Studying with purpose: Tyler’s leap from sport to healthcare

Originally, Tyler dreamed of becoming a physiotherapist. He played footy and basketball growing up and wanted to stay in the sports world. But after suffering several concussions in Year 12, he struggled to concentrate in class. His career advisor suggested nursing as a stepping stone, and it turned out to be the perfect fit. “After my second placement, I realised this was exactly what I wanted to do.”

Tyler chose Chisholm because it offered the right balance: close to home, flexible, and supportive. With other study options scattered across the city, Chisholm’s local campuses made it easier for Tyler to stay connected to his sport, manage his schedule, and focus on building a career that mattered. “I didn’t want to spend hours commuting every day. Chisholm was nearby and gave me the chance to study without giving up everything else I love.”

Tyler recently completed his Diploma of Nursing but found that balancing study and sport wasn't easy. He played representative basketball with midweek training and Friday night games. “I’m more hands-on. I struggled with theory, but I loved the practical days. That’s when I learned the most.”

One of his biggest challenges came when he injured his ankle just before a mental health placement. “I was in a moon boot for months. I was worried I’d have to restart the course, but my teachers were supportive. They helped me catch up and complete my placements later.” Despite being nervous, Tyler found his mental health placement rewarding. “You must stay calm and build trust. I just talked to people. That’s what worked for me.”

On his journey toward a healthcare career, Tyler has found real-world opportunities to apply his nursing skills, most notably through his role as a trainer at his brother’s football club. One standout moment came just a day after completing his placement, when a player split his head open during a game. Tyler stepped in confidently: “I patched him up and told him he’d need stitches. The physios were amazed, I said, ‘I learned this at Chisholm.'” A week later, Tyler had the chance to remove the stitches himself. “That’s when they were really impressed,” he recalls. Experiences like these helped Tyler realise he didn’t need to become a physiotherapist to stay involved in sport. “I can tape ankles, do concussion tests, and manage injuries. Supporting injured players is still a team effort.”

Tyler’s time at Chisholm gave him confidence, direction, and a sense of purpose. “The teachers were supportive and shared real stories. They helped me grow and made me feel like I belonged.” Now, Tyler is ready to take the next step, whether that’s working as an enrolled nurse, becoming a registered nurse, or studying physiotherapy. Whatever path he chooses, he knows Chisholm helped him build the foundation to succeed.