NHS urges A-level students to consider a career in healthcare
The NHS is urging any students who have received their A-level results today and are still considering their options to choose a career in nursing or midwifery.
Already this year, 37,330 people in England have signed up for a nursing degree, a 31% increase from 2019 (28,480)*.
While many A-level students have already chosen nursing careers to start this September, others will be reconsidering their options and the NHS is calling on students to choose a nursing or healthcare-related degree, with the final places this year available through clearing.
Nursing is one of the most rewarding and wide-ranging careers, with over 50 different jobs and specialties that students can look into while studying and after graduating. Midwifery also offers hands-on training with the opportunity to make a real difference to patients’ lives through a range of different placements while learning.
Those who choose to attend university to study nursing will be eligible for the NHS Learning Support Fund, which will guarantee a grant of £5,000 a year, as well as specialist payments for studying mental health or learning disability nursing.
Students will leave as one of the most employable graduates in the UK, with 94% of those studying nursing landing a job within 6 months.
Nina Morgan, Regional Chief Nurse for the Midlands, said: “It is amazing to see so many young people making the decision to pursue a career in the NHS, helping to deliver world-class healthcare to the people that need it.
“If you are undecided on what your next steps are going to be, or are rethinking your original choices, I strongly encourage you to consider applying to study nursing through UCAS clearing.”
Janet Driver, Regional Chief Midwife for the Midlands, added; “I am delighted to see so many people choosing courses in midwifery and nursing; a career in the NHS is a fantastic decision.
“Places are still available for midwifery through UCAS clearing. Apply and you could change lives here in the Midlands”.
UCAS clearing is now open and prospective students will be able to apply for courses until the 18 October. Entry requirements for nursing degree courses will vary, but students are advised they will likely need at least two A-levels or equivalent. Contact a university directly to find out what specific qualifications are needed.
If you think nursing could be the career for you, search ‘NHS nursing careers’ to find out more about the range of roles within the NHS and how to apply.
John Podmore, a three-year student nurse from Derby, had this to say about their career path: “I chose mental health nursing to be able to advocate for my patients in their time of need and provide nursing care that is compassionate and empathic. I’m there to be their torch in their darkest hour.”
Rachel Atkin, a three-year student nurse from Derby, added: “My passion is people – helping them, listening to them, encouraging and empowering them. Whilst we’re not able to make everyone well again, there is something beautiful about making them feel as well as possible. My world of nursing is fabulous, I’d love you to come and join us”
Elis Marter-Kirby, a three-year nurse from University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, says: “When leaving school, you may be worried about finding a job. However, studying nursing means your skills and knowledge could lead to you to receiving a job within the NHS. The NHS is the biggest employer in Europe, offering job security and satisfaction, as well as opportunities to develop your skills to a higher level.
“Join myself, as well as thousands of other highly-skilled healthcare professionals in what can be a challenging and varied, yet fulfilling and rewarding job.”
Asheka Yasmin, a student midwife from University of Leicester, said: “My rationale for choosing MSci Midwifery with Leadership amongst the vast choices of degrees is based on a mixture of thoughts and ideas. These include observations on the impact of healthcare in life-changing decision making.
“Coming from a BAME background myself, I want to lead by example in being a midwife of change and positivity.”