College Catch Up: Alisha Thomas

When Alisha Thomas signed up for a two-year diploma at Rockley Watersports College, she had no idea it would spark a passion that would eventually lead her into the heart of the NHS. Now a qualified physiotherapist, Alisha is using the hands-on skills and confidence she developed at Rockley to support patients on their road to recovery.

I caught up with Alisha to hear how her time at Rockley shaped her journey—from classroom modules and on-the-water training to hospital wards and clinical placements.

“I studied at Rockley from 2017 to 2019 and came away with a triple distinction in my Extended Diploma in Sport,” says Alisha. “I chose Rockley because of its reputation for outdoor education—and because it wasn’t just about sitting in a classroom. I loved the idea of combining academic learning with real-world experience.”

That hands-on approach played a huge role in Alisha’s development. The course covered subjects like Anatomy and Physiology in Sport, Assessing Risk, and Sports Injuries, giving her both the theory and the practical know-how to thrive.

“Being able to immediately apply what we were learning made all the difference,” she explains. “It gave me the confidence to step into new environments and put my skills into action.”

Although Alisha joined the course with a general interest in sport and physical activity, it was the deeper dive into anatomy and injury rehabilitation that lit a new spark.

“Those modules opened my eyes to how fascinating the human body is—how it works, how it breaks, and how it recovers,” she says. “That’s when I realised I wanted to go into a profession where I could help people regain movement and improve their quality of life. That was the moment physiotherapy became the goal.”

After graduating, Alisha set her sights on a physiotherapy degree. The UCAS points she earned at Rockley opened the door—but she still needed A-levels in Biology and Psychology to meet the full entry requirements. So she took on a year of distance learning alongside other commitments.

“It was a tough year, but it confirmed that I was on the right path,” she says. “When I got into Oxford Brookes, it felt like everything I’d worked for was coming together.”

The transition to university wasn’t without its challenges. Clinical placements, deadlines, and dissertation writing all came at once—but Alisha was ready for it.

“Rockley taught me time management and independent learning,” she says. “Those skills made the jump to university life so much easier. Plus, the confidence I’d built from leading practical sessions really helped when working with patients.”

Fast forward to today, and Alisha is a rotational physiotherapist working within the NHS. Her journey has taken her from elderly care at Bournemouth Hospital to elective orthopaedics, and now to the fast-paced world of acute respiratory care at Poole Hospital.

“Every rotation brings something new,” she explains. “In orthopaedics, I was helping patients get back on their feet after surgery—literally. Now I’m working with patients in ICU and respiratory wards, focusing on early mobilisation and complex rehab.”

Despite the pressure, she’s thriving. “It’s intense, but incredibly rewarding. No two patients are the same, which means I’m constantly learning. And knowing I’ve helped someone move better, breathe easier, or regain their independence—that’s the best feeling in the world.”

Looking back, Alisha is clear that her time at Rockley laid the foundations for everything she’s doing now.

“The teamwork, communication, leadership—it all started there,” she says. “Being out on the water or managing a group session teaches you how to think quickly, assess risk, and keep people safe. Those are the exact same skills I use now in a hospital.”

And it’s not just the practical stuff. “Rockley built my resilience. Whether it was tackling a tough assignment or pushing through a rainy day on the water, it all helped prepare me for the demands of healthcare.”

For current students thinking about a future outside of the watersports industry, Alisha has some advice:

“Don’t underestimate how valuable your time at Rockley is. The skills you develop are 100% transferable. If you’re curious about healthcare or any other path, explore it—do a bit of extra study, get some experience, ask questions. You never know where it might lead.”