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

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

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...

Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Health and Social care Practice

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

The purpose of these qualifications is to develop students as independent-thinking professionals who can meet the demands of employers and adapt to a constantly changing world. The qualifications aim to widen access to higher education and improve the career prospects of those who take them. The Pearson BTEC Level 4 HNC Diploma in Health and Social Care Practice is a qualification with ...

OCN NI Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care Practice - Apprenticeship NI - (All Age)

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

This qualification is designed for learners employed within the Health and Social Care sector who wish to develop the knowledge, skills and occupational competence required to practice effectively within a range of care settings. The programme is endorsed by the Northern Ireland Social Care Council (NISCC) and aligned to the Northern Ireland He...

Ulster University Foundation Degree in Applied Science (Bioscience)

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

This programme aims to provide a vocationally relevant science education for those wishing to follow careers in a wide range of science disciplines; 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 a range of science disciplines. Through ...

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

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

The Foundation Degree in Science (FdSc) in Health and Social Care is an innovative and contemporary programme validated by Ulster University (UU) which aims to equip you 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 program...

Ulster University BSc (Hons) Social Work

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

*All applications to this programme must be made through UCAS. * UCAS CODE L506. The BSc (Hons) 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 Degree. ...

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

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

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 ad...

Pearson BTEC Level 2 First Diploma in Health and Social Care

Full-Time Apprenticeships Health & Social Care Omagh Level 2

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...