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I was gradually introduced to patients and supported by clinical tutors. I started shadowing the clinic in Caerphilly, where I now work.
Inspired by personal experience
When I was around 11 or 12, my mum had a shoulder and back injury that was managed through strong painkillers. Someone from her church suggested she visit a chiropractor and within a couple of months, she was off medication and back to her old self. It was amazing to see the impact that had on her quality of life. Not long after, I had a rugby injury and asked my parents to take me to a chiropractor. I loved the experience, recovered quickly, and ended up shadowing the clinic from the age of 13. I knew exactly what GCSEs I needed and my passion just kept growing.
When it came time to choose a course, I wanted the full university experience: to meet different people, be part of a big campus, and have the right student life alongside the right course. That’s what led me to USW. At the time, it was the only chiropractic degree that really offered that balance. I attended a couple of Open Days and really liked the campus and the course layout. I appreciated how everything from the halls to the lecture buildings was within walking distance.
Find your courseGetting the bug for clinic life
My final year placement at USW was based in the university’s own chiropractic clinic. Despite lockdown limiting some opportunities, it was a great experience that confirmed this was the career for me. I was gradually introduced to patients and supported by clinical tutors. I started shadowing the clinic in Caerphilly, where I now work, during my final months, and by the time my registration came through, I was ready to start treating. The support from staff, the steady build-up of real experience, and the facilities all gave me the confidence to step straight into practice.
The facilities at USW prepared me well for working in a professional environment. The only real difference between the university clinic and private practice was switching from handwritten to digital notes. Everything else - the treatment benches, equipment, activators and thumpers, was identical to what I now use. It was a proper working clinic that gave us hands-on experience with real patients, helping us grow in confidence and competence. The environment gave me the motivation to keep learning and improving, and it shaped the clinician I’ve become today.
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Interested in Chiropractic?
We offer a range of Chiropractic courses that focus on giving you the skills and knowledge needed to find a role in the industry and meet the UK registration requirements to practice.