Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) have an important role in treating, rehabilitating and improving the lives of patients.
They work alongside other health and social care colleagues in a variety of settings including hospitals and patients' homes, in both the NHS, independent and voluntary sectors.
| Course | Award and duration | Course focus |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy | BSc (Hons) 3 years | Occupational therapy involves enhancing the daily lives of people with a broad range of physical, mental health and social needs. As an occupational therapist you will work with people of all ages, to improve their wellbeing and quality of life. |
| Paramedic Science | BSc (Hons) 3 years | Paramedics typically provide first response care for patients with various healthcare needs in out of hospital settings. |
| Physiotherapy | BSc (Hons) 3 years | Physiotherapists support people impacted by injury, illness or disability by helping to restore movement and function. |
| Course | Award and duration | Course focus |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Pre-registration | MSc 2 years | This degree leads to registration at a Master’s level for students with a first degree. |
| Physiotherapy Pre-Registration | MSc 2 years | This degree leads to registration at a Master’s level for students with a first degree. |
“Adderbury ambulance station has such a 'family feel' to it.”
Elliot Chilingirian, Adderbury Ambulance Station, Ambulance Resource Centre
All the ambulance staff are up beat + very knowledgeable. They are willing to teach student paramedics like myself extra skills during lunch breaks too. They are an exceptional group of people.
“In this job you can never really guarantee the type of jobs, but my mentor has certainly given me every opportunity to get involved in situations, we had a great working understanding and he knew when I was out of my depth and jumped in.”
Sarah Garner, Bracknell Ambulance Station, Ambulance Resource Centre
I have always found him to be very open and approachable and I have been able to discuss issues and express opinions. My mentor and the team have also done their best to make me feel a part of the blue team and I am very sad to leave.
“The staff at Kidlington have the perfect balance of working hard while maintaining their sense of humour, which makes for a great atmosphere.”
Dawn Mundy (graduated in July 2015), Kidlington Ambulance Station, Ambulance Resource Centre
Everyone is keen to learn and always willing to help or share new ideas. The management (team leaders) also take a keen interest in the students and readily take us out on shift to increase our exposure to perhaps the more serious incidents. Overall, a great experience, which has left me confident in my future practice as a paramedic.
“All members of staff are friendly and willing to help facilitate my learning, even those who are not mentors.”
Joanna Withington, Newbury Ambulance Station, Ambulance Resource Centre
Always made to feel welcome, on both professional and social occasions.
“The staff at Kidlington station are very friendly, extremely helpful and make the environment a nice place to work.”
Helen Wrigglesworth, Kidlington Ambulance Station, Ambulance Resource Centre
I have gained most of my knowledge from my clinical mentor and other paramedics that I have had the pleasure to work with. I have decided to apply to work full time out of Kidlington station as I have been made to feel as though I am part of a big family.
“I have never experienced an all-round supportive environment such as Endeavour Academy.”
Lisa Rogan, Endeavour Academy
I spent time with every single member of staff, and I truly think I learnt something from all of them! There were a variety of experiences in the faculty and I was eager to pick their brains in order to further understand how to engage with the children and enable them in creative ways. Every day was a challenge, every day was different and I felt every emotion possible. I cried, laughed, and most importantly, will never forget the people I met and the things I learnt. With or without the award, Endeavour Academy is the placement I will remember.
“I genuinely could not have enjoyed this placement more, and I am seriously thinking about returning to work here following qualification.”
Almond Widgery, Accident & Emergency Department, Wexham Park Hospital
I could not have asked for a better second year placement, and feel I have developed into much more of the OT I want to be in the future following observation of such an inspiring and motivating PE – I only hope I can live up to her standards!
“Throughout my placement I was both supported and integrated into a professional and efficient team.”
Stacie Hill, Abingdon Older Adults Community Mental Health Team, Abingdon Community Hospital
I was made to feel welcome and encouraged to further my learning opportunities not only by my educator but also by other members of the multi-disciplinary team. They demonstrated amazing teamwork which subsequently delivered an outstanding service and care to all that were being treated and seen by them. I could not fault the service they provide, their teamwork, communication skills and attitude.
“The whole team were amazing – went to great efforts to make me feel welcome and were very supportive.”
Chatherine Halstead, Ainslie Rehabilitation Unit
Each member of the team was very accessible, even the head manager, who I felt able to approach if needed. They set an amazing example for client-centred care and were not afraid to challenge anything they felt was not in the clients’ best interests. I have been extremely inspired by this as they really put their patients first, and demonstrated excellent communication and inter-professional skills.
“I believe that the pro-active approach that the OT team had to working on the competencies with me...”
Jacqueline Fischer, Buckinghamshire Neurorehabilitation Unit, Amersham Hospital
...the way that learning was encouraged, and the fact that my goals, strengths and weaknesses were sought after and worked on from the outset, enabled me to get the most out of this placement. I learnt so much in such a short space of time and this placement has opened my eyes to an area of Occupational Therapy that I find incredibly interesting and am now really passionate about learning more of this field. I couldn't have asked for more from this placement, it was such a fantastic experience!
“I have learnt a lot from this placement and think that future placements should continue to be here as I learnt some outstanding things such as dissertation tips...”
Abby Sewell, Men's Service, St Andrew's Healthcare (Northampton)
...presentation skills, self- appraisal skills and most of the importance of mental health services and the structure of them as well as policies and procedures. I feel this placement deserves an award for the care they provide the patients as well as the support they provided to me through my practice placement. It has changed my perception of what a medium secure ward is like.
“Passionate and inspiring staff role models, supportive & nurturing learning culture, access to tools & resources to facilitate learning, dynamic learning & development environment.”
Amy Stringer, Oxford Centre for Enablement, Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre
My placement has been truly memorable & has inspired me to want to work in a team with the same passion, drive for quality service and a commitment to professional development of self.
“My mentor along with the rest of neurosciences team at the John Radcliffe created a positive and dynamic environment to learn in.”
Emily Chalmers, Neuroscience Ward, West Wing, John Radcliffe Hospital
My confidence, clinical and interpersonal skills have improved greatly since starting this placement.
“The placement exceeded all my expectations and beyond!”
Louise Bliss, Spinal Rehabilitation, Stoke Mandeville Hospital
Staff - I was lucky enough to have a fantastic clinical educator who was passionate about facilitating my learning. I felt I was given enough freedom to become part of the team and find my own feet but was never far from support and guidance. All the members of the team were equally supportive and were willing to facilitate my learning. This was a truly outstanding experience that I honestly cannot give justice for with mere words. I was overwhelmed to be able to attend the games and watch so many injured patients completely astonish everybody with their determination and skill following injury. I intend to return to Stoke Mandeville to volunteer at next year’s games!
“The team at this placement is exceptional.”
Rachel Collins, Outpatients Department, Wycombe Hospital
I felt integrated into the team immediately and they were always patient and willing to answer my questions. I was given formal training tailored to my interests and needs.
“I felt as though I was a part of the team straight away.”
Katja Bergin, Neuroscience Ward, West Wing, John Radcliffe Hospital
Having my first placement on the neuroscience ward was nerve-wracking because most of the conditions seen on the ward had not been covered on our course yet. However my practice assessor remained patient and taught me about the different conditions and surgeries that commonly came onto the floor. He also challenged me to think outside of the box when it came to rehab in the gym, which in the end, really helped me grow as a student Physiotherapist.
