By Lucinda Gorrie (Academic and Quality Manager) and Natalie Anderson (Lecturer) – Healthcare Academy, Fife College

The EMERGE Healthcare Pathways programme was envisioned to bridge the gap in education and inspire younger learners to consider a career in healthcare, whilst creating opportunities and pathways to success. It was designed not only with a focus on traditional healthcare roles, but to illuminate the vast and diverse career opportunities the sector offers, showcasing careers in innovation, technology, public health and more. 

EMERGE has been designed to focus on real-world relevance, prioritising inclusion, flexibility and meta-skill development. The course was designed to target socially deprived areas where engagement with education may be limited, and to provide learners with a transformative experience and an opportunity to not only obtain qualifications, but build confidence, skills and a sense of community. 

This blog highlights the journey of the development and delivery of a programme aiming to redefine healthcare education. 

When an idea becomes a reality 

Coming from a background of nursing and education, we have seen first-hand the barriers which exist that can prevent individuals from accessing opportunities within healthcare. These barriers can often feel unattainable with financial struggles, lack of role models and an educational system not meeting the needs of the young people. Despite the healthcare sector offering vast opportunities, many young people see only the more traditional roles. We hoped that by capturing learners at a young age, they can explore the full array of possibilities and be introduced to roles they might never have considered.

EMERGE was created by a multi-collaboration of teams including Fife College, Skills Development Scotland and NHS Education for Scotland, who shared a desire to create a programme that could inspire and support learners who might otherwise feel excluded. We wanted to show the young people that a healthcare career was not only a possibility but the beginning of a pathway into a meaningful and fulfilling career. EMERGE was designed to be about more than just education - it builds personal growth and transformation. 

Personal journey 

Being part of the development of EMERGE was a deeply rewarding experience. As a team we had a shared passion for professional development and education, and this programme enabled us to combine our skills and experiences, leading us to produce something that would have a lasting impact on young futures. 

One of the significant factors in the success of EMERGE was the support we received. We were encouraged to think creatively, embrace innovation, and adapt teaching methods to meet the diverse needs of the learners. The freedom to design and implement new approaches to ensure EMERGE could be as impactful as possible strengthened our confidence and our ability to lead innovative educational projects. Fife College fostering a culture of learning, not just for students but for staff through investment in professional development, helped us to develop the skills needed to implement challenge-based learning effectively. 

What makes EMERGE unique?

One standout feature of the EMERGE programme is its flexibility. Learners can complete the full group award but also have the option to earn “micro-credentials”, which are smaller, more focused qualifications that recognise specific skills or achievements. This approach gave the learners various options to engage with the programme in a way that suits their needs. Whether they choose to undertake a single micro-credential or the entire group award, they will have evidence of their learning, build confidence, have gained an insight into careers within healthcare, and opened doors to future opportunities. 

EMERGE was built around challenge-based learning - a transformative approach to shift the focus from traditional classroom teaching to real-world problem solving. The curriculum was structured into “playlists”, with each unit themed on topics which would engage learners in practical, meaningful challenges. For example, students might design a board game which represents a patient’s pathway through a healthcare system. The activities not only make the learning more engaging but also enable the learners to develop essential meta-skills such as critical thinking, collaboration and initiative. This approach to assessment gives the learners more control and encourages a sense of ownership in their learning journey. 

Technologies element

One of the standout features of the EMERGE Healthcare Pathways project is its use of 360-degree images. This immersive experience transports learners into real-life healthcare environments such as the inside of an ambulance, the plaster room, radiography room, outpatient clinics etc, and allows them to:

•    explore and gain an understanding of specific environments as if they were physically present
•    gain situational awareness and decision-making skills
•    familiarise themselves with medical equipment and layouts

The programme has also been developed with the inclusion of interactive material and quizzes throughout to accommodate diverse learning styles and reinforce knowledge and understanding.  This includes, but is not limited to, scenario-based questions, instant feedback for better knowledge retention, gamified elements to boost engagement and motivation, drag-and-drop elements, and flip cards.

Another feature is the programme’s adaptability. The course can seamlessly transition to a fully online format should the need arise without compromising its quality, and remains engaging and supported even in a remote setting. This flexibility makes the programme ideal for modern healthcare education where accessibility and adaptability are key.

EMERGE is more than an educational programme; it’s a catalyst for change that not only prepares students for careers in healthcare, but also equips them with the skills and confidence to navigate professional journeys with resilience and adaptability. 

Impact on students

The impact of EMERGE on students has been incredible to witness. Many of the learners come from areas with high rates of disengagement from education, where traditional teaching strategies can create a sense of exclusion. EMERGE challenges this dynamic, focusing on inclusion and adaptability, and creating a supportive and encouraging environment where the students can thrive. Regardless of their individual path, every learner leaves with valuable skills and experiences and is equipped for success. 

Next steps 

Delivering EMERGE has allowed us to continue to grow as educators and professionals by making us more responsive and open to change in education, adapting stronger pedagogical skills to deliver engaging, student-led experiences. The programme encouraged close working relationships with colleagues, external partners and industry experts, enhancing collaboration and growth as professionals which we will carry forward in our careers. 

Seeing learners thrive in EMERGE reinforced why we chose to work in education in the first place. This kind of project - which makes education dynamic, meaningful and impactful - plays an important part in transforming and benefitting not only us as educators, but also our learners and the college sector.