Would-be graduates and people looking to change career are being urged to use the university clearing system as a gateway into the NHS in the South West.

As students receive their A-level results on Thursday (15 August), top nurses from the South West are backing a campaign to highlight the many healthcare career options available through UCAS.

And for those not pursuing the graduate route, there are plenty of other ways to join the multitude of health professions, including nursing and midwifery.

All the options are set out on a South West health and care careers website, which covers everything from placements to apprenticeships, with bespoke sections for each locality from Gloucestershire to Cornwall. 

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 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 more than 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, knows exactly what opportunities can open up, having started his career on the respiratory ward at Royal United Hospitals in Bath (see note to editors).

He 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.”

Sue Doheny, Regional Chief Nurse for NHS England in the South West, added: “As Duncan shows, from the wards at Royal United Hospital in Bath to the nation’s top nurse, there’s a mass of career opportunities in the NHS.

“Nurses and midwives are the bedrock of the health service, working every day with people who need their help and expertise. And there are so many ways to join us – take a look at our South West careers website to find out more.”

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.

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.