Katie How

Just months after completing her studies at the University of Worcester, Katie How now divides her time between working as a physio at a top rugby club, lecturing part time and studying for a Masters degree.

Both jobs arose out of placements she undertook as part of her Physiotherapy degree, which she credits with helping her on her path to her dream of one day becoming a sports team doctor.

“I don’t think I’d be in the same position now if I didn’t go to Worcester,” she says. “The confidence that I got from doing all the placements was just incredible. And all the lecturing, the amount of hands-on time you get practising everything has really helped as well.”

Katie works part time in the Academy at Northampton Saints Rugby Club, alongside lecturing at the University of Worcester. She is also the first team physiotherapist for her local rugby club.

She joined the University straight after completing her A-levels. Originally looking at Medicine, Katie changed her mind to Physiotherapy with the aim of working in the sports industry.

“When I was a sixth form and said that I wanted to go in to sports physio, I was told it was impossible and that knocked my confidence massively,” she said. “But when I got to uni and spoke to my tutor, he never shut down the idea.” She added: “Worcester is just so individualised to you. The support was absolutely incredible.”

During her second year of study, Katie secured a 10-week placement at Northampton Saints, who were so impressed with her, they asked her to return once she’d completed her studies. But it was in her final year of study, when a torn tendon in her ankle led to a surprise alternative option for her future.

“I had to have surgery, which meant I couldn’t do my final planned placement,” she recalls. “I thought ‘I’m not going to be able to graduate because I won’t get all my placement hours’. But the University were so accommodating and sorted me a placement at the University lecturing.”

The placement was so successful that Katie was asked to return after graduating to become an Associate Lecturer.

“The lecturing is different, but I do enjoy it and it’s nice to see everything on the flip side,” she said.

Once Katie completes her Masters degree in sport and exercise medicine she hopes to work full time within a top flight rugby club.