MEDICAL EXAM STRESSES: we got you covered

Final year in physiotherapy isn’t just another academic milestone — it’s a full-blown reality check. The transition from being a student to a professional suddenly starts to feel very real. With practical exams around the corner, the pressure doesn’t just come from books or teachers — it’s internal. You want to prove that you’re ready, that you know your stuff, and that you can handle the responsibilities that come with this field.

But let’s be honest — it’s chaotic.

You’re expected to juggle multiple responsibilities: completing thick practical files, attending clinical postings, revising for theory, and most importantly, preparing to perform confidently in practical exams. And by performance, I mean everything — answering viva questions, demonstrating techniques, presenting cases, and holding your ground when the examiner tries to push your buttons. It’s exhausting but also kind of empowering. This is the final test before the real world.

Breaking Down the Pressure

What makes practical exams more stressful than theory exams is the unpredictability. You can’t just memorize answers and walk out. Examiners can ask you to demonstrate a technique on the spot, throw you into a case scenario, or test your ability to adapt. Your posture, communication, and confidence — everything counts.

And then there’s the mental overload: you’re dealing with subjects like medical conditions, surgical rehab, community-based therapy, pediatrics, geriatrics, and even computer skills. Each one has its own depth, techniques, and protocols to remember. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed.

How I’m Managing It All

What’s helping me stay sane is structure. I’ve stopped trying to do everything at once. Instead, I’ve broken down my prep by subject and given each one its own focus period. Some subjects I’m more comfortable with, so they get less time. Others, especially the ones I’ve been avoiding (you know the ones), get priority.

I try to stick to at least 2 hours of study every evening. On days when that’s hard, I revise quick notes, watch concept videos, or talk through cases with friends. Weekends are my power-study days — that’s when I dive into viva practice, mock case presentations, or review complex protocols.

File Work vs. Actual Prep

Another major challenge has been the practical files. Let’s not pretend — they take forever. And while they’re important for internal marks and final submission, they can eat into your actual preparation time. What I’ve learned is to get them out of the way early. The longer you delay file work, the more it haunts you later when you should be focusing on performance.

Once the files are done, I switch into prep mode: reviewing treatment plans, understanding clinical reasoning, and thinking like a therapist, not just a student. If you’re short on time, even discussing patient scenarios with batchmates or explaining a topic out loud helps lock it in your brain.

Handling the Stress

Final year stress is real. Sometimes, it feels like you’re carrying the weight of your entire career on your shoulders. But here’s what I’ve realized: no one goes into practicals perfectly prepared. We’re all figuring it out as we go. Some days are productive; others aren’t. And that’s okay.

What helps me is:

• Making a rough study plan and ticking off even small wins

• Taking short walks or breaks when my brain is fried

• Talking to people who get it — friends, classmates, or even juniors

• Reminding myself that being calm and composed matters just as much as giving the right answers

Final Thoughts

Practical exams are more than just a test — they’re a reflection of how far we’ve come. You don’t need to be flawless, just focused and prepared. Trust your training, keep learning, and don’t forget to breathe.

If you’re in your final year too — just know, you’re not alone. We’ve all got this. One file, one subject, and one exam at a time.