Karin Black - New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing – Health Assistance Strand (Level 3)

As a mature student learning to navigate her way around a computer, Karin Black was grateful to have support from New Zealand Tertiary College (NZTC) on hand whenever she needed it.

“The support from NZTC was amazing throughout my studies. IT Help was fantastic at guiding me through a few obstacles in the beginning, and the Pastoral Support Team was always there and willing to help in any way they could.”

After considering a range of different tertiary providers, the Healthcare Assistant enrolled with NZTC to study the New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing – Health Assistance Strand (Level 3) when she heard that the college’s qualifications were nationally recognised and respected.

“I highly recommend the Level 3 course to other healthcare professionals. It is a qualification that will inform you, while complementing and affirming the knowledge you may have already gained from sector experience.

“I particularly appreciated the interactions with both fellow students and lecturers via the discussion forum on the NZTC Online learning platform. Through utilising this communication channel I was able to reaffirm my existing ideas while offering new ones in a supportive environment.”

A highlight for Karin was furthering her knowledge with a course that explored different health conditions which Healthcare Assistants are likely to encounter.

“Learning more about different conditions, as well as strategies for managing and recognising signs of change and deterioration in clients was extremely valuable.”

Currently working in a dementia hospital with a wonderful team around her, Karin has no plans of slowing down, and is aiming to complete the Level 4 qualification with NZTC this year.

“I have always enjoyed providing support for people, whether young or elderly. Working as a Healthcare Assistant gives me the opportunity to care for those in their golden years.

“I think the most rewarding part is knowing that although a person may be dealing with decreased cognitive function, I have made them feel as independent as possible. It is important to me that my clients maintain their dignity throughout their journey with us.”