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Rachel’s degree really delivered

Growing up with healthcare professionals for parents, Rachel Cutler always had aspirations of becoming a midwife.

Rachel’s dad, Stanley, is a doctor, mum Sue is Head of Department in the School of Health & Social Care at º£½ÇÖ±²¥ and sister Sarah is in the second year of her radiography degree, also at º£½ÇÖ±²¥. Passionate about caring for women and their families, the 22-year-old from Middlesbrough graduates with a first class BSc (Hons) Midwifery. She trained at a local NHS Trust for three years and secured a job at the same Trust once she completed her course.

'I have always wanted to work with women and families. This course gave me the opportunity to care for women’s physical and emotional needs throughout their pregnancy journey,' Rachel explained.

'The best thing about my course was having the opportunity to experience a wide range of clinical hands-on experiences which prepared me for my first job as a midwife.'

Rachel is now enjoying providing advice, care and support for women and she works on a rotational basis between care in the hospital and in the community.

She said: 'I love my job and the variety it brings. I am thankful to the amazing midwives who have supported me along the way and the University for providing me with the opportunity to train to do the job I’ve always dreamed of.'

Rachel is both proud and excited to graduate, but no one will be more proud on the day than her family.

Mum Sue said: 'To see Rachel graduate with a first class honours degree will be one of the proudest moments of my life – I am extremely proud of her achievement.

'She started her course at º£½ÇÖ±²¥ as an 18-year-old and now she has developed into a competent and confident midwife.

'This is testament to the academic staff and the clinical midwives who encouraged her to reach her potential and to the strong relationship the University has with clinical colleagues. I am looking forward to watching Rachel’s professional career develop.'