Work Experience at Surrey Physio – Protocol for Under 18 Students

At Surrey Physio, we believe in supporting the next generation of healthcare professionals by offering university placements for undergrads and occasionally work experience placements for students under the age of 18.

As you can probably imagine, we are inundated with requests (mostly from parents) for work experience. We understand the needs for your child to be placed for a week or two weeks during the summer holidays.

Our programme is designed to give young people a valuable insight into the world of physiotherapy, rehabilitation, and osteopathy, while ensuring their safety, and wellbeing.

However, due to the volume of requests, and that we will likely have University students with us shadowing too, we only accept U18s based on the following criteria:

Eligibility

Our work experience placements are open to:

  • Students aged 16 to 17 who have been a patient, or whose parents are a patient at the clinic.
  • Students interested in healthcare careers, such as physiotherapy, sports therapy, rehabilitation, or exercise science

If you are over 18 and currently studying physiotherapy at a university in England, click here to read about student placements with Surrey Physio.

Duration

  • Work experience shadowing is for half-a-day per week.
  • We are sorry that we are unable to offer 1-week or 2-week placements. This is due to us taking on large numbers of physiotherapy students who do 6-week placements with our team.

    • Activities and Learning Opportunities

    During their placement, students will have the chance to:

    • Observe physiotherapists or osteopaths during patient consultations (with patient consent).
    • Observe different treatment techniques and exercise prescription.
    • Assist with administrative tasks such as organising patient records, preparing treatment rooms, and supporting reception.
    • Gain insight into communication skills and patient care.
    • Please note: Students will not perform any hands-on treatment or clinical interventions.

      • Supervision and Safeguarding

      • All under-18 students will always be supervised by a member of the Surrey Physio team.
      • Our team is DBS checked, and safeguarding trained.
      • We do not provide any reports to schools. You will need to fill in all of the school paperwork.

        • Dress Code

        • Smart-casual (comfortable clothing suitable for a healthcare setting). White polo shirt and black trousers works well.
        • Smart shoes.
        • No offensive slogans, ripped clothing, or excessive jewellery.

        Application Process

        Students interested in work experience must:

        1. Email kareena.tibungcog @ surreyphysio.co.uk
        2. Provide emergency contact details and any relevant medical information.

        Code of Conduct

        We expect all students to:

        • Be punctual and attend every day of the placement.
        • Show respect to staff, patients, and fellow students.
        • Dress smartly.
        • Use confidentiality when observing patient care.
        • Be curious and engaged — ask questions and take notes!

        Feedback

        It would be very helpful if you would provide us a warm Google review for taking care of your child for the half-day they are with us.