Taylor prepares for nursing degree in high school

Eighteen-year-old Taylor Kett always dreamt of becoming a nurse, however mainstream school just wasn’t for her so she thought university was out of reach.  

Then she discovered TAFE Queensland’s TAFE At School (TAS) program which allowed her to complete all her senior certificate requirements, while accumulating competencies towards a Diploma of Nursing (HLT54121).

Now just 18 months since completing high school she has a diploma and is working as an Enrolled Nurse with Ramsay Health Care while studying a bachelor to become a Registered Nurse.  

“I have always wanted to be a nurse and ultimately a midwife and I saw the opportunity in year 12 to start my diploma and jumped at the chance,” said Taylor.

“To be able to start my nursing career at 16-years-old was life changing as I wasn’t completely interested in mainstream school.”

The TAFE Queensland graduate said it was the best decision she ever made and it put her on the right path to achieve her career goals.

“I was able to jump start my career and within the first 10 months I was already placed in an aged care facility gaining real world hands-on experience,” she said.

“I got to use the skills I had practiced in class and apply them on real life patients which was scary at first but it was truly the best week of my life.”

“The whole experience was so rewarding and made me realise that I was doing exactly what I was born to do.”

Taylor said to anyone who is a little apprehensive about taking on a TAFE Queensland diploma while in high school that she promises it is not as scary as it seems.

“You are able to decrease your school work load and spend more time learning practical skills in training labs rather than sitting in a classroom.”

“Having the opportunity to start young and study a diploma while still in high school is the best way to trial a career and see if it is right for you before investing time and money on a university degree.”

Because of TAFE Queensland’s TAFE At School program Taylor was able to obtain a diploma, work in her chosen industry and is well on her way to completing a degree – something she once thought was impossible.