At 30 years old, Coral Trainor from Dundrum is proof that there are always options and opportunities to pursue a new career path with a return to education.
Having completed her GCSEs at Blackwater Integrated College, Downpatrick, Coral initially studied Music at South Eastern Regional College (SERC). After taking time out to raise her children, she decided to return to education with the goal of building a career in healthcare.
Coral said, "I wanted to go back to school and work towards studying healthcare at university. I had previously enjoyed my experience at SERC and knew the college offered an Access course (Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Access Studies) that would provide the route I needed to progress onto higher education."
Coral enrolled on the Access course at SERC's Downpatrick Campus and found the experience transformative. She added, "The course was fantastic. The tutors were all very experienced, kind and supportive. They really helped build my confidence and encouraged me throughout my studies."
Following her success at SERC, Coral progressed to study a BSc (Hons) in Healthcare Science at Queen’s University Belfast (now a BSc in Respiratory and Sleep Physiology at Ulster University Magee Campus) taking the next important step towards her chosen career.
Looking back, Coral believes the returning to learn at SERC on the Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Access Studies provided a strong foundation for future success.
"The knowledge I gained at SERC helped me enormously at university and beyond. I enjoyed the way the course was taught, and I made great friends along the way. It also helped improve my communication and listening skills and reintroduced me to science, all of which prepared me for further study and my career."
Today, Coral works as a Respiratory and Sleep Physiologist with the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust (SEHSCT). Her role involves carrying out diagnostic respiratory and sleep investigations, monitoring disease progression, and supporting patients with conditions such as sleep apnoea through treatments including continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy.
She also works closely with a wide range of patients through respiratory outpatient clinics and same-day testing services, helping to improve outcomes for people living with both common and complex respiratory conditions.
In addition to her clinical role, Coral supports the development of respiratory and sleep physiologists on a committee for the Association for Respiratory Technology and Sleep Physiology (ARTP), the professional body for respiratory physiologist. She is also a member of ARTP NI which involves promoting awareness of respiratory and sleep physiology as a rewarding healthcare profession.
"Respiratory and sleep physiology is an exciting and growing area of healthcare. There are more opportunities available than ever before, and the profession is gaining greater recognition. It's a fantastic career for anyone interested in making a real difference to people's lives."
For anyone considering returning to education, Coral's message is simple: "It's never too late to learn and change career. If I could do it, anyone can."
She is also quick to recommend SERC to others considering further or higher education. "I would always recommend SERC to anyone who asks. The Access course was fantastic, and the tutors were incredibly supportive. Choosing to return to SERC was one of the best decisions I ever made."
If you are thinking about returning to education, come along to our Return to Learning Open Day in Newcastle Campus, 10am - 2pm on Wednesday 19 August or at Ballynahinch Campus, 10am - 2pm on Friday 21 August.
