18 March 2025
NHS staff have marked a significant achievement, celebrating their graduation as the first-ever cohort of Fife College’s Professional Development Award (PDA) in Acute and Community Care.
The ceremony, held at Fife College’s Kirkcaldy Campus, honoured 52 graduates who successfully balanced their studies with critical frontline NHS roles to become Assistant Practitioners. By acquiring advanced skills, they have enhanced their careers while continuing to provide exceptional patient care.
Fife College Principal Jim Metcalfe and NHS Fife’s Director of Nursing, Janette Keenan, addressed the graduates at the event, which was especially meaningful as it marked Janette’s final official engagement before her retirement after 50 years of service. She was recognised with a special mention in appreciation of her extraordinary contributions to nursing and healthcare education.
Developed collaboratively between Fife College and NHS Fife, the PDA in Acute and Community Care is designed to support NHS staff in advancing their skills without needing to leave their current roles, strengthening the workforce and improving patient outcomes in the process.
The course was specifically designed by Fife College to meet NHS Fife’s needs, providing graduates with the expertise required for the new Assistant Practitioner role. This role sits between healthcare assistants and nurses, with practitioners able to deliver more advanced patient care. For some, the qualification will open a pathway to further nursing studies, while others will continue to thrive in the Assistant Practitioner role.
Graduates shared their personal journeys at the celebration, with many highlighting how the course has boosted their confidence, expanded their knowledge, and opened doors to new career opportunities within the NHS. The ceremony concluded with a reception for graduates, their families, and NHS and College colleagues, marking a proud moment in their professional development.
Graduate Hale Denholm, from Kirkcaldy, said:
"The course was challenging, but the support from the lecturers, peers, and NHS staff made all the difference. The managers were incredibly supportive and always eager to help us succeed.”
"The graduation was great. Although it was a bit daunting for me with so many people present, it was a really nice way to end the course."
Hale is now preparing to enter the second year of a Mental Health Nursing degree at Abertay University later this year, with her goal to become a staff nurse in the future.
Lindsey Chisholm, Assistant Principal, School of Care, Health, Science and Wellbeing at Fife College, said:
"This graduation marks a truly special moment – not only for our students but for healthcare education in Fife. As the first-ever group to complete the PDA in Acute and Community Care, these graduates have shown outstanding dedication, balancing demanding NHS roles with their studies to develop invaluable new skills. Their resilience and passion will make a real impact on patient care and the wider healthcare sector.
"At Fife College, we are incredibly proud of our close partnership with NHS Fife, working together to support the development of a skilled, future-ready healthcare workforce. This course has proven that with the right support, students can enhance their careers while continuing to serve their communities.
"Congratulations again to our graduates – we wish them every success in their careers and look forward to seeing others follow in their footsteps, continuing to strengthen the NHS workforce."
Janette Keenan, NHS Fife Executive Director of Nursing, said:
"This is a fantastic milestone for our graduates, and I want to congratulate each of them on their hard work and dedication. The Assistant Practitioner role is a crucial part of our NHS workforce, enhancing patient care and strengthening our teams across both acute and community settings.
"I’d also like to extend my sincere thanks to Fife College for their close partnership and unwavering support in delivering this programme. The collaboration between NHS Fife and Fife College has been instrumental in ensuring that our healthcare staff can develop their skills while continuing to provide high-quality care. This is a brilliant example of how education and healthcare working together can create real opportunities for professional growth and improved patient outcomes."
For more information about Health and Social Care courses on offer at Fife College, visit our course pages here.