I am Lorna, Specialist Podiatrist working with the North HSCP within Ayrshire & Arran. I joined the NHS in April 2017 as a temporary Band 5 Podiatrist for a 12 month period with this being extended a number of times before gaining a permanent position within the organisation. This was after graduating from Glasgow Caledonian University with a Podiatry BSc (Hons) Degree in July 2016.
I had been keen to become a podiatrist due personal reasons which seen me receiving podiatry care myself and was amazed and impressed with the care and outcomes that I received. This made me keen to be able to be in the same position of support and decided this was the area I would love to work in.
I was a mature student as I worked for 29 years before leaving a permanent job to undertake study on a full-time basis. I had completed many college HNC and Diploma courses and had unfortunately had to withdraw from a course that would have seen me qualify as a podiatrist but would have only allowed me to work within private sector as it did not cover state registration. As I was very aware of my age and school qualifications no longer being a relevant entry route to university I completed more practical Diploma courses (Massage Therapy, Reflexology and a few others) which covered subjects such as anatomy, physiology and psychology as these would all be relevant areas when considering the requirements of the university degree as well as being hands on courses. I also undertook an HNC which covered administration, management and the digital aspect of requirements that would also be necessary. I worked these fields on a part-time basis alongside full-time work to ensure I was gaining as much experience as possible before considering application to university. In my full-time work role I worked with teenagers as well as adults and gained me valuable experience working with the public. My job with the careers service allowed me to have first-hand information on criteria on courses and the routes into to university. All of these areas including my age, which had allowed me to gain valuable life skills, allowed me the ability to apply for the degree course. Many years later I took the bull by the horns and left a full-time job to finally undertake and complete a 4 year Degree (with Honours) course in Podiatry.
The Degree course was intense as although I had undertaken an HNC and a number of Diploma courses these were on a part-time basis with a bit more support available than at university. The study element at university is very much self-directed and personally feel that passing modules was down to sheer hard work rather than being an academic brain. What I got out of the course was what I put into it. Lecturers are available to guide you when necessary but are very much a signpost rather than a support. Library staff are the best support available when you undertake a university qualification. The clinical (hands-on) element of the course has more support available from the clinicians and was an amazing experience and gaining of knowledge. My brain works better and understands more when I can see an issue rather than read it and everyone’s own style of learning is valued and covered within the course.
I feel lucky that after working for 29 years that I was able to undertake full-time study and is genuinely one of the best things I have ever done. I absolutely love my job for a whole load of reasons including job satisfaction, working within a great team with fabulous support from management and ultimately being able to improve the quality of life for people who need our support.