A group of aspiring healthcare professionals have become the first to complete a brand new qualification developed by the University of Abertay Dundee, Angus College and NHS Tayside.
The HNC Healthcare was developed and delivered in partnership and has allowed students to gain vital experience working between the College and the University.
Ten students have successfully completed the qualification with one student taking up full-time employment and nine of the students going on to take up a place at Abertay University. In less than two weeks the students will be entering the second year of either the BSc (Hons) Nursing or the BSc (Hons) Mental Health Nursing programmes at Abertay University.
The students undertook theory work and attended lectures at Angus College whilst developing their practical skills at Abertay University’s clinical skills facility. Students also developed their practical care skills working alongside experienced healthcare professionals in extensive placements.
The students were able to gain experience in various healthcare disciplines whilst working in community nursing, community hospitals and mental health placements across Angus.
Robin Ion, Director of the Tayside Institute for Health Studies at Abertay University, said: "It's been a great experience developing this course with Angus College and NHS Tayside, and in particular working with such highly motivated students.
"We look forward to welcoming them at Abertay, and to seeing them continue to develop their nursing skills in our specialist training ward and on placement."
Angus College course leader Lesley McColl said: “This course has had a high success rate and has been well received by all the participants. Working with Abertay University has allowed us to provide a wide range of training opportunities and it has been excellent to see the individuals progress on to University and to continue their studies at a higher level.
“We now look forward to welcoming the second cohort of HNC Healthcare students who will be starting at Angus College this week.”