Helen Higginson

I originally began my career in health and social care with children being a qualified Nursery Nurse after many years, I then changed age groups and began working with adults as a Physiotherapy Assistant. I then was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to undertake the Foundation degree (Fda) in health and social care (the course I know very proudly teach on). After studying for two years, I then was keen to do more and topped up and completed mt full Bsc degree in health and social care. I continued to work as an Assistant Practitioner within a specialist falls team for some time before moving into education. I then went back to studying again and completed my Postgraduate certificate in higher education.

At the University of Bolton, I endeavour to continue with studying towards a professional doctorate in the near future. I am a member of Foundation degree in Health and Social Care Programme team; this incorporates two courses: the Apprenticeship Programme (Assistant Practitioner) and Independent Programme. I undertake a unique role within the Fda team in that I am a lecturer teaching on a variety of modules across level 4 and 5 and also Practice Trainer for all Apprenticeship students, this involves supporting and visiting all students and their work based mentors in the workplace on a quarterly basis each year.

I am also an admissions tutor for the Apprenticeship programme and am involved in interviewing and marketing. Part of my role is also being a personal tutor, ensuring that students are also supported by a pastoral health perspective. I am very keen to ensure students are proactively exploring the boundaries of the very important job of Assistant Practitioner and are linking evidence-based theory to practice. Also supporting the students to undertake (within set boundaries) the care of more complex patients and integrate their role within the wider health and social care teams within which they may work.