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New programmes to help students enter Health and Science education

By UCOL on Friday, 22 December 2017

Some trainee UCOL nurses caring for a dummy patient

Students looking to kick-start their education in Health and Science fields, including Nursing, have a number of new pre-degree programmes to choose from at UCOL for 2018.

Students interested in a career in Heath or Science, but who may not meet the entry requirements for a diploma or degree, can enrol in the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation Level 3 or 4. Students can chose Exercise or Health “Pathways” at Level 3 or Medical Imaging at Level 4. These Pathway programmes are designed to give students foundation skills and knowledge in their chosen field before potentially moving onto a diploma or degree.

Vicki-Lee Tyacke, UCOL’s Head of the School of Nursing (Palmerston North), says the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation programmes will allow students to better prepare for higher level study.
 
“These programmes better prepare students for educational success as they lay out a clear pathway through to diploma or degree level study. They are a great option for people who have been out of the education system for a long time and want to work in a field like Nursing.”

“For example, people who complete the Level 3 Health Pathway could potentially move onto the Level 4 Nursing Pathway, and on successful completion be considered for enrolment into the Bachelor of Nursing.”

Students will also be taught general career, study, and communication skills. 

The Level 3 programmes take the place of UCOL’s popular Certificate in Science and Health, which acted as a foundation programme for students who wanted to move on to a Science or Health-based degree or diploma.
 
Students interested in the Level 3 Pathway programmes will need to have NCEA level 1 or equivalent, and NCEA Level 2 or equivalent for the Level 4 Pathways. 

Ms Tyacke says because the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation programmes are standardised qualifications offered New Zealand-wide, employers will have a greater understanding of what graduates studied.

The Health, Exercise, and Nursing Pathways will be taught at UCOL’s Palmerston North, Whanganui, and Wairarapa Campuses, while Medical Imaging will be taught in Palmerston North.
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