Katie is a pioneer for T Level route to Medicine
ARU’s School of Medicine is leading the way in recognising new qualification
First year student Katie Jordan outside ARU's School of Medicine in Chelmsford
An Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) student believed to be the first medical student in the country to be directly recruited through T Levels has “loved every second” of her studies so far.
Katie Jordan, 18, completed her Level 3 T Level in Health at Nottingham College before earning a place on the highly competitive undergraduate Medicine course at ARU in Chelmsford.
The welcoming of T Level students to ARU’s School of Medicine is unique in the UK and is part of the school’s mission to ensure it is accessible to the best students, regardless of background.
Across the country, 80% of medical students come from higher socioeconomic backgrounds with four fifths of students coming from just 20% of schools. However, 46% of this year’s ARU intake met widening participation criteria, and 31% were in receipt of free school meals.
Having started her studies in September, Katie described the offer from ARU as “the payoff of years of hard work, long hours, sleepless nights and perseverance”.
T Levels combine classroom learning with substantial industry placements to prepare students for skilled careers and higher education. For Katie, the time spent working with patients confirmed that Medicine was the right career choice for her – despite previously thinking it would not be possible.
“I had always wanted a career in healthcare, but at one point I didn’t think Medicine was an option for me. When I discovered ARU accepted T Level students onto its Medicine course, that old dream reignited instantly.”
First year ARU Medicine student Katie JordanNow several weeks into the five-year course, Katie says medical school has been “an absolute dream come true, I’ve loved every second”.
As part of National T Levels Week (19-23 October), Katie is encouraging other young people to consider the qualification and aim high.
“T Levels gave me opportunities I wouldn’t have had otherwise, from meeting healthcare professionals and patients to developing skills that I’m now using every day at medical school.
“The amount of independent study helped me learn how to manage a heavy workload, organise my time and prioritise tasks. Having experience of clinical skills and patient contact before starting university has also been incredibly valuable. My advice would be shoot for the stars and don’t let self-doubt stop you from trying.”
“ARU is proud to be leading the way in recognising the talent that T Level students bring to the medicine profession, with widening access to medicine one of our core values.
“T Level Health students bring a unique combination of academic, professional, and practical skills that make them ideal candidates for Medicine.
“We believe Katie is the first student in the country to be directly recruited onto a Medicine programme after studying a T Level, and this is testament to her dedication to helping patients and to her determination and resilience. This will serve her well as she embarks on her career.”
Dr Simon Cork, Medicine Admissions Lead at ARU“Katie’s progress to medical school is a fantastic achievement and one that everyone at Nottingham College is incredibly proud of.
“Her success demonstrates the value of T-Levels in preparing students for a wide range of progression opportunities, including highly competitive university courses.
“Katie is a wonderful example of what can be achieved through hard work and dedication, and we look forward to seeing her flourish in her future medical career.”
Tina Pringle, Head of Faculty of Health and Social Care at Nottingham College