Caring for family members – whether young children or elderly parents – can be both exhausting and deeply rewarding. For some, this personal experience sparks a passion that evolves into a professional calling to care for others.

To turn this calling into a career, acquiring the right skills and knowledge is crucial. Three women, inspired by their own caregiving journeys, share how the classes are run at NTUC LearningHub equipped them with the tools to embark on their mid-career transition into healthcare.

NTUC LearningHub, a provider of continuing education and training, offers programs developed in collaboration with industry leaders and content partners. Its courses cover a wide range of sectors in the green, digital and care economies – key growth areas identified by the Singapore government.

Turning pain INTO PURPOSE

Mrs. Noorunnisa Abdullah Sahib Maricar, 47, was heartbroken after losing her sister-in-law to cancer. But when other family members fell ill, her grief turned into a quest to understand health and recovery.

“I wanted to find out how medication, physical therapy or even holistic approaches could help in the recovery process,” she said. “I felt like I needed to know more and be able to make a difference.”

After witnessing the many challenges faced by elderly people with poor health, such as mobility difficulties, Ms. Noorunnisa wanted to channel her energy into healthcare as part of her own healing journey. “It’s not only therapeutic for the mind, but it’s a great feeling to help someone through a difficult time.”

With a background in customer service, Ms. Noorunnisa decided to join the SkillsFuture Career Transition Program (SCTP) therapy assistant course. at NTUC LearningHub.

Before joining NTUC LearningHub, Ms Noorunnisa always thought of health workers as mainly doctors and nurses. But through hands-on practice and role-playing sessions, she gained a better understanding of how areas such as physiotherapy, speech and occupational therapy play a critical role in patient recovery.

After completing his course, he got a job as a customer service advisor at a company specializing in rehabilitation aids. She later became a hospital therapy nurse, where she saw the growing need for high-quality physiotherapy and care. Seeking to make a bigger impact, Ms. Noorunnisa then launched her own telephysiotherapy business, offering therapy to patients of all ages, with a special focus on couples.

“Couples often face more stress because both can juggle work and raising children,” she explained. “We started Couple Sparkle with the idea of ​​helping couples through physiotherapy and supporting their mental well-being.”

Drawing on her physiotherapy knowledge and skills such as empathy and change management, which she honed during her course, Ms Noorunnisa encourages her clients to stay active and fit. She plans to continue her studies in physiotherapy to expand her business.

“It’s never too late and you’re never too old to start something new,” she said. “In these changing times of technological advancement, upskilling is essential to stay relevant, especially in healthcare.”

A NEW CHAPTER: FROM HR TO HEALTH