Meet Sophie, a proud University Centre Middlesbrough (UCM) alumnus who is now on her way to becoming a paramedic!
After completing her Level 3 in Health & Social Care at Middlesbrough College, Sophie was unsure about her next steps. However, choosing to study at UCM turned out to be an easy decision.
Now, with a Certificate in Higher Education in Health, Wellbeing and Social Care under her belt, Sophie is in the midst of studying for a Paramedic Practice degree – and one step closer to her dream career.
Sophie said: “I loved my time at University Centre Middlesbrough – it gave me the confidence I needed for my degree and my future.
“The staff were incredibly supportive. I already knew them from my time studying at the College, which made the transition to UCM easy. Plus, applying was easy!”
“My tutors were always quick to respond, no matter if it was a late night or over the weekend. They were so, so supportive. They helped me from the very beginning with Student Finance and reassured me all the way through when completing my assignments. I wouldn’t have been able to get through them if it wasn’t for the support they gave me.”
We asked Sophie how the course has helped her prepare for her degree and her future, to which she said:
“The course exposed me to both the practical and academic side of things, from completing assignments to researching projects and how to reference.
“As well as the academic skills, I also learned so many skills that are important for the industry I’m going into, including processes that social workers have to follow, how to conduct an assessment of needs, and how to write up a care plan for a patient.
“I even had an opportunity to complete a work placement with James Cook Hospital. I volunteered on the wards, which was brilliant.”
When it comes to advice for those considering studying a Certificate in Higher Education in Health, Wellbeing and Social Care at UCM, Sophie shares:
“The course is extremely beneficial. It will open you up to a lot of opportunities – opportunities that you won’t even be aware of yet.
“When I started my course, I could immediately feel how professional University Centre Middlesbrough is. It is a very welcoming place, and I felt very comfortable studying there. The classes are small, and I got along with my classmates really well, too!”
We’re so excited to see Sophie pursuing her dream career – to which she thanks her tutors.
“I wasn’t sure about what to do next, until one of my tutors asked me if I’d ever thought about becoming a paramedic. After discussing it further, I knew this was the right path for me.
“Now, I work 12-hour shifts in the ambulance as part of my degree, and I absolutely love it – I never want them to end!
“It really is my dream career. I get to work alongside all kinds of professions, including the police and social workers. I might even deliver a baby one day!”
We can’t wait to see Sophie achieve her dream of becoming a paramedic!
Are you interested in pursuing a career as a paramedic, nurse, midwife, or other healthcare profession? We offer hands-on courses for all levels, from full-time healthcare courses for school leavers to flexible degree-level qualifications for adults.
Find out more today and turn your dream into a career with Middlesbrough College Group!
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