Former accountant now driven by a passion for elderly care

Level 4 student Debbie Ann Imperial-Johnson shares her transformative journey sparked by an interest in medicine.

For New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Advanced Care and Support) (Level 4) student, Debbie Ann Imperial-Johnson, personal experience with illness and witnessing the difference healthcare professionals can make, inspired her to pursue a new career.

Moving to New Zealand from the Philippines gave her the opportunity to trade in a corporate accounting job for a role at MaryAnn Rest Home and Hospital in Stratford, where she is now fulfilled by her work caring for and monitoring dementia patients.

“My interests and values align more closely with healthcare than accounting, and moving countries was a chance to explore a new career path that met my passion for helping others, especially the elderly.”

When it came to choosing a tertiary provider, Imperial-Johnson was drawn to the flexible learning options available at NZTC, which allowed her to balance her Level 4 studies in Health and Wellbeing and manage her work and family commitments.

A keen learner, Imperial-Johnson has been especially fascinated by anatomy, psychology, and disease prevention—knowledge that she now applies daily in her holistic approach to dementia care.

“The Level 4 Certificate is giving me the skills and values necessary to succeed in the dynamic and rewarding field of healthcare and will help me to continue to make a positive impact on people’s lives through the care I provide.”

From corporate spreadsheets to compassionate caregiving, Imperial-Johnson’s journey proves that sometimes, the most rewarding path isn’t the one we originally planned—but the one led by heart and purpose.