On Monday 7 November, 12 Access to Higher Education students from Shrewsbury Colleges Group visited higher education course partner, Staffordshire University, to find out more about progression in the healthcare sector.
The students attended talks on a range of healthcare topics including adult and mental health nursing, midwifery, paramedic science and operating department practice. The college students had an opportunity to see the facilities at the university, meet with university staff as well as take part in skill sessions in the university labs.
As well as the practical aspects of course-related sessions, Shrewsbury Colleges Group students had the opportunity to find out more about the interview process for healthcare roles. They were also given practical advice on writing personal statements for job applications. The college students were then able to spend some time with university students who gave them an insight into the university experience.
Course leader, Julianne Ward said: ‘It was a brilliant day for all our students. They were able to get firsthand experience of where the Access for Healthcare Professionals course could take them. Many of the students didn’t know much about operating department practice and enjoyed spending time in the skills lab. The demonstration on intubation was particularly good especially as the students were able to have a go themselves afterwards. A number of the students said that it is now a possibility for what they want to study.’