Transitioning into Physiotherapy: Daniel Partridge’s story

CASE STUDY

Final Rank: Corporal
Enlisted: April 2008
Exit date: September 2018
Service branch: Army
Specialisation/trade Royal Engineers
Age 28

Hello Daniel! Please tell us when and why you registered for ELC.

I have always wanted to be a physiotherapist, so when I decided I wanted to study physiotherapy, I spoke to my local education officer, who explained the ELC process in detail.

RESETTLEMENT

Why did you decide to leave the Army?

I was looking for a new career, with aspirations to re-join after study.

Did you attend a Career Transition Workshop (CTW)?

Yes, in Colchester. I found it very useful as I joined the Army straight from school. The CTW broke everything down and set me up perfectly for approaching employers and CV writing, as well as understanding the strengths I had developed in the Army.

What other training courses did you undertake during resettlement?

Sports Massage Therapy level 3 (Sports Therapy UK), which was extremely relevant to physiotherapy.

THE COURSE

What qualification do you hope to receive as a result of using ELC?

I am currently studying BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy at York St John University.

You have nothing to lose, but choose wisely and find courses you are passionate about

Is the course well run and relevant?

I am only in the first semester of year 1, but I absolutely love it here!

Will the course build on Service/civilian qualifications you have already achieved while serving?

As a PTI I had a good base of understanding towards anatomy and physiology, however the skills I learned in self-discipline and organisation/management help me to study effectively.

How much study is involved?

It’s full-time as my degree is very intense.

Did you attend any other related courses?

I did a sports massage therapy course to enhance my anatomy and physiology knowledge, as well as patient assessment and treatment experience.

Before you started, what did you hope that the course would give you?

A new profession and career – and I am on track!

The skills I learned in self-discipline and organisation/management help me to study effectively

How did you think the course would help your military career and any subsequent civilian career? 

I want to re-join the Army after attaining my degree as a physiotherapist, to support injured soldiers. There are huge employment opportunities in terms of civilian careers within the profession.

ADVICE FOR OTHERS

What advice would you like to give to other Service leavers going through resettlement and career transition?

Don’t feel limited by your existing qualifications. If you have a course you want to study, go and speak to your education officer. I was informed on a best route to take to obtain the university entry requirements as I had no A-levels (I completed an Access course* by distance learning while still serving).

You have nothing to lose, but choose wisely and find courses you are passionate about.

To find out more, visit www.yorksj.ac.uk

* To find out all about the Access to Higher Education Diploma