The university clearing system is a great gateway into the NHS,
health bosses are reminding would-be graduates and
career-changers.
As thousands of students nervously await their A-level results on
Thursday (15 August), the NHS is launching a campaign to
highlight the many healthcare career options available through
UCAS Clearing.
Students reconsidering their choices after receiving their grades
this week will still have access to a multitude of health
professions, including nursing and midwifery.
So far this year 33,560 people in England have applied to study
for a nursing degree and 7,290 have applied to become a midwife.
But with plenty of spaces still available, there is still room
for those who are undecided to join more than 420,000 people
already in these professions.
Nursing is seen as one of the most wide-ranging and fulfilling
careers, with over 50 different roles and specialties that
students can explore while studying and after graduating, not
just in hospitals but in clinics and other community settings.
Despite record numbers of doctors and nurses working in the NHS –
up over 30,000 in a year – applications to nursing degrees
have so far fallen slightly this year compared to last.
Duncan Burton, the new chief nursing officer for England,
said: “Nursing is one of the most rewarding and diverse
careers going and alongside midwifery, these professions offer
people the chance to make a real difference to people's lives
every day.
“Thousands of students are already on track to start nursing and
midwifery degrees this September, but for any students still
deciding on their next steps or rethinking their original
choices, I would urge you to consider applying for a
healthcare course through clearing – it's not too late.
“For anyone who doesn't want to go to university but would still
like a future in healthcare, there are other great routes into
the NHS – you could consider healthcare support worker roles
which don't require a degree but are a great entry point into a
career caring for patients, or a nurse apprenticeship which is an
alternative route to obtaining a nursing degree.
“Joining the NHS as a nurse was the best decision I ever made
so if you think nursing could be for you, you can search
‘NHS nursing careers' to find out more about the roles available
and how to apply.”
Health and Social Care Secretary, , said: “I want to congratulate all the
students getting their exam results this week. To those looking
to begin a career in health and social care - you are the future
of our NHS.
“Whether you've always wanted to work in this field or you've
just discovered it, clearing is a great opportunity to explore
the variety of roles on offer.
“The NHS saved my life and I will forever be grateful to the
dedication of its hard working staff. Join the team and together
we can save our NHS.”
The NHS Long Term Workforce Plan aims to expand adult nursing
training places by as much as 80 per cent by 2030/31, while there
are also ambitious plans to train thousands more nurses and
midwives via apprenticeships.
One new recruit, 27-year-old Alice Devitt, switched her career
direction from fashion to nursing by applying through clearing
after a serious illness. She's now only a few months away from
qualifying and becoming a registered adult nurse.
Alice, a student at Teesside University, said: “The care I
received while I was ill helped me realise that nursing was my
passion.
“Within a very short time of making my decision to apply, I
secured a place through clearing and started my course. It was
all very straightforward.
“The support from my university has been amazing. It has helped
me through some really difficult times and made me feel that I
can keep going and succeed.
“Being a nurse is a privilege. I can't wait to qualify and start
my NHS career.”
Emily Patrick, aged 22, a final-year adult nursing student at
Anglia Ruskin University, applied for her degree through clearing
after switching from a politics degree. She starts her NHS
career in intensive care this September.
Emily said: “One of the best things about being a student nurse
is feeling you are part of a team.
“I am so proud to be a student nurse. Knowing that I have made a
difference to patients makes the hardest days easier. Simple
gestures such as hug from a patient, or a family member makes it
all worthwhile.”
The period for UCAS clearing is open, and once results are
announced on Thursday, prospective students will be able to apply
for courses until 21 October.
Entry requirements for nursing degree courses will vary, but
students are advised they will likely need at least two A Levels
or equivalent. Prospective applicants are advised to contact a
university directly to find out their specific requirements.
Student nurses, midwives and allied health professionals may also
be eligible for the NHS Learning Support Fund and receive at
least £5,000 towards their costs per year.
To find out more about jobs in the health service and how to
apply, search NHS Health Careers online or visit www.healthcareers.nhs.uk.