Sharon Crane

Sharon's main teaching philosophy is that 'there are no silly questions.' She believes in creating an inclusive and supportive environment where every student feels valued and has the opportunity to achieve their best.

Since joining the University of Central Lancashire in 2016, Sharon has progressed to the role of Senior Lecturer and is currently Course Lead for the Physiotherapy Degree Apprenticeship programme. Throughout her career, she has actively enhanced her knowledge and expertise through ongoing training and continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities. She is committed to sharing this learning with students by creating a supportive yet academically challenging environment that enables them to develop their skills, achieve their potential, and prepare for professional practice. Alongside her academic role, Sharon maintains an honorary contract with the Trust, which allows her to remain current in clinical practice while continuing to share her expertise.

Sharon graduated from the University of Bradford in 1999 and has worked predominantly within the NHS across the North West. She began her career at East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust (ELHT), gaining valuable skills across all areas of physiotherapy, before progressing to Bolton NHS Trust to work within the specialist neuro rehabilitation team. There, she developed extensive experience in the assessment and management of patients with complex neurological conditions, working as part of a multidisciplinary team to deliver specialist rehabilitation and support recovery. Sharon later returned to ELHT as an Advanced Physiotherapist in Neurology, where she undertook both clinical and leadership responsibilities. During this time, she also mentored and supported many students in practice, which inspired her interest in the academic field. When the opportunity for a secondment as a lecturer on the physiotherapy teaching team arose, Sharon embraced the role. What began as a nine-month secondment developed into a substantive lecturer position, marking the start of her academic career.

Sharon has developed extensive experience in module leadership, assessment design and course development to ensure quality assurance and university regulations are met.