This week’s spotlight features Deborah Dias do Rosario. Deborah moved to the UK for higher education after completing her Bachelor’s in India. In this spotlight, Deborah shares her experience of learning and then working in the UK. Deborah now helps aspiring physios transition to the UK through her Instagram handle, The physio career guide. Give this spotlight a read to learn more about her journey!
What is your name, job title, and workplace?
Hi, I’m Deborah Dias do Rosario. I’m a Band 7 NHS Physiotherapist, specializing in MSK and Chronic Pain.
What is your educational background?
Bachelor’s in Physio (Mangalore, India) and Masters in Advanced Physiotherapy (Manchester, United Kingdom)
Why did you decide to pursue your higher education in the UK?
Exposure to a new country, learning the way physio works, and exploring a new culture
Which university did you choose?
Manchester Metropolitan University, as they offered Manual Therapy in the Advanced Physio course
Did you go through any counselor?
No
Tell us more about your course
It was a 15-month course. I had the option to choose my modules, so I chose Manual Therapy and Sports Rehabilitation. And research as well.
70% of the course was self-study, something that we’re not accustomed to in India. I spent most of my time in the library, reading research articles
What did you like about your course? What you did not like?
The faculty/professors are very helpful and understanding. They helped us with our assignments and also encouraged us to take breaks (i.e. explore Manchester).
The Master’s course did not offer any placements i.e. no clinical exposure at all
How difficult was it for you to complete the course?
It wasn’t too difficult. As long as you read your research and kept on top of it, it was all manageable.
How much were the overall expenses? (Tuition + Cost of living)
£15, 000 for Uni (15 month course) + £1000 per month (for 15 months) = £30, 000
What are the job prospects in the UK after completing higher education?
Job prospects are high, ‘if’ you have work experience.
How difficult is it to obtain a work permit + license in the UK?
Work permits are difficult to obtain, especially if you don’t have experience. Trusts/Private companies don’t want to train physios, they want someone with prior experience, so those physios get first preference.
What was the process like to obtain a license and work permit in the UK?
Physio Licence (HCPC) is super easy. You only need to fill out an application form and pay the application fee. You don’t have to answer any exam so that makes the license process a lot easier.
The work permit on the other hand is a slightly different process. In order to obtain a work permit you first need a sponsor, who would be your employer. your employer will only sponsor you if you have scored well in the interview, and we’ll provide you with a certificate of sponsorship. you need to pay for your own work permit/ work visa and fill out the application by yourself which can be a bit intimidating.
How long did it take you to start working in the UK?
After I got my physio license (HCPC), I managed to land a part-time physio job within 3 months.
What should be the first steps new grads should take if they want to move to the UK?
If anyone wants to move to the UK they need to gain experience first. It could be either from a private clinic, a hospital, or even from home visits. It’s good to have a minimum of one year of experience. They can start the HCPC process simultaneously.
What are you doing presently?
Currently, I’m a Band 7 physiotherapist. I work with patients with MSK conditions and chronic pain. Along with this I also train student physios and Junior physios as well.
Can you elaborate on similarities and differences in physiotherapy practices in the UK and India?
In India, we have more exposure to patients whilst doing a Master’s program, it’s not the same in the UK.
In the UK we focus more on research and evidence-based practice. We don’t refer to any books at all here.
Tell us more about your venture: physio career guide
Many of my juniors began reaching out to me for help to move to the UK, that’s why I decided to start the Instagram page ‘Physio career guide’ to help them. I did not expect such a massive response from other physios (from India/Pakistan/UAE/Turkey/Africa), who I personally did not know. These Physios were serious about their careers and wanted to come to the UK. I create content for them in every way I can to keep them informed and also work with them on a 1:1 basis.
I’ve been helping International physiotherapists for almost two years now, and it makes me happy to know that I’ve helped them in their careers 🙂
What are your future plans as a PT and as a Physio career guide?
PT career: I’m currently a Band 7 ( the highest level is Band 8) so I’m quite happy with my career progression so far.
Physio career guide: I plan on continuing to help physiotherapists move to the UK in the best way possible
As a physio career guide, what advice you would give to PT students who want to relocate to the UK?
- Get your experience first
- You don’t need a Masters to work in the UK (you need experience)
- Start planning your finances
- Speak to family about relocation (it’s not always easy- moving to a new country can be tough)
Where can people reach you?
Instagram: @thephysiocareerguide
Email: thephysiocareerguide@gmail.com
Editor’s note: Other blog post that you may like:
MSc Physiotherapy in the UK: Impressions and takeaways of an Indian physiotherapist.
Hello, My name is Tejashree Limaye. I am a physiotherapist with 10+ years of experience. I help you go from being stuck in your career to finding a job you love! I provide career guidance about clinical and non clinical PT career in India. I also help you with US PT licensing process. Welcome to my blog, I hope you find the exact guidance you have been looking for!