A group of newly qualified allied health professionals have launched their new careers after successfully completing a degree apprenticeship programme at University Hospitals Tees.
The newly qualified cohort includes four diagnostic radiographers, three physiotherapists and one occupational therapist. All were existing trust employees who combined workplace learning with university study to gain their professional qualifications.
Earn while you learn
Over three years, the apprentices, all based at the University Hospital of North Tees, balanced full-time roles with academic study at Teesside University. Attending university one day a week while gaining hands-on experience in clinical settings, their professional journey required dedication and a commitment to learning while continuing to deliver patient care.
Too good to pass up
For diagnostic radiographer Catrina Madden, being able to earn while learning was invaluable. She said: “I’d been a support worker since 2019 and the opportunity to do the course was too good to pass up.
“Having a family means there was no way I could stop working to study, so being able to do a day at university once a week while working made it possible.
“It was hard work having to juggle work, home and study but it was definitely worth it.”
Very supportive
Fellow diagnostic radiographer Joann Coles has worked at the University Hospital of North Tees for 25 years in a variety of roles.
Joann said: “It’s quite daunting to be making the decisions, but all of our colleagues are very supportive.
“At the moment, having only been qualified for a few weeks, I just want to be confident and competent in the role and see what happens in the future.
“I feel I’m off to a good start and am enjoying the job.”
Proud
Advanced radiographer practitioner Marie Bennett praised the achievements of the group and the support provided by colleagues across the department.
She said: “It’s been wonderful to see them develop into fully qualified radiographers.
“The whole team has played a part in supporting their training and we couldn’t be prouder of what they have achieved.”
The apprenticeship programme provides an alternative route into professional healthcare careers, enabling existing staff to develop new skills and qualifications while continuing to work and earn, helping to grow the trust’s future workforce from within.