Pictured left to right are Ellie Thomson, Dawid Wojcik and Amy Gibb.
If you’re considering a career in healthcare, Borders College is an excellent place to start.
With its strong reputation for high-quality education, practical training, and strong industry connections, the college provides an ideal foundation for students looking to enter the healthcare sector.
Borders College offers a range of healthcare courses designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills required for the workforce. Whether you’re interested in nursing, social care, or health support, the curriculum is tailored to meet the demands of the industry.
Dawid Wojcik, Ellie Thomson, and Amy Gibb are shining examples of success in the sector, balancing their studies in HNC Healthcare at Borders College with their vital roles as Health Care Support Workers (HCSW) at the Borders General Hospital.
Sponsored by NHS Borders, they are gaining invaluable hands-on experience while deepening their knowledge and preparing to make an even greater impact in the healthcare field.
Talking about his healthcare journey, Dawid said:
"Studying for my HNC has been a fantastic opportunity for professional growth as an HCSW. The course is providing me with valuable skills, deeper knowledge, and a pathway for career progression in healthcare. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to advance in the field."
Fellow student and colleague Ellie commented:
“I have been studying the HNC in the Healthcare course while working as a healthcare support worker at the BGH. This course has really given me the confidence to use practical skills we have been taught at the college when I am on placement and working as a HCSW. This course has helped me gain an understanding of what is to come with my future training and career.
“The support from the college that I have received has been great, and without this HNC course, I would not be where I am now; it has allowed me to work and study, helping me gain more skills and gain a good background knowledge of adult nursing. It has given me an insight into the inspiring career of nursing and its positive impact on patient care.“
The healthcare sector offers diverse roles, including Healthcare Support Worker, Nurse (Adult, Mental Health, Child Health, Learning Disability), Paramedic, Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist, Medical Laboratory Technician, Radiographer, Midwifery, Healthcare Management, Podiatrist, and Dietitian—all essential in patient care, rehabilitation, diagnostics, and facility operations.
The HNC Healthcare course is an innovative stepping stone towards a career in these roles. It blends academic theory with essential skills gained through clinical placements.
Successful students can progress to degree programs in Nursing or other Allied Health Professions, and some are eligible to enter Year 2 of the Nursing Degree at Edinburgh Napier University or Queen Margaret University.
Amy, who also studies HNC Healthcare at Borders College, said:
“Throughout my time studying the HNC Healthcare, I have enjoyed learning new skills and developing further knowledge in nursing. I have also enjoyed being on placement in my workplace, taking on another role, seeing things from a different perspective, and developing the skills I have learnt throughout the course, allowing me to still work simultaneously. The HNC has allowed me to build my confidence and feel more at ease to continue to become a nurse. Without the course and support from the college, I wouldn’t be where I am today.“
Borders College Care Lecturer Evelyn Chelley said:
“As the course tutor and link to clinical placements for the HNC Healthcare program, I really appreciate the diversity this role offers. I have the privilege of collaborating with academic staff at EN and QM universities, as well as Practice and Clinical Educators, and nurses throughout NHS Borders. It’s hugely rewarding to guide students as they embark on their healthcare careers and witness their growth and development along the way.
“This course provides an excellent opportunity for those wishing to study locally in a supportive, close-knit environment, offering many pathways for future progression. Healthcare is both challenging and dynamic, constantly evolving, and being a part of this field is both fulfilling and exciting.
“Borders College’s strong partnership with NHS Borders enhances the student experience, allowing us to work together to create valuable opportunities and deliver the highest-quality training for our students.”
Sarah Horan, Director of Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professionals at NHS Borders, said:
“NHS Borders is committed to supporting the next generation of healthcare professionals. Our partnership with Borders College provides students with a fantastic opportunity to gain practical experience while also receiving a high quality education.
“Working with students from the college ensures that our future NHS Borders workforce will be well-equipped to meet the everchanging healthcare needs of our local communities. We are proud to be playing a part in helping students to both progress their careers and make a positive impact on our patients.”
By studying healthcare at Borders College, you’ll gain the skills, experience, and confidence needed to make a real difference in people’s lives.
So why not consider a course in healthcare as your next move? With courses starting in August, there’s never been a better time to apply!