Are you passionate about helping others and can envision fulfilling careers in healthcare? At Bridgwater & Taunton College, we take pride in offering exceptional progression routes that can take you from an enthusiastic learner to a skilled healthcare professional. In celebration of Health Focus Week, we invite you to explore the exciting pathways that lead to a rewarding career in healthcare right here at BTC.
No matter the pathway, there’s a course for you at BTC and UCS; whether you start with an entry level course, or are looking to continue your progression from elsewhere, you can find more course-specific information on our website.
Your Journey Begins with My BTC Advantage
Before we dive into the myriad of healthcare opportunities at BTC, let’s talk about My BTC Advantage. It’s not just a programme; it’s a commitment to your success. We’re dedicated to providing you with a holistic educational experience that nurtures your talents, fosters growth, and prepares you for the healthcare sector’s ever-evolving demands.
So, what is the My BTC Advantage? To summarise, it is embedded into every course to help you flourish both academically and personally, and has been developed by both students and teachers. The seven points cover aspirations, confidence, community mindedness and much more.
This will help you succeed within whichever healthcare course you study with us, providing an advantage exclusive to our College.
You can find out more here.
State-of-the-Art Facilities and Award-Winning Teaching
When you choose BTC for your healthcare education, you’re choosing excellence. Our state-of-the-art facilities are designed to immerse you in real-world healthcare scenarios. Whether you’re practicing skills in our replica hospital ward, caring for children in our Early Years nursery, or honing your expertise in our dedicated healthcare spaces, you’ll be equipped with practical experience that sets you apart.
Our commitment to this has led to us receiving the prestigious Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Education in 2023, recognising our exceptional dedication to addressing the NHS workforce challenges in Somerset. Over the past decade, BTC has taken pioneering steps to combat the shortage of qualified nurses in the region. This includes securing approval from the Nursing & Midwifery Council and the University of the West of England to locally offer nursing degrees—a national first for a Further Education institution.
This initiative not only broadens career opportunities but also contributes significantly to local healthcare. With projections indicating a shortage of 140,600 nurses in England by 2031 and declining nursing graduates, BTC’s efforts align with the critical need for healthcare professionals. This recognition from the Queen’s Anniversary Prize highlights BTC’s excellence, innovation, and impact in advancing healthcare education and workforce solutions.
Our commitment to hands-on learning means you’ll graduate not only with knowledge but also with the confidence and competence to excel in your healthcare career from day one.
Progression from Entry to Excellence
Your journey at BTC doesn’t end with entry-level courses. We offer a range of progression options, allowing you to advance from entry-level qualifications to higher education degrees. Whether you start with a T Level in Health or embark on a journey towards a master’s degree, we provide the educational framework to support your growth.
One of our proudest achievements is breaking down barriers to healthcare training. We’ve partnered with NHS Somerset to offer direct entry BSc (Hons) Nursing degrees at our University Centre Somerset (UCS) in Taunton. This partnership empowers local individuals of all ages and abilities to pursue more skilled healthcare roles without the obstacles of long commutes or financial constraints.
A Diverse Range of Pathways
At BTC, your healthcare journey can take various routes, catering to your unique interests and career aspirations. Whether you’re inclined towards nursing, mental health, or adult nursing, we have programs to nurture your skills. From the T Level in Health that prepares you for a career in healthcare to higher education courses at University Centre Somerset, the possibilities are vast.
Our diverse range of pathways enables you to specialize in the aspects of healthcare that resonate with your passion. Explore diverse fields, from mental health nursing to adult care, and become a specialist in your chosen domain.
Career-Ready, Locally
Our approach prioritizes local talent development in careers in healthcare. You can train locally, earn while you learn, and build a ‘home-grown’ nursing workforce that benefits our community. With strong relationships with local employers, including NHS trusts and care providers, BTC ensures you’re ready to step into the healthcare workforce with confidence.
Many students have progressed from our programmes into full-time work, one prime example being Musgrove Park Hospital.
In the healthcare sector, addressing skills gaps is not just important; it’s a matter of public health and safety. Healthcare is a dynamic field that relies heavily on well-trained professionals who possess the latest knowledge and skills.
Join Us on This Transformative Journey
As we celebrate Health Focus Week, we invite you to join us on a transformative healthcare journey. Whether you’re an aspiring nurse, an advocate for mental health, or passionate about caring for others, BTC provides the platform to turn your dreams into reality.
Explore our healthcare courses and take the first step towards a rewarding future here.
