Orla is a Bury College student studying an HNC in Healthcare Practice, a Level 4 Higher Technical Qualification. She has her sights set on a career in nursing and paramedic science, and sees the course as a big step towards that goal.
Orla, Healthcare Practice at Bury College
Story Video
Background
Goal
Orla attends college two days a week and completes a placement through her workplace, where her hours count towards the course. Classes are small, and tutors support students closely, including guidance on how to write assignments properly.
The HNC includes 225 hours of mandatory work experience, built up over the year. Students also use Bury College's Health and Digital Centre, which opened in January 2023 and has industry-standard facilities including a simulated hospital ward and a replicated domestic home. The course develops research, reflection, problem-solving and critical thinking skills, assessed through assignments for each unit.
Journey
Orla is building industry skills quickly. Learning to carry out basic observations has given her confidence going into real care settings. She finds studying at Level 4 more personal than larger courses because of the smaller groups, with tutors always on hand.
Outcome
After the HNC, Orla plans to go to university to study adult nursing, then complete a master's in paramedic science to gain a dual qualification. She feels the course is preparing her well for real-life clinical situations. The Healthcare Practice HNC opens routes onto degree courses or higher-level apprenticeships.
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