For Cristina, SAMK proved to be the perfect fit because of its hands-on approach to learning. While her studies included plenty of theory, they were balanced by countless hours of practical training. In terms of physiotherapy, she shared, the training includes tissue mobilisation, therapeutic exercises, assistive device and even dancing.
One of her favourite memories is learning to operate assistive devices and working with disabled clients on a heavily snowy day, an experience she describes as uniquely Finnish.
At SAMK, delivering tasks in groups is also a tried-and-true method of learning. Cristina found group works to be challenging at first. However, later in her professional life, the teamwork skill she gained during her studies became helpful since she worked regularly with a crew.
Education is a lifelong journey
Graduating from SAMK was just the beginning of Cristina’s learning journey.
Before her current position at Coronaria, Cristina worked as a physiotherapist at an elderly home, which she secured after her practical training period. Despite the high salary, Cristina found the role mundane and stagnant. As a driven professional, she always looked for opportunities to progress in her career.
She eventually found the excitement of growing at Coronaria, where everyday is an adventure. Her work mainly concerns neurological clients, which involves spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, or stroke. In addition, she expands her expertise to muscle and skeletal treatments, and massage.
Coronaria is not only an environment that allows Cristina to thrive career-wise, but they also encourage improvement by offering a stipend for professional development. With an inquisitive mind, Cristina has taken several courses to further sharpen her skills as a physiotherapist.
Advice for students
Cristina advised SAMK students to actively learn the Finnish language if they plan to work in Finland over the long haul. For her as a physiotherapist at Coronaria, she cannot work without the language skill.
Speaking from experience, Cristina suggests that physiotherapy students keep learning new skills instead of just focusing on one treatment. Having a variety of skills ready makes the students much more hireable because it gives them a huge advantage in the long run.
– I know that a lot of students like to do sport physiotherapy, but don’t focus on one thing, because when you just graduate, you cannot be picky. Let’s be honest, how many physiotherapists get the opportunity to be in sport physiotherapy?
She mentioned that there is always a demand for skeletal physiotherapists, but at the moment, neurological and geriatric physiotherapy are more needed.
