Explain how you went from a Volunteer to Healthcare Science Practitioner Degree Apprentice, at The Walton Centre?

My volunteering role came following my physiology degree at The University of Liverpool in order for me to gain practical insight into the specialism of neurophysiology and the department. This allowed me to understand both the patient’s diagnostic journey and the physiologists approach in making the diagnosis. After months of volunteering, I had significant experience and knowledge about what the role of a neurophysiologist entails and therefore I applied for the post in Healthcare Science Practitioner Degree Apprenticeship.

What motivated you to apply for the Healthcare Science Practitioner Degree Apprenticeship?

At the point of application, I was determined to use my theoretical knowledge and my understanding of neurophysiology as a volunteer to become a fully qualified neurophysiologist. As I did not have the fundamental skills as a neurophysiologist, the course would go on to provide those and beyond both personally and professionally. This work-based course would also provide the skills at a much quicker rate than traditional degrees and would ultimately take me to a professional role – it ticked all the boxes. The degree being fully funded and including a salary was also a benefit. Finally, the proposition to train at The Walton Centre was an opportunity that I would cherish forever. With it being a specialist tertiary centre, I would be in the ideal environment to train to become a highly competent neurophysiologist.

Reflecting on your Healthcare Science Practitioner Degree Apprenticeship journey, what have you found most rewarding?

Satisfaction at the end of the day/week has been a constant theme throughout the three years, meeting patients, listening to stories, creating a rapport, interacting with staff and completing my tasks has made it worthwhile.

Specifically, staff and patient feedback has always been positive and I have strived to do more and more, going above and beyond whilst being within my professional limits. The support of the manager is the primary reason where the rest of my achievement stems from. Finally, the personal and professional development that I have noticed in myself is significantly noticeable and I believe this would not have been possible if it were a course other than a Degree Apprenticeship. 

Looking back over the three years shows my journey to where I am, this is currently what I take pride in and this is primarily down to the employer and the University.

What personal challenges have you overcome during your Degree Apprenticeship journey, especially working in the NHS?

There was a big shift in focus to working and studying at the same time – this was more emphasised in the final year amongst the pandemic where sacrifices had to be made. Specifically, out of work hours would be used to stay on top of the academic work whilst juggling clinical work, competencies and portfolios. This ultimately brought about resilience that if I were to face a situation of a similar kind, I would be well equipped to deal with it.

How are you hoping your Degree Apprenticeship will support your career progression?

First and foremost, my aim is to secure a full-time position as a neurophysiologist at The Walton Centre. As the Degree Apprenticeship has taught me the fundamentals of neurophysiology, I can now build on this going forward. This field is one where there is continual professional development and the variety of patients and complexities add to the experience gained. We are also a field where we are heavily reliant on technology which is always evolving and to be a part of this is very exciting. Ultimately, the aim is to provide the best possible care to the patients and that they have the best experience of the NHS.

What support have you received from your employer and Manchester Met?

From my employer – my manager has been fully supportive in our development and this support would branch out of staff and work-based assessors. The guidance on a regular basis, especially the feeling of being part of a team, has boded well. This has allowed me as a trainee to flourish and fulfil my potential. As this is a large department, the varying and diverse experience of staff members has also benefitted my progress as I have gained many transferrable skills.

From Manchester Met – the academic support has been exceptional, especially during the pandemic, where the lecturers would go above and beyond to help where necessary. The modules taught were well organised to fit amongst working patterns also made it efficient in our progression.

How did you find going back into education as a mature student on a Degree Apprenticeship?

Degree Apprenticeships are stereotyped as a “low-level” career move although its value is insurmountable. The fact that it provides a degree, a potential full-time post, being fully funded and salaried underpins its importance. After completing my first degree, my aim was to enter into a full-time role. As I did not have any practical experience in neurophysiology, it was ideal for me to do the apprenticeship where I would gain another degree, a qualification and a potential post at the end of the degree.  Finally, with this opportunity coming from The Walton Centre, it was an opportunity that I could not turn down.

Do you have any advice for future Degree Apprentices interested in the Healthcare Science Practitioner Degree Apprenticeship?

To get into the apprenticeship, having experience of working in the NHS accompanied by academic qualifications (preferable at degree level although A levels are also accepted) puts an individual in a good position. This is primarily because both the NHS and academic experience is put to practice in the Degree Apprenticeship programme which an individual may already be accustomed to. Once starting the apprenticeship, it is essential to balance the two components appropriately for maximum outcome.

Firstly, doing the apprenticeship requires commitment and having a good idea of what is expected from an individual in terms of the department and the university. This is then followed by good time management skills, prioritising both academic and clinical tasks and hard work. Amongst this, enjoy the journey as much as possible, reflecting on every experience gained and how to better them further.

From my personal experience, throughout the three years, I have created amazing professional relationships with not only staff in the neurophysiology department but staff from other departments and within the field. Working together goes a long way in successfully providing a positive patient, care, family and staff experience and this is made possible by practising the values of the NHS. Concomitantly, you will notice significant development personally and professionally.

My Manager says…

“I feel quite emotional, reflecting on Melfield and Emma’s journey and what they have achieved three years on. It’s amazing to be able to take two individuals from very different routes and see them achieve outstanding results on the Degree Apprenticeship programme!”

Caroline Finnegan, Neurophysiology Service Manager