From city broker to a career in the NHS - Colin is following the science

: Created: 20 October 2020

Colin Warner, 57 left his lucrative banking career a decade ago to concentrate on becoming a Biomedical Scientist working at the very heart of his community at the Princess Royal Hospital in Farnborough. Last July, after a four-year part-time foundation degree at London South East Colleges University Centre, and a final two years at the University of Greenwich, he finally walked away with a first class BSc honours degree in Biomedical Science.

“And I’m not finished with my training just yet,” says Colin, “there is more to do before I can boast of becoming a fully-fledged biomedical scientist.

“In this highly specialist line of work you have to possess many skills and undergo years of practice in your chosen field before you reach the top. I certainly aim to carry on and achieve at the highest level before I decide to call it a day.

“Here at the hospital I test and analyse a range of samples taken from patients to detect infections, harmful bacteria and parasites etc and reveal whether they are resistant to antibiotics. I also analyse blood to guide GPs and consultants towards the best course of action to help treat their clients. It’s a fascinating and satisfying job and one that sets you a different set of challenges each day. It also requires you to be constantly at your best and most responsive. If you get things wrong, there could be tragic circumstances. It’s definitely a job that keeps you on your toes.

“Enrolling for a Foundation Degree at the College’s University Centre was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Studying part-time did mean stretching out the course over five years rather than three but working full-time meant I had to do it this way. Believe me, it was no walk in the park either - it was extremely hard work with a lot expected of you.

“The tutors were superb and certainly know their stuff. They were there for me every step of the way and I have them to thank for the excellent tuition and guidance from day one. For me, it’s onwards and upwards - it’s an exciting voyage of discovery and one that is, pardon the pun, infectious!”

Colin’s tutor at the University Centre was Helen Dorrell - herself a former student of the College back in the late 70s and early 80s completing her HNC and degree in related science subjects, and later a PhD.

Helen said: “Colin came to us looking for a life-changing opportunity and although he worked full-time, was determined to get through a very lengthy period of studying. I’m so pleased that he saw it through and qualified in such style. It’s always great to hear of such positive outcomes for our students, particularly when they go off to study their final years at the accrediting university. Well done Colin!”

If you think you have what it takes to be successful in the world of biomedical and pharmaceutical science, or have been thinking of studying at degree level, we’d like to hear from you. We have a great range of degree and professional level courses for you to choose from. Join us for one of our Virtual Open Events in November.

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