Preparing for a career in Health at Coombe Dean

Who? 

This pathway is a bespoke enrichment and support programme designed for students interested in careers in healthcare. If you are interested in a career in medicine, dentistry, psychiatry, nursing, midwifery, biomedical science or allied health professions such as paramedic, physiotherapy, optometry and others, then this programme could support you to prepare for your next steps and successfully achieve your goals. 

Why? 

The healthcare sector is the fourth largest source of employment in the Southwest and one of the largest sources of employment in the UK, and there is an ever-increasing demand for healthcare and social care professionals. People choose this sector if they are passionate about making a real difference and changing lives and because there is a lot of scope to be able to shape your own career, specialise in areas you want, be part of a wider multi-disciplinary team, and have a challenging but rewarding career. 

For many healthcare careers you must be a registered healthcare professional to practise. You’ll need high grades at Post 16 and then to complete an approved university degree and register with a professional body to work in these roles. University courses in healthcare are highly sought after and there is a lot of competition. Understandably, the industry wants the best people, because there are literally lives at stake, so you need to not only get the best grades in your subjects but also be able to show you are an interesting and committed candidate if you want to gain a place. For some courses you also must undertake an additional entrance exam.  

We know how hard it can be to get yourself onto this career path and so we have designed a bespoke programme of support for students with a healthcare aspiration to improve your chances of successfully following your dream. 

When? 

The programme runs throughout year 12 with a range of seminars, lectures and workshop opportunities designed to help you understand the options available to you and prepare you to apply for and successfully secure a place at the university of your choice. By signing up to this programme you agree to attend all the activities offered and to apply for additional work experience and enrichment programmes offered through Plymouth University. 

Please see the attached guide for the planned activities for students choosing this pathway in 2024-2026. This will be broadly similar for the following cohort, although some dates and opportunities may change. We will also expect to add further opportunities, depending on the interests and goals of the cohort.