Nelson & Colne College produces medics of future

The college boasts an excellent reputation in the sciences, with a number of former students in medical professions throughout Lancashire, and this year shows it again.

There are 14 students pursuing degrees within the health service, including medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, audiology and optometry, and a large number of students progressing to degree specialism such as biomedical science and genetics.

With highly trained and experienced staff, some scientists in their own right, the college has developed and perfected its unique pre-professional programme for medicine.

This exciting extra-curricular course, offered to students in addition to their studies, allows extra support and guidance for those wanting to study medicine, veterinary science and dentistry.

Students attend extra sessions, lectures with industry professionals and field trips to specialist facilities such as Christie’s and NOWGEN genetics. They also visit university open days and a two-day training course to prepare for the UK Clinical Aptitude Test, which all medical and dental applicants have to take.

Guidance and support is also offered to students in finding work experience, applying for correct schools and even interview preparation.

Sahira Khurshid, who gained one A* and two As at A Level, has been accepted onto a medicine degree at the University of Liverpool and said: “The college facilities are top class and the tutors are supportive and have helped me to reach my full potential; I can’t thank them enough for their support and encouragement.”

Student Mehvish Farooq achieved two As and one B and will study phramacy at King’s College, London.

She explained the college’s specialist course helped her enormously when writing her university application, and the atmosphere was friendly and the staff extremely supportive.