Chloe Crawford, who works as a Practice Sister at Valley Medical Practice, recently shared her advice for those who are interested in pursuing a career in Nursing during the ‘Who Cares? We Care event held at South West College’ Erne Campus in Enniskillen. Chloe was part of the first group of students who undertook the Foundation Degree in Science in Health and Social Care and spoke about how she overcame her difficulties with Dyslexia and secured three nursing offers after completing her Foundation Degree.

Leaving school, Chloe was determined to pursue a career in nursing. However, she was disappointed not to get a university place due to the competitive nature of the recruitment process. Unsure of what to do next, she reached out to South West College and was advised that the Foundation Degree would be a good option for her.

As she progressed through the programme, Chloe found it to be a perfect stepping stone for further studies at university. Reflecting upon her dyslexia, Chloe explained that she found academic writing to be difficult and was grateful for the support she received at the college.

Passionate about her role in the community and the various opportunities it provides her with, since leaving university, Chloe has been able to benefit from further training in roles such as Diabetes Management and Cervical Screening.

Asked for her advice to students who don’t get offered a place at university, Chloe offered the following thoughts:

"There is a path that is made for you. I did the Foundation Degree when my A-Levels didn't secure my spot. I was sceptical, but it turned out to be the best thing.

Then when I did graduate, I didn't get a job immediately, again, that was disheartening, but I was asked to cover a maternity role at a local GP surgery. Three years later I am the Practice Sister and have been able to undertake so many courses and expand my knowledge."

John Moore, Head of Health, Life and Personal Sciences at South West College said;

“Chloe’s experience is that shared by many of our students. The Foundation Degree provides a a very suitable pathway for so many people who want to get into a medical profession but may not have achieve the grades required for a place in University or may not have the means or desire to take a place at University.

Our students often reflect that the knowledge and experience gained through the Foundation Degree has left them much better equipped to face the challenges of working in a highly pressured sector and we are proud of our role in helping to shape Chloe’s career.”

In summing up her thoughts about her career, Chloe reflected; “you don’t get into Health and Social care for the money or the hours. You get into it because you care about helping people – the value is in seeing the difference you made.”

For further information on Health and Social Care courses at South West College check out the courses below:

NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Teaching and Learning

Enniskillen Omagh Further Education Education and Training Health & Social Care Level 3 Part-Time

Do you want to become a qualified Classroom Assistant? Do you want to be qualified to work in either primary or secondary school? Then this course is for you! This qualification provides learners with an understanding of the knowledge needed when working directly with children and young people in a school or college environment. It will enable learners to gain an understanding of elemen...

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Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Healthcare Practice (Integrated Health and Social Care) 1 Year programme – Fast Track

Dungannon Enniskillen Omagh Higher Education Health & Social Care Level 4 Full-Time

The purpose of Pearson BTEC Higher National in Healthcare Practice (Integrated Health and Social Care) is to develop students as professional, self-reflecting individuals, able to meet the demands of employers in the healthcare sector and adapt to a constantly changing world. The Edexcel BTEC Level 4 HNC Diploma in Health and Social Care is a qualification with a minimum of 120 credits. This 7 Uni...

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City and Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care (NI) - Apprenticeship NI

Dungannon Omagh Apprenticeships Health & Social Care Level 3 Part-Time

Learners will learn how to supervise the care to clients by other staff members. The learner will also ensure, is that each client is approached in a person centred way and learners will gain the knowledge and skills to operate in this way. It is imperative that carers work in a professional manner at all times, hence the need for confidentiality and the adherence to the NISCC code of conduct. Lev...

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Foundation Degree in Applied and Medical Science validated by Ulster University

Enniskillen Higher Education Health & Social Care Applied Science, Science Level 5 Full-Time

This two year course aims to provide a vocationally relevant science education for those wishing to follow careers in the applied and medical sciences; producing competent individuals to meet local, regional and national needs by providing a good mix of scientific theory along with the practical skills necessary for further study or employment within the applied and medical sciences. Th...

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Foundation Degree in Science in Health & Social Care validated by Ulster University

Dungannon Enniskillen Omagh Higher Education Health & Social Care Level 5 Full-Time

The Foundation Degree in Science (FdSc) in Health and Social Care is an innovative and contemporary course from Ulster University which aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills, experience, attitudes and values needed for employment in the Health and Social Care sector, within which there is a growing demand for resilient, competent and patient-centred employees. The programme also aim...

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Ulster University BSc (Hons) Social Work

Dungannon Higher Education Health & Social Care Level 6 Full-Time

*All applications to this course must be made through UCAS. * UCAS CODE L506, Campus code X. The BSc Honours Degree in Social Work is a professional qualification that meets the requirements of the Northern Ireland Social Care Council (SCC). Training to become a social worker involves a mixture of academic study and professional practice learning opportunities for a total of 185 days during the...

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Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care (RQF)

Dungannon Enniskillen Omagh Further Education Health & Social Care Level 3 Full-Time

The aim of the course is to provide a vocationally related qualification that draws on the main themes of work in the Health and Social Care sector. Learners on this programme have an opportunity to gain a broad understanding of the sector and a specialist understanding of specific aspects of the sector. The National Extended Diploma provides the opportunity to complete work placements which add t...

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Pearson BTEC Level 2 First Diploma in Health and Social Care

Omagh Apprenticeships Health & Social Care Level 2 Full-Time

This course is designed to provide students with an insight into Health and Social Care. The knowledge, understanding and skills learned in studying this programme will aid progression to further study and prepare learners to enter the field of Health and Social Care in due course. Learners are required to undertake a 60 hour placement over the course of the academic year which is an integral p...

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FAA Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work

Dungannon Further Education Health & Social Care Level 3 Part-Time

The First Aid Award in Emergency First Aid at Work is comprised of one unit of study.

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