Graduate returns to University of Central Lancashire to teach
BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care, 2016
Following a twenty-year career working for the NHS, UCLan graduate, Terence Jagger, is now working at the very University he credits for his own academic progression.
Terence spent ten years working as a Senior Cardiac Physiologist for the NHS prior to the tragedy of losing both of his parents to cancer at a young age. Due to this experience, Terence felt that he had the knowledge and empathy to look after cancer patients and so became inspired to help others during such difficult times.
Terence started work as a Trainee Assistant Practitioner in the Outpatient Oncology Department at Royal Preston Hospital, and as part of his new position was offered the chance to study a Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care for Assistant Practitioners at the University of Central Lancashire. Terence completed his course and went on to study the BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care Top-Up at role at the University of Central Lancashire Burnley Campus, which he was successfully awarded in 2016.
Speaking about his graduation ceremony, Terence said: “The graduation ceremony was something I will never forget. I felt very proud of my achievement.”
Following the successful completion of his course, Terence became a fully qualified Assistant Practitioner in the Oncology Outpatient Department at the Rosemere Cancer Centre, which is based at the Royal Preston Hospital.
His role here included assisting with patient care; from being a patient chaperone to maintenance of central lines, taking bloods, electrocardiograms and being there as someone for patients to talk to.
Talking about his role at the Rosemere Cancer Centre, Terence said: “Many of my patients were lonely and came to the unit on their own, feeling frightened and vulnerable. I tried to provide support and care to the patients, listening to their concerns and providing comfort during their cancer journey, which I felt honoured to be a part of. For me, this wasn’t a job; it was a privilege.’
In 2017 Terence decided to continue with his academic journey and commenced an MSc in Sexual Health Studies at the University of Central Lancashire. In 2018 he was successful in gaining a permanent teaching role at the University and now works as a Work Based Education Tutor in the University of Central Lancashire School of Health and Midwifery, where he teaches and supports students on the Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care and the Higher Degree Apprenticeship for Assistant Practitioners.
When asked about his time at the University of Central Lancashire, Terence said: “The University has a very warm, friendly and family feel to it. There is just something that 'opens the doors' and greets you with an enormous sense of welcome. I have met, and still meet, some amazing lecturers who always spare the time to listen to the students. The University of Central Lancashire is a great place to study whether you are straight from college or, like me, in your late 40's!”
Terence continued: “It is such a privilege to be at the University of Central Lancashire as a member of staff and to support the programme I truly believe in. As a lifelong Prestonian, I feel proud to be giving something back.”