Jia Song
Jia Song is flourishing in her busy role as a Healthcare Assistant after completing her Level 3 qualification with the college.
Name: Jia Song
Qualification: New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing – Health Assistance Strand (Level 3)
Jia Song’s pathway into healthcare began with a year of nursing studies in the U.S. before finding her calling in New Zealand.
Her initial steps led her to a role in a rest home, caring for the elderly, where she developed a deep connection with the residents, recognising the significance of companionship in their lives.
“Just a few months after arriving in New Zealand, I began a Healthcare Assistant role in a small rest home. I felt very comfortable working with the staff, and as I cared for the elderly residents, I could sense their loneliness.
“Imagining my own parents in a similar situation served as a poignant reminder and compelled me to dedicate myself to this meaningful profession.”
Despite having nine years of hands-on experience in healthcare, Song found immense value in the formal education provided by NZTC.
She says her qualification has served as a bridge between theoretical knowledge and practical experience, enhancing her skills and understanding of the healthcare landscape.
With a busy role as a healthcare contractor with Medacs Healthcare, she appreciated the flexibility of online learning, allowing her to balance work and studies seamlessly.
“I found NZTC’s online learning platform awesome. It’s very easy to use and the lecturer’s support is prompt and useful for me to complete the assessments on time. I can choose which days to work and which days to study. It’s very easy to control my schedule.”
In her dynamic role, Song works across various healthcare facilities, including rest homes, private hospitals, and home care. The diverse experiences challenge her to quickly adapt, and her studies play a crucial role in this transition.
“In my role visiting different facilities, you must get your hands on the job quickly. My studies are greatly assisting with helping me switch roles and I can systematically apply the knowledge from my studies.”
Looking ahead, Song is excited to pursue further study with NZTC and is keen to pathway into a nursing program in the future.