For Trudie Harris, a highly skilled program manager in the healthcare sector, the challenge wasn’t gaining experience—it was gaining formal recognition for the wealth of knowledge she had acquired over years of hands-on leadership and project management. Her story is one of perseverance, professional growth, and the transformative power of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
The Career-Defining Kidney Transplant
Trudie’s professional journey began in the medical administration field, stemming from a personal experience with kidney failure that led her to develop a deep passion for healthcare.
After undergoing a life-changing transplant at a young age, she pursued studies in business administration and soon found herself working at the very hospital where she received her transplant. Her career quickly advanced, leading her into senior administrative roles within major healthcare institutions.
Throughout her career, Trudie has managed large-scale healthcare projects, overseen multi-site operations, and played a crucial role in rolling out electronic medical records and process improvements across multiple hospitals.
Despite her extensive experience in program and project management, she lacked the formal qualifications that would solidify her expertise on paper.
“I kept thinking, I know I can do this job—I’ve been doing it for years. But every time I looked at new opportunities, I saw degree requirements and wondered if my experience would ever be enough,” Trudie shares.
Formal Recognition and Churchill Education
Like many professionals with years of practical experience, Trudie was initially uncertain about how to gain formal recognition for her vast skills and experience.
For Trudie, the answer was Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) – the process of turning career experience into national qualifications. And it wasn’t just about obtaining a piece of paper—it was about proving to herself and others that her experience held real value.
“I had been leading teams, managing projects, and making strategic decisions for years,” she explains. “But without formal qualifications, I always felt like I had to work twice as hard to be taken seriously.”
As she looked into further study, she found traditional education pathways unrealistic for her busy life.
“I was considering going back to university, but the thought of juggling study, work, and my family just wasn’t practical. I needed something that recognised what I had already done, rather than making me start from scratch.”
Initially, she was hesitant due to negative feedback she had heard about the RPL process elsewhere. However, when she discovered Churchill Education, everything changed.
“I’d heard from people who said RPL was tedious and slow. But when I found Churchill Education, the experience was completely different—it was seamless, supportive, and straightforward.”
Trudie was immediately impressed by Churchill’s efficient and supportive approach. Unlike other providers, Churchill quickly assessed her experience, mapped it against national qualification standards, and provided a clear pathway forward.
Instead of sitting in a classroom or spending years studying, she was able to leverage her extensive work history to earn BSB60720 Advanced Diploma of Program Management.
“I had spent months trying to figure out the best way to move forward with my career,” Trudie explains. “Then Churchill came along, and suddenly, I had clarity. The process was straightforward, and I didn’t feel like I had to jump through unnecessary hoops to prove my worth.”
The Impact of RPL on Trudie’s Career
Earning her Advanced Diploma of Program Management through RPL was a game-changer for Trudie. It not only validated her years of hard work but also bolstered her confidence in her own abilities.
“I had this moment of realisation,” Trudie recalls.
“I looked back at everything I’d done, and for the first time, I truly recognised how much I had achieved. The RPL process with Churchill made it so easy—I submitted my evidence, and before I knew it, I was holding my qualification. It was an amazing feeling.”
With her new qualification, Trudie gained the professional recognition she had long sought. It gave her the credibility to stand alongside colleagues with academic degrees and positioned her for future leadership opportunities.
Green and Growing
Her employer has since supported her pursuit of further qualifications, and recently Trudie returned to Churchill Education to achieve BSB50120 Diploma of Business.
This is a versatile qualification that complements her extensive expertise.
“The biggest shift for me was confidence. I used to sit in meetings with highly qualified professionals and feel like I didn’t belong,” she admits. “Now, I know I deserve to be here. My experience is valuable, and now it’s recognised with the right qualifications to back it up.”
Advice for Other Professionals
For those who have years of experience but lack formal qualifications, Trudie’s advice is simple: explore RPL with Churchill Education.
“I’d tell anyone in my position to reach out to Churchill,” she says. “You might be surprised at just how much your experience is worth. The process was seamless, the support was incredible, and it has opened doors for me that I didn’t think were possible.”
She also encourages others to believe in themselves: “Don’t let imposter syndrome hold you back. I spent too long doubting myself, but these qualifications have proved that my skills and experience are just as valuable as any university degree.”
Conclusion
Trudie Harris’ story is a testament to how Recognition of Prior Learning can transform careers. By turning experience into nationally recognised qualifications, professionals like Trudie can gain the confidence, credibility, and opportunities they deserve.
Churchill Education is proud to have played a role in her journey and looks forward to seeing where her qualifications take her next.
“I used to feel like I needed to justify my place at the table,” Trudie reflects. “Now, I sit at that table knowing I belong.”
If you would like to explore your eligibility for national qualifications through RPL, you can APPLY for a free appraisal here or contact us via any of the methods listed below.
