Blandine Coadic worked for a long time as a masseur-physiotherapist. Since 2021, she has directed the Masso-physiotherapy Training Institute (IFMK) in Saint-Sébastien-sur-Loire (Loire-Atlantique). One of two in the Pays de la Loire region and one of 54 in France. On site, to the south-east of Nantes, the private non-profit establishment adjoins another, the IFPP, which trains people in pedicure and podiatry, as well as a clinic.
LE FIGARO STUDENT – How to be admitted to IFMK?
Blandine COADIC- There are three ways to get into physiotherapy school. The main route is university selection where we offer 92 places. These are health studies students who have chosen either a Pass (specific health access course) or an LAS (health access license), at Nantes University with which we have an agreement. We also have 5 places for people with a medical or paramedical diploma or a STAPS license [sport]a degree in health sciences and techniques [STS] or any master’s degree. We still have two places for high-level athletes, registered on ministerial lists and who have completed a university year. That’s almost 100 new physiotherapy students per year, in total.
Physiotherapy being in high demand, many students go elsewhere in Europe to study
Blandine Coadic, director of the IFMK of Saint-Sébastien-sur-Loire
How does the Pass or LAS selection work?
In Pass, students follow a health major and a minor of their choice: history, law, etc. In LAS, it’s the opposite, they have a major in history, law, or other and a minor in health access. At the end of the year, students take a ranking competition. In Pass, they must choose in the fall which competition they will prepare for (medicine, dental, pharmacy, physiotherapist, midwife editor’s note). In LAS, after the competition, the candidates go to the “garrison lecture hall” in order to choose their path as a physiotherapist for example. The first or second in the ranking has all the possible choices, the 100th much less. If the student does not get what he wants, he can switch to the second year of the LAS license, to retry the competition the following year. Each year, at the IFMK in Nantes, we have 25 places for students from Pass, 39 from LAS 1 and 28 places in LAS 2 or LAS 3. Physiotherapy being in high demand, many students go elsewhere in Europe to do their studies. Some students don’t even try to take the exam in France. This year and last year, almost half of the new graduates registering with the Order of Physiotherapists were trained in Europe…
Optionally choose a material that you like so as not to spend too much time on it
Blandine Coadic, director of the IFMK of Saint-Sébastien-sur-Loire
Which option should you choose to increase your chances of success in the competition?
In Pass or LAS, in addition to health, you have to choose an option that you like so as not to spend too much time revising and having fun moments. If you take economics or management without liking it, with the addition of health revisions, it will quickly become very complicated. What I see is that half of our IFMK candidates come from LAS Staps; probably because there are 120 places in LAS STAPS in Nantes when other LAS are more like 40. But it remains a competition, which also depends on the rank of the other candidates. You can average 18 one year and not finish first. The competition remains selective and requires a lot of work.
What do we learn in physiotherapy school?
In an IFMK students learn anatomy, physiology, pathology, physiotherapy practice, etc. But also more unexpected things: public health, sociology or communication for example. There are written and oral assessments. At the beginning, students alternate between lectures with around 100 students, practical work, and tutorials with 20-25 students. They practice among friends because they don’t have real patients. Everyone takes turns being the patient or the therapist. Internships generally take place in the region, in a hospital or private setting. It’s important to see everything: musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, geriatrics, pediatrics, cardio-respiratory, etc. When they leave here, graduates tend to be “generalist” physiotherapists, even if it means specializing later.
Are physiotherapy studies difficult?
Physiotherapist students must be hardworking, efficient and capable of gathering a lot of knowledge. Although entry to the IFMK is selective, once at school, almost everyone graduates. Out of 99 students last year, only two failed. In recent years, however, we have seen interruptions and even dropouts appear. At the end of the second or third internship, the students understand that they do not want to do physiotherapy. This happens for two or three students per year.
Here are two PAA-related questions for the provided text:
## World Today News: Decoding the Path to Physiotherapy
**Welcome to World Today News’ insightful interview series. Today, we delve into the world of physiotherapy, a profession experiencing high demand and offering a rewarding career path. Joining us are two esteemed guests:**
* **Blandine Coadic**, Director of the Masso-Physiotherapy Training Institute (IFMK) in Saint-Sébastien-sur-Loire.
* **[Guest 2 Name and Credentials]**, a practicing physiotherapist with expertise in [specific area of physiotherapy].
**Let’s begin by exploring the pathways to becoming a physiotherapist.**
**Section 1: Navigating the Path to Admission**
* **Blandine,**ʺ the article outlines three distinct routes to enter the IFMK. Can you elaborate on the unique challenges and opportunities presented by each pathway, particularly for students considering the Pass or LAS options?
* **[Guest 2],** how did your own journey into physiotherapy align with these pathways? Did you encounter any unexpected hurdles or advantages during your application process?
**Section 2: The Crucial Role of Competition**
* **Blandine,** the article highlights the competitive nature of Pass and LAS selection. Is there anything aspiring physiotherapists can do to strategize and maximise their chances of success? Are there any specific skills or qualities beyond academic performance that contribute to a successful application?
* **[Guest 2],** looking back, what advice would you give to your younger self navigating the competitive landscape of physiotherapy admissions?
**Section 3: Unveiling the Physiotherapy Curriculum**
* **Blandine,** the IFMK curriculum encompasses a broad range of subjects, from anatomy and physiology to public health and communication. How does this diverse curriculum prepare students for the multifaceted world of physiotherapy practise?
* **[Guest 2],** how has your own practical experience validated the importance of these seemingly disparate subjects in your day-to-day work as a physiotherapist?
**Section 4: The Realities of Physiotherapy Practice**
* **Blandine,** the article mentions that students encounter diverse patient demographics and conditions during their internships.
How does the IFMK ensure that graduates are equipped to handle this variety and complexity, and how do these internships themselves shape the students’ professional identities?
* **[Guest 2],** what are some of the unexpected realities or challenges you encountered during your transition from student to practicing physiotherapist?
What advice would you offer to IFMK graduates entering the workforce?
**Section 5: Reflections on the Future of Physiotherapy**
* **Blandine,** the article points to the increasing demand for physiotherapists, leading many students to pursue studies abroad. What are your predictions for the future of physiotherapy, particularly in terms of workforce needs and educational pathways?
* **[Guest 2],** what emerging trends or innovations in physiotherapy do you see shaping the future of the profession? What message would you leave for aspiring physiotherapists
entering this dynamic field?
**Thank you to both our esteemed guests for sharing their insights and expertise. We hope this discussion has shed light on the rewarding but challenging journey to becoming a physiotherapist.**
