Student Thoughts: HNC Healthcare Practice
Our HNC courses allow anyone to gain a valuable qualification that you can use to progress onto future study in an accessible way. We had a chat with current HNC Healthcare Practice student Misti to talk about her experiences as she works towards becoming a nurse.
Why did you choose UHI Moray?
I chose UHI as I had recently moved up to the area and was looking to further my studies. UHI Moray was recommend to me by a friend who had been studying at UHI Moray. Through this recommendation and my want to further my studies I went online and picked a course that was suited for me.
I have progressed up from the level 6 health and social care to now studying my current course of HNC Healthcare Practice. Within my HNC course I was given the opportunity to a degree link, where you could progress onto second year nursing.
You have transitioned from one level to another how did you find the process?
The progress of this was excellent, on declaring my interest my lectures did the rest. An interview was set up for me, which was informal and relaxed. After completion of my interview, I was given a conditional into second year nursing before my HNC had even really begun. Allowing me peace of mind and taking the stress of me to complete a UCAS application, allowing me to fully focus my time on the course.
This whole process has been almost too easy, with the progression from year to another being fully supported by the lectures. They are all great and explain exactly how the transition goes. It’s really like school if you complete the year and pass you come back in the September to do another year.
How would you describe your experience on the course?
The mode of teaching has been excellent throughout my time here at UHI. There has been a great mix of both in person and online learning allowing me to gain experience in both type of learning modes.
My current course has allowed to develop my knowledge and skills by allowing me to put theoretical learning into an 8-week placement. I loved my placement and it gave me a variety of skills and knowledge that I can use within my studies and in my personal life. This has allowed me to develop upon my knowledge by taking it into clinical practice where I can develop upon core skills I will need for my future career in nursing.
Was nursing always something you wanted to do?
Upon starting my studies at UHI I had a rough idea of what I wanted to do but wasn’t set on my goals. Through my studies I have had many experiences one of them being to talk to the RAF medic. This talk allowed me to realise I wanted to become a Nurse.
Additionally, my 8-week placement on my current course has given me the skills, knowledge and a real-life experience of nursing. This has allowed to realise my love for the career.
Lastly, what advice would you give to anyone considering studying at UHI Moray?
My advice to anyone who is the fence about choosing to study would be to take a deep breath and do it! It’s not always easy so listen to the advice the lectures give you and make the experience your own, it will be the best thing you will do.
To me UHI Moray is a place where learning means more than education. Where I can gain confidence within my skill set. Where I am given new opportunities to continually grow and where I am free to be me.
By choosing a career in the health and social care field, you can work with people from all walks of life and help to make a difference in their lives.
Want to share your story? Get in touch: marketing.moray@uhi.ac.uk