Access to HE alumna Nickie Rowntree is thriving studying Midwifery at Edge Hill University

Nickie Rowntree joined Warrington & Vale Royal College last year to study Access to HE: Nursing & Midwifery, seeking a fresh start in her career. Without the qualifications needed to enter university directly, the Access to HE course proved to be the perfect stepping stone toward her dream of becoming a midwife.

"I loved my Access course! I gained a wonderful group of friends who I’m certain will be lifelong connections. The lecturers were incredibly supportive. I’ve always been fascinated by anatomy and physiology, and I really enjoyed revisiting these topics on the Access course."

Now at university, Nickie has been balancing theory modules with hands-on experience. Just before Christmas, she began her placement on postnatal and antenatal wards, where she’s been caring for pregnant people as well as women and babies postnatally.

"Upon completing my degree, I can’t wait to continue supporting and empowering women during such a transformative time in their lives. I feel very lucky to be able to do so. I wouldn’t have reached this point without the Access to HE course!"