Think beyond ‘doctor’ and discover the 15 Allied Health Professions (AHPs) which play such a crucial role in providing patient care. Book on Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust’s after-school talk to hear this unique team of experts talk about their real-life experiences, explore different career pathways and find out which role is right for you.

Focuses on: Physiotherapist, diagnostic radiographer, operating department practitioner (ODP), dietitian, music therapist, occupational therapist, orthoptist, orthotist, paramedic, podiatrist, speech & language therapist

We welcome partners from Buckinghamshire New University and South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust. 

A BrigHT futures@BHT talk aimed at secondary school students.

AGENDA

4.45pm: Arrival and music therapy warm up session

5pm: Event starts

Welcome and an introduction to the Allied Health Professions – Mav Ghalley, Director of Allied Health Professions and Fiona Barry, Head of Service for Children and Young People’s Therapies

• Welcome to the Trust: who we are, services we provide
• An overview of AHP roles at BHT: physiotherapist, operating department practitioner (ODP), dietitian, music therapist, occupational therapist, orthoptist, orthotist, paramedic, podiatrist, diagnostic radiographer, speech & language therapist

AHP elevator pitches: meet our AHP teams and hear their career journeys

• Why you should be ... a Music Therapist
• Why you should be ... a Radiographer
• Why you should be ... a Speech & Language Therapist
• Why you should be … an Operating Department Practitioner (ODP)
• Why you should be ... an Orthotist (or Prosthetist) 

Clinical simulation in action – a live demonstration by the BHT Clinical Simulation team

AHP elevator pitches continued

• Why you should be … a Dietitian
• Why you should be … a Physiotherapist
• Why you should be … an Orthoptist
•  Why you should be ... an Occupational Therapist
• Why you should be ... a Podiatrist
• Why you should be ... a Paramedic
  

How do you become an AHP?

Join us straight from school or college – Deryn Creasy, Allied Health Professional Learning Environment Lead - AHP clinical placements and apprenticeships

• Starting out as an AHP support worker (after sixth form)
• Apprenticeship opportunities explained

Going to university – BHT Schools Engagement team and Buckinghamshire New University

• How to find out about entry requirements
• How to find university courses
• Application tips
• NHS Learning Support Fund

Work experience and volunteering – Sarah Clifford, BHT Schools Engagement team

• Two-day work experience opportunities
• February 2025 three-day multi-role AHP experience
• BHT Young Volunteers programme

'Ask an AHP' speed networking session – a chance to meet and put your questions to individual AHPs.

• Includes partners from Buckinghamshire New University and South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust

7pm: Close

FURTHER DETAILS ABOUT THE EVENT

• PARTICPANT AGE: This event is aimed at students in Year 7 and above at secondary school or college. Tickets are free and limited to one parent/carer to each young person. Over 16s are welcome to attend on their own with parent/carer consent. On the evening, seats will be prioritised for students, and parents/guardians may be requested to stand at the back.
• VENUE: The event will take place in the Sir Henry Floyd Building lecture theatre which is round the back of Stoke Mandeville Hospital. See Google Maps for an exact location: https://goo.gl/maps/5K5i9RyKhtSUq3c48 or ask for directions at the welcome desk in main reception.
• ARRIVAL TIME: Registration is from 4.45pm and we recommend arriving early to find a parking spot, or you can get dropped off right outside the Sir Henry Floyd Building.
• PARKING: There is visitor parking around the back of Stoke Mandeville Hospital, with usual charges applying. (Please do not park in staff car parking.) See our website for details: https://www.buckshealthcare.nhs.uk/visiting-your-hospitals/visiting/stoke-mandeville-hospital/