The next step for graduates in their MSK career

Connect provide a number of opportunities for both new and experienced physiotherapists in the profession. Our Graduate and Accelerated Development Programme provides opportunities for newly qualified physios and enables them to gain experience in musculoskeletal physiotherapy, whilst receiving relevant support and supervision from clinicians. But don’t just take our word for it; we interviewed Jessica Norris, a Leeds Beckett University graduate who joined the Graduate Development Programme in December 2014. We asked Jessica, who describes her role as exciting and variable, about the graduate programme and why she chose to join Connect:

“As soon as I graduated from University, I was aware that my passion lay with musculoskeletal physiotherapy. I had heard about Connect through my father and some family friends who work at companies who employ Connect to provide musculoskeletal physiotherapy, and have always heard very positive things about the staff and treatment. When I saw a job advert for Connect’s Graduate Development programme, I knew the position would be perfect for me as it allowed me to work directly in musculoskeletal physiotherapy, without partaking in rotations at hospitals.”

Having joined Connect over 8 months ago, Jessica is now well into the accelerated development part of her programme and independently working with patients to help them recover from their MSK-related conditions. With her knowledge of the graduate programme, we asked Jessica about her experience so far at Connect:

“Although my job focuses purely on MSK, I see a vast range of patients every day, with my current case load ranging from a 7 year old to an 89 year old. I also see a number of different conditions including sports injuries and chronic degenerative problems, as well as traumatic injuries and repetitive strain, meaning that my experience in MSK is varied.

Since joining Connect I have also been provided with a number of benefit options, including flexible working hours which allow me to take a half day on Friday by working longer hours on Monday and Wednesday (which is definitely worth it!). As I am a recent graduate, the offer of performance related pay at the company was also very appealing as it allowed me to be rewarded for my performance rather than years of service.”

To help Jessica in her career, Connect’s Accelerated Development programme provides continued support for staff, as and when it’s required. Once training is completed, like all other physiotherapists at the company, Jessica will be eligible to move through the graduate pay scale and continue her career as an MSK physiotherapist. She’ll also be able to take advantage of the wide range of positions in contracts we offer to all physiotherapists across the country. As a closing note, we asking Jessica for her opinions on the graduate programme and advice she would give to any newly qualified physios currently looking at developing their career in MSK physiotherapy:

“The Connect graduate scheme is perfect for new graduates who are keen to focus on a career in MSK physiotherapy. The scheme provides extra support and clinical supervision for you first 3-6 months at the company, as well as the opportunity to shadow senior clinicians. The amount of clinical supervision is decided between you and your line manager and allows you to have a say on whether you feel you need more or less support. If any friends decide to pursue a career in MSK physiotherapy, I will definitely recommend Connect.”

We continue to recruit and are always on the look-out for dynamic and motivated physiotherapists to join our Graduate and Accelerated development programme. For more information on these programmes and details on how to apply click here.