking and self-care.

The project has also helped me develop my evidence-based decision-making. It has pushed me to properly interrogate research literature and translate findings into practice rather than simply following guidelines.

Learning from different perspectives

Moving from India to study in the UK and working alongside classmates from many different countries, academic and cultural backgrounds has taught me that you learn from people who approach problems differently than you do.

Being open to diverse perspectives has been an important part of my experience as an international student. Everyone brings different experiences and perspectives, and this has helped me broaden my understanding.

Preparing for clinical practice

The MSc has helped me develop advanced clinical skills, judgement and leadership. Through my studies, I have developed my clinical reasoning specifically in musculoskeletal practice, moving from applying standard protocols to critically evaluating and adapting treatment for more complicated presentations.

The course representative role has also developed my leadership and communication skills, as I regularly liaise between students and staff and help resolve issues that affect the whole group.

I am also currently finalising the onboarding and right-to-work checks for a voluntary placement with Manchester Foundation Trust. Once it starts, I will have hands-on experience assisting with patients in an NHS musculoskeletal physiotherapy setting. This will allow me to apply the assessment and treatment principles I have been developing on the MSc in a real patient-facing environment.

For me, the MSc has been an opportunity to develop my clinical reasoning, evidence-based decision-making, communication and leadership skills, while continuing to build my experience as a physiotherapist.