Alumni

My pre-course study with Distance Learning Centre was absolutely crucial to my successfully passing my degree course - Sean Bell

Now 

I went onto study the undergraduate degree course in Paramedic Science at the University of Hull, I successfully completed that this year in September. My graduation ceremony is in January.

The biggest challenges I faced were that it is an extremely demanding course, both in attendance and in the high standards required to pass assignments and placements. The clinical placements were my favourite part and are enjoyable but are intense and work on shift patterns to match your placement educators and mentors. If you want to be a paramedic, you need to put in so much hard work but the rewards are absolutely worth it.

My pre-course study with DistanceLearningCentre.com was absolutely crucial to my successfully passing my degree course. It put me into the correct mindset to start learning at an appropriate level and gave me the confidence I needed to realise I was capable of achieving what seemed to be a huge challenge.

Before finishing my Paramedic Science degree course, I applied to the Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust and upon completion of application and interviews, I was offered conditional employment as a paramedic, depending on my final ratified results. At the end of my degree, I found out I had successfully passed and had obtained a BSc (Hons) degree in Paramedic Science, I achieved a 2:1 and was literally only 2% off getting a First. This led Yorkshire Ambulance Service to offer me a confirmed job offer as a paramedic. I have been doing this role now for several months and I love my job very much. I am very proud of what I have achieved, especially given the fact I never believed myself capable of being academic in any way. I think the distance learning course gave me the step up and showed me that I could follow my dreams. (December 2024)

Then 

As a 16-year-old, I joined the British Army and had a good number of years serving my country. I left when my wife and I decided to start our family as I didn't believe my career and family life were truly compatible with the time I spent away from home. From here, I joined the RNLI as a volunteer which in turn led to my studying for and achieving my Master's qualification for workboats. This has given me another number of years in a fulfilling career, unfortunately, the reason I left the army was the amount of time I spent away from home. My career as a skipper now saw me spending far more time away on a rolling shift pattern. I felt a trapped and sad that I was missing out on my children growing up.

It was then my wife showed me the DistanceLearningCentre.com website and suggested I studied an Access to Higher Education course to enable me to apply for Paramedic Science at the University of Hull. I have found fitting the course around my job (90 hours per week) challenging. The support from the tutors and the nature of the course meant that this was possible. I have applied for and been offered a place at the university and on the course of my choice. It would not have been possible without this excellent course and the tutors who make it happen. Thank you all for getting me through what I thought was never possible. I would wholeheartedly recommend studying with DistanceLearningCentre.com to realise your own dreams. (July 2021)

I’ve just finished my transition to practice now and will be having my first shifts on the road next week as a fully qualified paramedic.  - Sophie Sweet

Now

I progressed to study paramedic science at the University of Greenwich. I managed to qualify with a First-Class Honours degree which will help me with my career progression to hopefully go on to become a critical care paramedic in the future. 

My degree was a placement-heavy degree so could sometimes be challenging trying to manage your time completing assignments and studying exams whilst being on placement. However, with good time management it is achievable which I did find that DistanceLearningCentre.com helped me be prepared for where it is very well structured and helped me develop good planning skills prior to starting uni. 

I was required to write many essays and a dissertation for my degree. Prior to starting my access course I had never had to write an essay before, with DistanceLearninCentre.com I was able to develop very good skills when it came to essay writing and referencing. I carried this through my entire degree and I almost found it gave me a head start, especially for the first uni assignments, where not a lot of people had any experience writing essays.

I am now employed by SECamb and am starting my paramedic career. I’ve just finished my transition to practice now and will be having my first shifts on the road next week as a fully qualified paramedic. 

Thank you DistanceLearningCentre.com for all of the support provided to me when studying my access course, it really helped me a lot with my degree and helped pathe the way to where I am now! (December 2024)

Then 

I have always worked within the care industry and it is within this time that I discovered my dream of becoming a Paramedic. Due to a previous illness, I was unable to receive the required A-Levels needed to study Paramedic Science at University and when researching how to get around this I discovered DistanceLearningCentre.com and I'm so glad I did!

I only discovered DistanceLearningCentre.com in the November which meant I only had 6 months to meet the deadline to be able to start studying in September 2021. With help from all the wonderful tutors this was possible and I was able to achieve the maximum credits required and secured a position at the University of Greenwich to study Paramedic Science in September 2021.

Due to their flexibility, not only was I able to complete the course within 6 months but I was also able to continue working full-time whilst completing my studies in a time that best suits me with tutors constantly on hand for any help if needed. DistanceLearningCentre.com have provided me with all the essential skills required for my future at University. The whole access course has been extremely enjoyable and I would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone as I will forever be grateful for this experience! (July 2021)

I completed my access course and both functional skills with you last year - Rickelle Mayers

Rickelle started her nursing career by studying an Access Diploma with us. Here is her real life NHS hero story.

She wrote: "I just wanted to say a massive thank you. I completed my access course and both functional skills with you last year and I'm now in my first year of nursing. Uni wrote a news story about me and I wouldn't be in this position if it wasn't for your amazing tutors!"

Extract - There are countless stories of NHS workers' selfless acts to help Britain's fight against the COVID-19 pandemic - and student Rickelle Mayers truly embodies them.

Mother-of-four Rickelle started studying Adult Nursing at De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) just three months ago.

Now the 29-year-old is working two to three night or day shifts a week on wards at Leicester hospitals, before returning to home school her children.

Not only that but Rickelle has just volunteered to take on extra shifts at Leicester Royal Infirmary to help free up more experienced staff for the frontline fight against COVID-19.

I felt well prepared for further study - Michelle Simms

Now 

I am studying a foundation degree with UoS as part of an apprenticeship nursing associate program.

Biggest challenges was going back to study after having left school in 2003, best tip I can give is to be organised and ask your tutor for all the help!

I felt well prepared for further study.

I have just started my degree. (January 2025)

Then 

When I first enrolled with DistanceLearningCentre.com I wasn’t very confident. I hadn’t studied for years and lacked the qualifications I needed to follow my dream of becoming a nurse. I have been a mother for over 21 years and this has been my main priority. 

Now that my family is complete, I wanted to do something for me. I always dreamt of becoming a nurse but because of the lack of qualifications and my age I never expected it to be possible. I chose DistanceLearningCentre.com as it was recommended by a colleague of mine. It was the best thing I ever done. I achieved more than I expected. The tutors gave me the confidence and support I needed to complete all the course units. The materials were fantastic and were easy to understand.

Studying from home was another bonus. I originally worried that I wouldn’t get as much support as I would if I were in a classroom, but the support was amazing and I could work around my family.

Thank you DistanceLearningCentre.com, I will be recommending you to all my friends, family and colleagues. I never believed I could achieve this but I have thanks to you! I will be forever grateful. (November 2021)

I defied the odds and achieved my goal of becoming a dental hygienist - Rhiannon Andrews

Now 

Since taking part in the Access to Medicine Diploma of HE, I was accepted the same year into Cardiff University to study Dental Hygiene. Fast forward two years, I am now a full-time qualified Dental Hygienist.

The biggest challenge I faced was managing my time. As a full-time course that took place in person, there was a lot of factors to consider; turning up on time for lectures/seminars, taking time to study on evenings and weekends, taking notes during lectures. For new undergraduates with these worries, I would recommend using a planner; plan out small sections of your day and look back at notes on the lectures you attended, leave plenty of time in the morning to travel to your place of study (remember to eat breakfast, fuel your brain!) and allow yourself breaks when needed, as it's just important to look after yourself and your wellbeing!

My course with DistanceLearningCentre.com really prepared me for my studies at university. I covered aspects of chemistry, biology and physics, all of which came up regularly as part of my undergraduate course. I was ready and prepared with the knowledge I needed to understand what I was learning!

I graduated from Cardiff University in Dental Hygiene DipHE with a pass in 2024, and I was ecstatic. To think before starting my Access course I was incapable of ever going to university with little to no relevant A-Levels, I defied the odds and achieved my goal of becoming a dental hygienist

Then 

Before starting this course, I had very little to show from college in terms of A-levels. I didn't know what I wanted to study or what path to take in life, and so I took a break from education to work full time. This was great short-term for the money, but I knew deep down I wanted to progress in a rewarding career, especially in healthcare.

I came across DistanceLearningCentre.com online, and saw the medicine course and instantly applied! My experience has been incredible; the modules are in-depth, well-structured and highly interesting. My tutor was very understanding and helpful; I worked full time alongside completing this course, and so I knew it was for me as I could complete it at a time that suited my shift patterns and lifestyle.

I am now on a reserve list at Cardiff University to potentially study Dental Hygiene! This course has allowed me to get the equivalent A level grades needed to take on a university course or apprenticeship, and has opened a door of opportunities. I have no regrets, and highly recommend this to anyone, of any circumstance or any age! (June 2022)