Elaine McKeon
For Elaine McKeon, the dream of becoming a physiotherapist and following her passion for supporting physical recovery as her profession has been years in the making.
After completing her BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy degree at Portobello Institute, Elaine took the next big step to becoming a professionally qualified physiotherapist by enrolling in her MSc in Physiotherapy awarded by Health Sciences University.
“My time as a student at Portobello Institute was a positive experience. The learning environment was supportive, the lecturers were approachable and knowledgeable, and there was a real sense of community among students. I always felt encouraged and motivated throughout my studies.
“The best thing was the support from the lecturers and staff. They were always available to help, whether it was academic guidance or general advice. Their real-world experience made the course content engaging and practical, which really enhanced my learning,” she said.
A Strong Foundation at Portobello Institute
Elaine enjoyed her time studying her undergraduate degree at Portobello Institute. She enjoyed the small class sizes which allowed for detailed feedback and one to one support throughout her studies.
She felt that continuing her studies to MSc level where she had previously thrived was the perfect next step for her career.
“I knew I always wanted to do physiotherapy so when the opportunity came to apply for the Master’s in Portobello it was great. When study the undergrad we covered some similar modules to the physiotherapy course, this allowed me to get an insight to what it would be like. I really enjoyed the course as the classes were small and had really good learning experience with the lectures.
“I had applied to other colleges, but when the opportunity to return to Portobello Institute came up, it felt like the right choice.
“I was familiar with the way of the teaching and the support provided by the lecturers. The communication from the college was excellent throughout the application process, they provided clear, timely information and were always available to answer questions.
“That sense of familiarity, along with the supportive learning environment I had previously experienced, made Portobello stand out over other colleges.
“The quality of education, the personal support from staff, and the flexible learning options make it a great choice for anyone looking to further their studies in a practical and encouraging setting,” she said.
Following her passion for a career she wants
The insights she gained into sports therapy and elements of what was involved in physiotherapy from her undergraduate degree boosted her desire to follow that passion she had always had for becoming a qualified physiotherapist.
“During my undergraduate degree, I completed several modules that were closely related to physiotherapy, which really sparked my interest and confirmed it was the career I wanted to pursue.
“I’ve always had a strong desire to work in physiotherapy, and hands-on experience definitely helped confirm that.
“I worked in a physiotherapy clinic as a physio assistant for three years, where I got to see the real impact physios have on people’s lives. That experience gave me a deeper appreciation for the profession and motivated me to take the next step in my journey by studying this course,” she said.
Choosing the course that’s right for you
Portobello Institute’s five year path to physiotherapy is the right fit for many students who want an accessible, flexible and high quality education journey.
“This course was definitely the right fit for me. It aligned perfectly with my long-term goals of becoming a physiotherapist, built on my previous academic background, and allows people with busy schedules to do some course online or hybrid mix on in person and online.
“As part of my studies [so far], I have completed two 7-week blocks of placement in clinical settings. These placements gave me the chance to apply what I was learning in the classroom to real-life situations, working alongside experienced physiotherapists and other healthcare professionals.
“I had the opportunity to work with a wide range of patients, from those recovering from post-operative procedures to individuals with neurological and musculoskeletal conditions.
“One of the highlights was assisting in the rehabilitation of a stroke patient and seeing their progress over the weeks, it was incredibly rewarding to be part of their journey. I was also involved in exercise prescription, patient education, and functional assessments, all of which gave me great hands-on experience.
“This experience was invaluable in building my confidence and clinical skills. It helped me develop my communication, adaptability, and critical thinking—skills that are essential for a successful career in physiotherapy. Being immersed in real clinical environments gave me a clear picture of what the role involves day-to-day,” she said.
A Future in Physiotherapy
Elaine is clear on her path ahead, finishing her MSc and progressing into her career as a physiotherapist.
“My goal upon graduating is to progress into a career as a qualified physiotherapist. I hope to gain clinical experience in a variety of settings such as musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory so I can continue developing my skills and eventually specialise in an area that I’m most passionate about.
“This qualification has given me a solid foundation of both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. The blend of academic learning and hands-on placement has helped me build key clinical, communication, and problem-solving skills. It has also boosted my confidence and prepared me for the demands of a professional healthcare environment,” she said.
If you are ready to follow your passion and take the next step in your career, explore our MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-Registration) programme today.
If you are interested in studying Health Science at Portobello Institute, visit our faculty here.
