Access to HE Diploma: Health Science Professions – Samantha

Access to Higher Education Diploma:
Health Science Professions

After more than 20 years working in healthcare, Samantha Fisher returned to education to gain the qualifications needed to progress her career. While working full-time in a renal dialysis unit, she successfully completed the Access to Higher Education Diploma, developing her academic skills, building confidence, and achieving distinctions across all of her assignments.

Balancing study with a demanding healthcare role required commitment and careful planning, but the course helped her secure a new position within the Integrated Discharge Team at Rotherham Hospital. She now plans to continue her progression towards a career in social work through an apprenticeship route.

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Why did you choose to study your course?

“I chose to study this course because I have worked in healthcare for over 20 years and wanted the opportunity to gain qualifications that would help me progress in my job. Although I already had the knowledge and experience, I still needed the qualification to move forward professionally.

I currently work in a renal dialysis ward and have worked in various areas of healthcare throughout my career. I completed the course alongside full-time employment, so most weeks I was either working or studying six days a week, with only Sunday to myself.”

Which skills have you developed during your course?

“The biggest skills I developed were around academic writing. It had been a long time since I last wrote assignments, so I had to learn how assignments need to be structured now, including referencing, citations, and academic research.

Because I already had a lot of professional knowledge and experience, one challenge was remembering that I still needed to find evidence and sources to support what I was writing. I couldn’t simply reference my own knowledge, even when I knew the information through years of experience.

The science units also helped me develop new knowledge. Some topics were outside my current role, so I had to spend time researching areas that I wouldn’t normally encounter at work and make sure I fully engaged with the learning.”

How has the College supported you so far?

“The support from College has been excellent throughout the course. My tutors provided detailed feedback on assignments and helped me understand whether I had covered all the learning outcomes required.

I am dyslexic, and support was available if I needed it. Although I found I managed well independently, it was reassuring to know that reasonable adjustments and additional support were there if required.

The feedback from tutors was particularly useful because it helped me improve my work, identify areas for development, and gain confidence as the course progressed.”

What part of the course have you enjoyed the most?

“I enjoyed the science units the most. They were more challenging for me, but I think that is exactly why I enjoyed them. They pushed me to learn new things and develop my understanding further.

One assignment that stood out was the Human Urinary System assignment. The case study focused on someone experiencing renal health issues, which linked directly to my work in dialysis. I was able to apply my professional knowledge and experience while also developing my academic understanding of the subject.”

Can you share any challenges you have overcome?

“One of the biggest challenges I overcame was my self-confidence. At the beginning of the course, I experienced a lot of imposter syndrome and doubted whether I would be able to complete the course successfully.

Balancing full-time work with studying was also challenging. I quickly realised I needed to manage my time carefully. One strategy that worked well was using annual leave from work during school holiday periods so I could focus on completing assignments and staying on track.

When I started the course, I expected to achieve passes on my assignments. As my confidence grew and my skills developed, I went on to achieve distinctions throughout the programme, which showed me that I was capable of much more than I initially believed.”

Do you have any advice for future students?

“Take your time and don’t feel like you’re out of your depth. As you progress through the course, your skills improve, and your confidence grows.

Stay organised, manage your time effectively, and trust the process. Even if things feel challenging at the beginning, keep going and see it through. The further you progress, the more you realise how much you are learning and developing.”

Where do you see yourself in five years?

“In five years, I see myself working as a social worker. I have recently secured a new role within the Integrated Discharge Team at Rotherham Hospital, and my goal is to progress into social work through an apprenticeship route offered by my employer.

I will not be taking the university route. Instead, once I have gained experience in my new role, I hope to complete the apprenticeship and continue building my career in social care.

This course helped me gain the qualification I needed to secure this opportunity and has played an important role in helping me take the next step in my career.”

Find out more about Access to HE courses and Health courses at North Notts College.

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North Notts College recognises that adult education is a powerful tool for personal growth, economic resilience, and social cohesion. Across the region and UK, adults are gaining the skills to progress in their careers, build confidence, and connect with others. The impact reaches far beyond the classroom as employers’ benefit from a more adaptable workforce, communities grow stronger, and society becomes more inclusive.

With the right support, course and training, adults through adult learning can address multiple challenges at once – from closing skills gaps and tackling social isolation to reducing inequality and strengthening communities.

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