I wish I'd known- Jumping the barriers

Getting onto the post-graduate SLT course is extremely competitive:

• think about what you've learnt from your experience not just how much you've done
• sell yourself!
• speak up and get noticed in a group
• be friendly and a team player
• consider your transferable skills   
• don't rule out SLT if you got onto a waiting list- chances are you'll get a call to say you're in

Placements are likely to be miles away (e.g. 90min commute each way):

• find out if you are entitled to a bursary
• organise your own block placement closer to home
• enquire about nursing accommodation etc. on site
• see if there is anyone you can lift share with
• reflect and plan sessions en route!
• suck it up and deal with it - it's likely to be a great placement!

Placement Educators expect more anatomy and physiology knowledge than you'll be taught:

• invest in a good textbook - or at least borrow one before your classmates get there
• keep lecture notes or cards with key phrases to hand
• ask questions! don't suffer in silence if you don't understand something
• use diagrams to aid understanding

The lack of direct intervention you get to give:

• keep an open mind
• consider your preferred setting to work in
• consider the evidence base for your approach
• convey your ideas to other people working with the client
• be creative and patient centred when you do make resources/ carry out therapy

It would be stressful to keep on top of work:

• print off timetables and deadline calendars in the first week!
• be organised - start work early and set earlier deadlines to motivate yourself
• consider if work is due during placement and how you will manage this
• talk to your course mates - it doesn't hurt to have a good moan every now and again!
• read the assignment title. Re-read it. Re-read it.
• Attend a CPD event to boost your motivation!
  

It would be hard to get a job at the end of it all:

• be flexible but if you really want a particular area- go for it!
• fill in an application as soon as you see it - they disappear quickly
• make the NHS jobs site your homepage
• tweak your personal statement to fit the person specification
• do your homework before an interview
• be positive, rejections don't mean you aren't a good therapist - there's just a lot of us looking for employment (including me)!