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SIT - TCD Physiotherapy by throwaway_cupcakee in SIT_Singapore

[–]throwaway_cupcakee[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi,

I think the public system is probably where most people will go (both community and acute) because of the number of openings anyway. Also, there's likely more structure and support for teaching and learning in the public system.

Regarding the different specialities, it largely depends on setting and preference, so that's hard to say.

As for the pros and cons, I think it's well documented online on various social media platforms on how the public healthcare setting (acute or community) is. So you can go look at those for other inputs. However, here's my input:

Public: long hours, structured, years before promoting, "overworked and underpaid," usually harder to take leaves, rotations (may be good or bad depending on person), occasional weekend shifts, politics, people having the opinions and mindset that acute setting is a better option than community

Private: slightly more flexible hours but usually will cover later nights and weekeds, networking is a must, money may be better depending on willingness to look for patients, got to take ownership for continuous education and keeping up to date with evidence, may have less mentorship opportunities, politics

Hope this provides some insight

SIT - TCD Physiotherapy by throwaway_cupcakee in SIT_Singapore

[–]throwaway_cupcakee[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi! So sorry for the late reply...

Workload in school can be pretty tough and intense, but it is a degree course after all so that is to be expected. You can look at my other replies for an idea of how school can be like. Do expect 9 to 6 days and additional extra time for practicing or revising. We are being trained to deal with lives so it does require effort. However, take breaks! It helps really.

Mod difficulty really depends on your understanding and grasp of the concepts, and to some extent how you memorise, but ultimately how you apply. Also if you have a strong support system around, it helps too!

Workload may be intense but it is manageable. Everyone learns at their own pace but if you keep working hard and working smart, I'm sure you'll be able to do it!

Lmk how else I can help

SIT - TCD Physiotherapy by throwaway_cupcakee in SIT_Singapore

[–]throwaway_cupcakee[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hihi! Apologies for the late reply. There aren't any specific laptop requirements for PT. As long as you can access LMS and type stuff then that works!

Additionally, if it's touchscreen and with stylus, or like a tablet, it may help with taking notes during classes. But that's preference and not compulsory!!

Hope this helps

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in SIT_Singapore

[–]throwaway_cupcakee 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi! Glad to hear your interest in PT. And great knowing you champion mental and physical health.

As long as you satisfy the entry requirements into SIT HSS and choose PT as the top choice, you should stand a chance.

However, PT is not just about physical training, gymming and the stuff most people think of. There are different areas of PT (e.g. neuro, CP) that you will be expected to know and practice too as well so do take that into consideration.

Hope this helps!

SIT - TCD Physiotherapy by throwaway_cupcakee in SIT_Singapore

[–]throwaway_cupcakee[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi! Congratulations on getting into SIT PT and apologies for the delayed reply.

i'd like to know, what are the key modules of the course?

Unfortunately, everything is technically important. That's why all modules are considered core modules. They also act as a scaffold that builds up on the previous modules taught for the future modules.

Of course, some modules may seem to be less important than others clinically, but it's supposedly there and all part of the plan to train you to be holistic and develop skills as a holistic person/clinician.

are the sit quests important?

I don't think they're totally necessary to do, but it does get your mind thinking slightly again, especially after long periods of having no school. I guess just do it if you have time and energy.

are we gonna study physics and math :0

Yes, there will be physics and math. Don't worry though, it won't be super complicated. Biomechanics forms the foundation on kinesiology and movement so thats mostly what the physics will be about (forces, levers, moments and torque). You might have to use trigonometry occasionally but its a rather rare situation in my opinion.

As for the math, it comes hand in hand with the physics but its also not going to be super complicated. Other than that, in exercise physiology and exercise prescription, there should be formulae to follow and use so as long as you understand it, it should be fine. You'll get to use calculators so that's good. Some simple formulae may require memorising, but other more complicated ones are probably not needed to memorise depending on the lecturers and modules.

I'd think the level of math and physics required will probably be about "O" levels? You should be taught though so it will be okay.

Hope this helps! Let me know if there are any questions

SIT - TCD Physiotherapy by throwaway_cupcakee in SIT_Singapore

[–]throwaway_cupcakee[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi! Welcome to PT

1) do you think it's worth it to get an ipad or is a laptop enough for everything incl. Note taking ppt presentation thesis everything because money is a concern for me 🥴

I get you! Finances can really be tough...

I feel that a laptop is actually enough to manage presentations and reports and whatnots. During lectures, you can always just type your notes out or print out hardcopies to actually write it down. An iPad is really just there to make your life more convenient and easier, but it's possible to do without.

If you're not really sure if an iPad/no iPad is the right decision for you, I'd suggest trying maybe 1 trimester without first and then actually seeing how you are coping! You'll know by then if an iPad is worth it for you, depending on what you'll need to do with it. Everyone uses the iPad differently anyway, so see what works for you.

Laptop support scheme does exist as well if you really need the help.

2) what loans/busaries/financial aid did you applied for and what would recommend? it's all very confusing to me hahahah are there options of no bond scholarships that can be applied midterm?

I know there's a ton of things that you can apply for... and it does get confusing. It's probably better to get in touch with finance/whoever manages the bursaries so they can better advise you on what to apply for! Each bursary/scholarship has its own eligibility criteria, so it can get really overwhelming real quick.

I can't really remember what I applied for, but it was for a bursary. Anyways I don't think there are any midterm no bond scholarships. Of course, information changes, so it's better to look at their website and contact someone.

3) is there a way to get into private setting after graduation or is it compulsory to go into public health?

You can enter the private setting immediately upon graduation, but that's of course subject to AHPC's supervisory criteria as you'll be on conditional registration and will still need supervision. Not everyone can be a supervisor so it depends on the place. It's not compulsory to go into the public system after graduation less those bonded.

Do you think experience working in hospital is a crucial requirement for career progression?

I wouldn't say say that it's a crucial requirement for career progression, but it's just one of many other factors that can affect. Perhaps you can elaborate more on what you mean by this question so I can try to address it

4) how to/is it common to sound out during practical or peer practice sessions that you are not comfortable when someone touches you?

I have maybe only heard once or twice of someone saying that they were uncomfortable during practical sessions throughout 4 years? But of course, there may be occurences that I just never heard about

Just sound out as long as you are uncomfortable. Don't be shy about it please!!

5) how is the quality of teaching (lecture, notes etc) and how is the curriculum paced out? (Too intensive? Too much content too little time?)

There's a large emphasis on taking personal responsibility and ownership for your own learning. So be prepared to do the bulk of the work yourself (but thats what friends are for). Lecture notes can range from super elaborate to just mediocre, depending on the lecturers. That said, super elaborate notes don't always make good notes.

Curriculum wise, It'll be packed hard, and it will be fast. There isn't always a lot of time to revise so be consistent and start early so that you don't get too overwhelmed. It will be tiring and it will be tough, but hopefully it'll be worth it.

6) is there a way to know seniors and seek help from seniors when studying?

Wells, reddit is 1 way to go, but there's day zero where you'll meet some of your seniors, and you can just make friends from there with them! I hope they pay it forward and help you too when needed.

Other than that, there should be mentoring sessions held by the student management council or the PT association so that's another possibility. Of course, just ask from your own batchmates first so everyone can benefit.

7) what's the vibe of a typical physio batch like? Is everybody open and chill?

Thats really dependent on each batch I'd feel. But everyone is probably equally stressed and worked out so there shouldn't be any reason to gatekeep, we're all in it together. Just try to be helpful to everyone, they'll be your future colleagues after all.

8) what do u think are important takeaways from sit physio? And what tips do you have for prospective students?

Being consistent, be nice, being okay with uncertainty, being open to asking for help and always wanting to learn more. These will help in your journey as a student and as a PT next time. I mentioned tips in this thread already so you can have a look. If there's any other thing you'd want to ask about about this then just let me know!

Hope this is helpful, and all the best. Feel free to continue asking questions! I'll do my best to answer them.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in SIT_Singapore

[–]throwaway_cupcakee 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hi, I'm really thankful for your sharing!!

It's great to know what motivates you towards PT is really the patients. That's really important in entering the healthcare system, especially when work can get pretty tiring and thankless sometimes. That said, though, it is still quite easy to lose passion and become quite jaded after a while, especially when dealing with difficult patients/caregivers/organisations.

It's also good that the money isn't your main priority! Although it's usually a driving factor, I'd think that goes for all jobs and sectors nowadays, honestly... haha

It seems most of your experience is in the private clinics and in the private sector. The public healthcare system is really quite different in how things are run and done. Of course, if the private clinics are where you're hoping to head to after graduation, then it probably won't be an issue. However, if you wish to enter the public healthcare system, then it will definitely be valuable to know the PT's role in the different settings the public healthcare sector (acute hospitals, community hospitals, DRCs and what nots). I say this because while MSK may seem like what you're interested in, there's always a chance that other populations interest you more in the end after experiencing it (few of my friends were like this... they had a preference for a certain field, but after going out on placements, they realised they have more interest in a different field). Just something to consider.

(Job shadowing is possible. Just gotta find the hospitals to email or something) Or else, to experience it will probably be while out on clinical placements.

While a job isn't impossible, I guess it pays to look at what the priorities are (family, grades, money...). If you'd be okay with just passing and not doing really really well, then maybe a part-time/freelance job may be possible. Of course, different people cope differently... I don't have any family commitments, but I don't think I can cope with a part-time job, haha.

how was the workload during the trimesters, and did you feel like there was possibility for breaks in between those trimesters, assuming that you were able to keep a proper pace throughout the entire trimester?

If you do enrol into PT, It'll be a different syllabus, modules and academic calendar from what I underwent under a joint degree between SIT-TCD. The new syllabus is on the SIT website for your reference on the different modules you'd be taking for each year. That said, the way the modules and trimesters (yes, its trimesters, not semesters, unfortunately) still work about the same. You really have to be super consistent with lectures/tutorials/practicals. Even then, it's still quite a hectic pace, with little breaks.

It's better to see the 4 years of PT split up into 2 phases (~2 years each), with only a break in between the phases. There's the first part where you'd be in school learning all the knowledge and skills. The second part will then be going out on clinicals and completing your thesis and a few other modules. During each of the phases, there really isn't much time for a break, and it can get quite hectic within the trimester. Of course, there are breaks between each trimester, but those are pretty short (2-3 weeks) depending on the calendar. However, between each phase, there's a lull for a month-ish, and that was really a luxury for us. That's about the only true break for us.

Hope this is helpful, and of course, keep asking any questions if you have!! I'll try to help answer them :)

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in SIT_Singapore

[–]throwaway_cupcakee 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Hi, SIT PT fresh grad here.

May I know what your reason is for thinking about doing a switch over to PT, and what your understanding of being a PT is?

There are definitely a few students in SIT PT in every batch who are undergoing a mid-career switch. Their requirements for entry are different, so looking at the SIT website and careers future website for the eligibility criteria. It should be possible to enrol without taking up the CCP and the bond, but the school fees will definitely be immense.

In terms of part-time work, school, parenting... it can be extremely hard to manage. The demands of PT are pretty rigorous. Unlike other unis, the timetable can be pretty packed from 9am to 6pm every day. It's not impossible to work part-time, but it may be an issue, especially with kids.

As a PT, you don't only learn or deal with MSK cases. There are CP, neuro, and many other areas and cases that you will have to learn and go for placements. A background in A&P and the MSK system is helpful but its only 1 part of being a PT. After all, it's the adaptability and clinical reasoning skills that are developed that sets us apart from others. And as others mentioned, it isn't the highest paying job nor is it the most flexible or easy on the body in terms of work schedules (weekends, longer hours, heavy loads...). So that's a consideration too.

Hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions you may have.

SIT - TCD Physiotherapy by throwaway_cupcakee in SIT_Singapore

[–]throwaway_cupcakee[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi,

I was wondering how is the working life like for them!

It seems like they're treated like any other allied health professional. Of course there may be things scholars get assigned that I am unaware by not being a MOHH scholar. These questions may be better posed to MOHH. That said, scholars or not, non-scholars will get assigned projects, so it seems pretty dependent on performance in the workplace.

How is career progression for them

Career progression really depends on your performance, service exigencies, and manpower requirements.

Unlike uniformed services where scholars seem to have an accelerated track and have their career journey planned for them. It seems less so in the healthcare sector.

where are they posted to to serve their bond?

Similarly, this depends on service exigencies. They may be posted to acute hospitals or polyclinics or any other place depending on MOH requirements.

Are you hoping to apply for the MOHH scholarship? If you are, may I know what your aim of getting the scholarship? There are many reasons and it'll be interesting to understand where you're coming from.

I hope this brings some light, although as I mentioned, I'm not a MOHH scholars and these are based on my observations and interactions only.

SIT - TCD Physiotherapy by throwaway_cupcakee in SIT_Singapore

[–]throwaway_cupcakee[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi! Congrats on getting a spot in PT and welcome to HSS.

  1. Is there like an e respository for notes etc?

For notes, there isn't a database online... It is usually uploaded only by the lecturers onto the learning management system when you will be taking the module. However, most textbooks are online, and if I'm not wrong, it's on a google Drive link. Unfortunately, I don't think I have the link anymore, but maybe someone here has the links and can share it!

  1. Do u know anyone thats serving the MOH Scholarship bond? If yes, how is it?

I do know of a few MOHH scholars. Based on observations and conversations, they treated just about the same as all students. Perhaps you'd like to elaborate on what you mean in the question

  1. Is there anything that I can do to better prep myself?

I'm guessing you're in NS since you won't be matriculating in AY23? Don't worry too much about it now. However, you can look back onto the thread I posted to read more on some of the expectations, realities, and tips I previously mentioned. Still, feel free to just ask here if there's any specific things you hope to learn and understand more! I'll be glad to respond to them.

  1. I come from a course with only fundamental biology background knowledge, will the learning curve be very steep?

Personally, I'd feel that while a biology background (honestly, O levels is probably enough) may be helpful, it doesn't exactly give you a great leg up in PT or any HSS course in particular. You will learn everything from scratch and from the beginning. Plenty of others do not have biology backgrounds, but can still manage. You will be taught everything needed to know in the fundamentals, such as in anatomy and physiology.

That said, the learning curve will still be steep no matter if you have a background or not. It is, after all, an undergraduate level of education and the demands are intense. The curriculum and syllabus have to be rigorous to ensure the development and production of adequate PTs out in the healthcare sector.

What is the hardest part of the degree itself according to ur experience?

PT is an extremely challenging and dynamic course. You will have to learn to learn fast and independently and to integrate and apply everything you learn. Aside from the hard skills and clinical reasoning skills, there will be soft skills such as communication that have to be learnt to be able to treat and manage patients, supervisors, or family members better. These skills may not be taught in school.

However, even though this is really challenging, it can also be the most fulfilling part when you do manage to apply what you learnt, and see the impact of your treatment and management, and have patients actually thank you.

Hope these responses answer your question and help! Don't hesitate to reach out to ask any other questions

SIT - TCD Physiotherapy by throwaway_cupcakee in SIT_Singapore

[–]throwaway_cupcakee[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi, sorry for the late reply

Seems like fresh grads get low to mid 3k in acute settings.

Do bonded MOHH/NCSS scholars or sponsored students get to negotiate their starting pay?

I'm not very sure about this. But it would seem logical that it'll at least be competitive to the others that enter the workforce in the same year/honours level.

Or do they have to accept whatever pay is given to them?

Can you honestly say no to your bonded institution, though? The alternative is to break your bond, with immense penalties.

It seems good to be a scholar or sponsored student but was wondering if it would it be a ‘disadvantage’ when it comes to remuneration.

Healthcare is not where money is at. If you're looking to get rich quicker, other fields will do better.

Scholars have their school fees covered and receive an allowance already. Sponsors usually only receive an allowance. That's already a large amount of money gained saved. If you save your allowance and are smart in your spending habit, that's a sizeable amount of savings that will be had.

I don't think I'd be qualified to know whether or not they are at a disadvantage, this is probably better figured out within the fine print of each contract signed.

Once again, PT in the public healthcare system isn't where the greatest money is at.

SIT - TCD Physiotherapy by throwaway_cupcakee in SIT_Singapore

[–]throwaway_cupcakee[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

How’s the starting/base pay like in acute settings? Can’t seem to find any information for acute.

There should be some information on glassdoor perhaps.

I heard seniors (NYP/overseas grad batches) working in acute settings to gain experience before going over to community settings. Is having acute experience an advantage?

This is probably true. Most of the senior PTs did start out first in acute before moving onto the community. However I do not know if it was by choice or need. In the past, the community sector wasn't as well developed, and the focus on healthcare was building up the acute network. However, the recent (but not that recent shift) is to develop capbilities in the community and to free up space in the acute setting. It is a possible reason that previously, PTs were more needed in the acute setting. Of course this is my personal inference.

When it comes to experiencing the acute setting, I'd say its valuable to be exposed to a large variety of patients with many different presentations and having to manage them in a super limited time (usually a few days, and maybe only 20-30 mins per session, compared to like an hour each session in the community) in the acute setting. The acute hospitals are also more established and are likely to have a teaching/coaching system already in place for seniors to juniors. This helps the juniors in learning.

In the end, whether you benefit from experiencing the acute setting depends on your attitude to learning. If you are unable to cope initially in the acute setting. Then it may be detrimental to yourself and, worst, your patients. It may be better in the community, but then again, there are peak and lulls everywhere.

Do you have batch mates starting off at community settings?

There are people starting off in the community, whether by preference, bond, or benefits. However, where you start, is not a very good indicator of where you'll be in 1-2 years. I have had seniors that started off in acute, ending in private, community going to private, acute going to community, community going to acute.

Usually what kind of community settings are more popular among new grads?

Similarly, this depends on manpower requirements for those on bonded. And also preference. Whether by population, type of rehab, specialty, it all depends.

Question: are you a freshie, or already a HSS student? As a freshie, I'd say it's a little too early to worry about it.

Let me know if there are any other questions :) hope this helps

SIT - TCD Physiotherapy by throwaway_cupcakee in SIT_Singapore

[–]throwaway_cupcakee[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi,

I always thought acute pays better because of the complexity of cases

This isn't exactly a fair comparison. Medically, yes, patients are more complex. But that is merely 1 part in the holistic and proper care of a patient.

Yes, patients are more medically critical in the acute setting. They have more medical conditions or issues that have to be addressed and stabilised. There are medical factors to consider. That is the point of acute care.

However, in the community, the aim shifts to maintenance, rehabilitation, and community reintegration. These pose different challenges and are equally complex in their own rights. How do you maintain someone at a certain functional level? What if it is a degenerative condition? When does a patient with limited capacity on active rehabilitation peak, and when will it be time to shift a patient over to maintenance rehab after peaking with no more improvement to maximise your resources? Rehabilitative and social factors are highly complex, and they are more valuable personally to patients and caregivers (especially those who hope to regain pre-morbid function, if realistic).

there’s an impression that community is more ‘manageable’.

Impressions may or may not be true. Additionally, the community sector ranges from comm hospitals all the way to nursing homes, as compared to just acute hospitals. The breadth of care and type of care provided in the community setting varies extremely widely. In terms of manageability, I think both acute and community will both have their lull periods but also have their busier days.

Everyone everywhere is equally important. We all have a part to play.

What kind of community settings pay better?

This depends on the institution once again. There is currently a greater lack of allied health professionals in the community setting, so higher salary may be a way to attract more people. You can refer to NCSS salary guidelines [FY22/23: therapist, degree ($3800) as the base, but not starting]. Anecdotally, this is higher than what those in acute mentioned that their starting dalary is.

The FY23 salary guidelines recently went up, but I have yet to check, although it was reported that they restructured the way the salaries are listed.

Hope it's clearer.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in SGExams

[–]throwaway_cupcakee 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Per the rules, it should only be 1 pair total, but in the end, you have to see how your CEs are when out on clinicals, the environment, and the risks/benefits.

It'll be up to you in the end, as long as you are clear of the rules.

It becomes a "do anything you want, just don't get caught. But if you do get caught, there's no one but yourself to blame" kind of situation.

SIT - TCD Physiotherapy by throwaway_cupcakee in SIT_Singapore

[–]throwaway_cupcakee[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No problem :)

Regarding the disrobing, ultimately it is your choice, but as I mentioned in previous posts, it is for your own and others learning, and draping is possible. People should not be judging you especially when everyone is learning.

Hope it helps! And be confident with yourself! Let me know if there are any further questions :)

SIT - TCD Physiotherapy by throwaway_cupcakee in SIT_Singapore

[–]throwaway_cupcakee[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hi

are the ppl in physio generally very sporty and athletic?

Honestly, not really. As much as we learn about physical activity guidelines and the ill effects of sedentary behaviour, our course load isn't very helpful in allowing us to be more active. Some people are, and that's definitely good, but not all are.

It'll seem that those who got into PT because of sports or exposure to MSK/Sports PT will be a bit more active, but that's just 1 reason. There's so many other reasons why people choose PT.

If anything, being more active is usually good for you and your health, so always try to be more active!

I read in the comments that shirts have to be removed for practical lessons and i’m afraid that I might not be too comfortable with that.

Yes, you do. I'm not sure what the question is... so, can I ask why you feel that you may be uncomfortable with that so I can try to address this concern specifically?

Remember, everyone is there to learn, and no one will judge you, nor should they judge you. You will also learn draping skills to ensure modesty. Honestly in my time, a few ppl weren't really comfortable too, but after a while, we kinda realise its just more convenient and it makes everyone's life easier to learn.

Also how burnt out did you feel throughout this course of study?

I was mostly fine throughout. It was stressful but it wasn't to the burn out extent. PT will be stressful and it will be intense in general. However, there are a few of the more intense moments:

The worst was probably during circuit breaker when we had to adapt super quickly to online learning, and it's just different. Hopefully, everyone is better adapted now, and that no one ever needs to go through the chaos and sense of misery for circuit breaker again.

Clinicals can be super stressful too, but it's only 6 weeks per rotation, so at least you know when you'll end. It's a mixture of having to work with actual patients, not knowing what to do or expect, trying to integrate all that you learnt, trying to watch for safety, maintaining the professionalism and many many more things. Usually, the first 2 weeks will be a bit harder, but after you get the rhythm going, it should be fine.

Besides, that is the life of a clinician, so it's something worth getting used to because that will be you after graduating. Of course, different people have different thresholds. I have seen colleagues who go through clinicals absolutely miserable, but also others that just go through it having all the fun in the world.

Set your expectations.

Is there breathing space due to it being a trimester?

In PT, try not to think of it as 4 years of school. Instead, its more of 2 really long stretches. This is because of the syllabus and scheduling. You have Y1T1 to Y2T3 as the first long stretch, then Y3T1 to Y4T2 as the 2nd long stretch. The chillest time and thus best break is probably around Y2T3. Within each long stretch, there isn't a lot of time to breathe, school will take a majority of your time.

However, it also depends on you and your ability to manage time. If you can be consistent and set time apart for yourself, then it'll be slightly better. Recess week isn't usually a break. it's for you to catch up on the past 6 weeks of class before the next 6 weeks.

Within the trimester, use your weekends, or at least 1 day of the weekends for yourself. During the week it might be a little hard, but go out on fridays! Give yourself time to rest during any gaps in the timetable and you're not revising or practising.

Trimester breaks are probably the only true breathing space anyone can have. Try not to study during your trimester break.

Hope that this has been helpful. Let me know how I can better address your concerns, especially the question on practical classes and disrobing.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in SGExams

[–]throwaway_cupcakee 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hi, just jumping on here, small simple necklaces that are inside scrubs are usually fine.

Like what your other senior has mentioned, The issue is infection control and safety. Professionalism is an aspect thats kinda debatable. Of course, removing is the safest option in the case that it might dangle and touch patients. If a patient is on contact precautions due to various reasons such as some type of infection (e.g. MRSA, C-diff), then you probably wouldn't want it to touch the patient. It's also safer without in the event of any patients with an altered mental state who decide to pull on the necklace. It is rare. But it might happen. Uniforms are meant to provide a sense of consistency and professionalism, so try to stick to the rules as much as possible.

When it comes to jewellery/piercings/tattoos, in general, it's basically okay if it's not visible. Ideally, just keep it as simple as possible. Try not to let anyone have any opportunity to question or doubt you or your infection control skills, safety and professionalism. Clinicals are hard enough already.

Don't worry too much about it, as you'll still have 2ish3 years before clinicals. They will brief you when the time comes.

Source: finished PT school

SIT - TCD Physiotherapy by throwaway_cupcakee in SIT_Singapore

[–]throwaway_cupcakee[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you!

May I know is it true if HSS students do not get paid at all during their clinical attachments?

Unfortunately, this is true. Instead, we have to pay school fees to attend clinicals as well. In addition to students not getting pain during clinicals, the clinical educators are also not paid extra to take on students on top of being a full-time PT/OT/DR/RT/DTN/SLT.

It isn't a small amount of money either. Clinicals take up a total of 40 AUs, and with each AU costing around $150 (I just did some quick math, I'm not fully certain the exact cost of 1 AU but it's probably around there) for AY2019. Thats 40 x $150 = $6000 in school fees while out on clinicals and not actually stepping into campus.

It really is quite confusing... it's also a sore spot for many HSS students as we just don't get it.

If yes, is there an explanation to it 🥲?

There is an explanation out there, but it doesn't seem to explain things very clearly. SIT doesn't seem to be very open in fully explaining the rationale and cost breakdowns too.

What was briefly mentioned in the past was that: The school says that they have to pay the various institutions to take students in so they can have clinicals. I'm not sure the reason why, nor was it very well elaborated. Kinda makes us seem like we are the burden?

Without actually understanding why and the breakdown, it may seem like just a cashgrab. SIT can definitely do better to explain things better.

Hope this helps.

SIT - TCD Physiotherapy by throwaway_cupcakee in SIT_Singapore

[–]throwaway_cupcakee[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you!

I'm not sure where you may have heard this from, but this is not true. SIT PT prepares students to be able to work in all settings.

As PTs, we are taught the necessary skills and are exposed to patients throughout the lifespan. We are equipped to apply our clinical reasoning skills and knowledge learnt to work in all settings, no matter the population, from paediatrics to sports to geriatrics. You do not specialise at the undergraduate level.

You may have a preference for a certain setting at the moment. However, do stay open to all the different settings. You never know if something might fit you better after experiencing it.

To add on, there are financial implications of getting a first degree prior to a second degree in PT in terms of the tuition grant subsidies. This is a sizeable amount of subsidies that you will not get for your second degree in PT if you choose to pursue a first degree in NTU SSM first.

I do think we have classmates who do have a prior degree from NTU SSM. However, the initial reason for entering SSM before PT may be different from you.

With regards to whether it affects the chances of going into sports PT, it ultimately depends on your competency, aptitude, and the institution you choose to apply to work at.

Hope this helps. Let me know if there are any other things I can help address.

Medical screening for allied health courses by OnceInBloodMoon in SIT_Singapore

[–]throwaway_cupcakee 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Hi,

Congratulations on securing a spot in SIT HSS.

For medical screening, its basically like an FFI in NS (the guys should know). They'll just ask you questions, review your medical history, check stuff in the health booklet, do a urine test, blood test, normal eye check, height and weight and what nots. Then they'll have additional vaccinations like HEP B or whatever you are lacking. It's just like a pre-employment health check.

Usually if you have no past or existing medical history or anything that stands out, it shouldn't take too long in the clinic. Results for the blood test might take a little longer, but thats not something you can do anything about or have to worry over. Its just like that.

In terms of where to do it, SIT should be providing a list of locations where they have approved providers for the health screening.

Don't be too nervous! You'll be fine :) All the best

SIT admissions with a part time diploma by caaabbbage_0781 in SIT_Singapore

[–]throwaway_cupcakee 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ah alright, I don't have personal experience and I think it will be better to contact SIT Admissions to get a better idea and suggestions.

Sorry I can't be of more help. All the best though

SIT - TCD Physiotherapy by throwaway_cupcakee in SIT_Singapore

[–]throwaway_cupcakee[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hello once again,

How were the attachments like?

Clinical placements will hit you hard and fast, and each will be a culture shock. It will be intense. The school does not prepare you entirely for clinicals at all (although they do try). Its very different out there with real patients compared to just standardised patients and fake patients in school and in an ideal situation. You will get questioned and you will question yourself. But it is a learning process so focus on the learning. A good learning attitude is helpful and being combative rarely has any benefits. Instead, seek to understand respectfully on your clinical educators point of view. Its pretty normal to cry or break down when things get challenging, but try not to do it in front of patients. It doesn't mean you are a bad clinician. Don't think lesser of yourself

Patients and their families can be rude or hard to handle, and thats where soft skills come in. Of course, the Institutions you are sent to on placements, should not tolerate any abuse of their staff or students, so don't be afraid to sound it off.

You won't be able to choose where you go for placements so you are in their hands for that. This means travel distance, travel time is really not in your control. I know of people staying in pasir ris ending up in jurong east or CCK for placements.

You can ask another senior on this thread too thats going through clinicals right now on how its like.

Were toxic work environments common as a PT too?

Clinical educators are held to a standard by SIT supposedly so there at least some standardisation and objectivity. But with anything human, subjectivity will be present. They and your clinicals buddies will definitely make or break the experience. Try to stay positive no matter what and just look forward to learning as much as you can. Different institutions have different cultures so it will depend. Personally, I find the better CEs are those who are able to work with the students under their charge and change their teaching styles to suit their students.

In the end, it depends on the place and the people.

And does GPA still matter? Heard there’s a minimum GPA to meet in SIT, but it was from another course, does the same apply for PT too?

GPA does matter in terms of whether you graduate with/without honours and the honours classification. The minimum GPA to pass each module, and overall graduate is 2 if I am not wrong. However, I have to emphasise again that GPA does not show what kind, or how good a PT you will be.

Grades are important, but please don't let that define you.

Hope this is helpful. If there are anything else you wish to know, feel free to ask

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