From Common Leys to Clinical Lead: Celebrating Emily's success

Recently, we had the pleasure of hearing from alumna Emily Launchbury, whose career in Veterinary Physiotherapy has exceeded what she ever thought possible.

Emily began her journey with us in 2019, after facing setbacks with university applications due to lower-than-expected A-Level results. She decided to pursue a different career path, finding a new and exciting opportunity as she enrolled on the foundation degree in Animal Therapy and Rehabilitation here at Abingdon & Witney College.

Throughout her studies, she built a strong foundation in both theory and practice, supported by passionate lecturers and a welcoming, close-knit community at Common Leys Farm Campus. Emily progressed on to study the BSc (Hons) degree course with us, later graduating in 2022.

Emily explained:

“The lecturers at Abingdon & Witney College played an essential role in shaping my career. Their dedication and enthusiasm for their subjects not only pushed me to achieve more than I thought possible but also inspired me to pursue a career I had never initially imagined.”

After leaving Abingdon & Witney College, Emily went on to study her Master’s in Veterinary Physiotherapy at the University of Nottingham. She told us one of the most impactful parts of her experience at Abingdon & Witney College was her time spent completing the integrated Level 3 Certificate in Small Animal Hydrotherapy, while undertaking her degree. This qualification would eventually lead Emily to one of her dream jobs by perfectly complimenting her knowledge of Veterinary Physiotherapy. The combination of the two allows her to use both areas of expertise to offer the best possible care to her clients.

Now, Emily is proudly serving as Clinical Lead at one of the UK’s leading hydrotherapy centres, Woozelbears Witney, where she has the opportunity to continuously learn, lead, and contribute to an industry she’s deeply passionate about. She explained how the Business Management modules built into her course gave her valuable insight into the world of entrepreneurship, fuelling her dream of starting her own business. Alongside her work at Woozelbears Witney, she has now launched ‘Emily Launchbury Veterinary Physiotherapy’, a mobile service providing rehabilitation and physiotherapy for canines, felines, and equines across Oxfordshire and the surrounding areas.

Looking ahead, Emily is already planning her next steps. She hopes to begin an Award in Education and Training in 2025, with the goal of inspiring the next generation of veterinary physiotherapists and hydrotherapists.

Reflecting on her college journey, Emily told us:

“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities, mentorship, and support that have shaped my career so far, most in particular from Emma and Lee. I hope my story serves as an inspiration to others embarking on their own paths, showing that with determination and the right guidance, the possibilities are endless.

We offer a wide range of undergraduate and part-time professional qualifications to help you take the next step in your career. If you would like to find out more about our Animal Therapy and Rehabilitation Degrees at our Common Leys Farm Campus, please click here. Or you can explore our full range of undergraduate and professional qualifications here.