Sarah Mercer studied a vocational Level 3 course in Health and Social Care at Ashton Sixth Form College, back in 2012. She is now a Nurse with the NHS Oldham Integrated Team.

While at Ashton Sixth Form College, Sarah completed her full-time vocational course. Students studying Education and Health courses are required to complete work placements as part of their courses, gaining an invaluable number of hours in the care settings they wish to progress on to. Placement cover a range of age groups and can include nurseries, schools, care facilities, care homes and more. 

After Sarah completed her studies she then progressed on to a degree in Nursing at Salford University. 

To celebrate 70 years of the NHS, Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust spoke to Sarah who explained:

"I have always wanted to help people, after doing health and social care at college I decided that nursing was the career I really wanted to follow."

Sarah added:

"Being able to help patients within the community in their own homes, and the recognition we receive from patients, makes the job so rewarding - knowing they are grateful for what we have done."

Ashton Sixth Form College are incredibly proud of their alumni who progress on to countless destinations through an incredible range of pathways. Sarah is a shining example of a student who had a real passion for her subject and has continued to care for those around her. 

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Find out more about studying Health and Social Care here

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Photo courtesy of Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust - original post.