Did you know that you don’t need A-Levels to go to University?
Take Physiotherapist Ashleigh Newton – Ashleigh achieved a First-Class Honours Degree in Physiotherapy at Cardiff University after studying the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health Science at NWRC.
Ashleigh says: “I went to NWRC after not getting the grades I needed in my A-Levels to do physiotherapy. Looking back I wish I had have went straight to the NWRC after my GCSEs. I knew I definitely wanted to be a physiotherapist so I looked into other ways I could get there. The health science course was another pathway to get me into university.
I would definitely recommend the course I loved it! I really enjoyed the mix of classes from anatomy and public health. The lecturers were extremely helpful and supportive. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them especially Anne-Marie Hunter.”
To apply for a course in Health Science at NWRC go to www.nwrc.ac.uk/apply
Name: Ashleigh Newton
Previous education: St. Anne’s Primary School and St. Cecilia’s College
Why NWRC and health science? I went to NWRC after not getting the grades I needed in my A-Levels to do physiotherapy. Looking back, I wish I had have went straight to NWRC after my GCSEs. I knew I definitely wanted to be a physiotherapist so I looked into other ways I could get there. The Health Science course was another pathway to get me into university.
Would you recommend it? I would definitely recommend the course - I loved it! I really enjoyed the mix of classes from anatomy to public health. The lecturers were extremely helpful and supportive. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them especially the Course Coordinator Anne-Marie Hunter.
What did I do after my Level 3? I went to Cardiff University and studied BSc Physiotherapy and obtained a First Class honours in my degree.
Would you recommend a career in physiotherapy? Yes definitely. I love my job. No day is the same. People think sports when they hear physiotherapy but there is so much more. For example, there is respiratory inpatient physiotherapy, women’s health physiotherapy, and paediatric physiotherapy.
Why was this the career for you? I always wanted a career that provides a challenge and variety whilst being really rewarding.
What are the best things about it? It’s a very fulfilling job. Watching and helping patients go from their worst and sickest to being able to walk again and go home to reunite with their family.
What are the most challenging things? Resources and equipment, time, and staffing.
Has it been a difficult year with the pandemic? Yes, it has been a difficult year as my colleagues and I were under a lot of pressure due to staff shortages with people being off due to self-isolation. With patients not being allowed any visitors during the pandemic, a lot of the time you had to be that person who provided comfort and reassurance to people in their time of need when they had no one else.
