ALT-1 How to become a Nurse
In order to become a nurse you must have completed a three year degree or higher national diploma in nursing, and at the end of this, have registered with the Nursing and midwifery Council (NMC), the regulatory body for nurses and midwifes. Many universities have faculties of health which run the pre-registration nursing programme.
There are many paths you can take which will enable you to be eligible to apply for a place at university.
The first of these is via A-levels; the amount and type of these, along with the points needed, will vary between institution, but generally you will be expected to have taken 3 A-levels in relevant subjects, such as biology or social sciences. Some universities accept general studies as a subject, most do not.
The second way is via an alternative to A-levels. For example, a BTEC in healthcare or childcare. These courses last two years full time, as do A-levels, and, depending on the grade you receive at the end, will be equilavent to the points issued for A-levels at different grades.
The third way to be eligible to apply for a place on a pre-registration nursing programme is via Access to Nursing. This course is open to the over 21s, and again, is an alternative to A-levels.
All 3 routes are acadmeic, requiring essays and examinations along the way.
The first step is to chose which branch you would like to study. There are four branches; adult, child, mental health and learning disability. You may be able to change, but not all universities offer all branches, so if you want to change branch at the start of year 2 (the only point to really change without having to start 2nd year agin) it may be more difficult if the branch isn't offered, as you may have to change university.
Find out which universities offer these programmes. This can be done via the course search on UCAS. Visit the university website, attend open days and talk to past and current students.
You will need to apply. Like uther undergraduate students, you will not apply directly to the university/universities you intend to study at. There are 2 ways for prospective student nurses to apply via:
1)UCAS (university and college admission service). Most undergraduates apply via this route. UCAS will deal with applications for degrees in nursing. Applications can be completed by hand or electronically, but they must have reached UCAS, with payment, by the date specified by UCAS (generally on or around 15th January preceeding the academic year of admission). The application form contains a section for personal details (name, date of birth, address etc) courses you wish to apply for (including the institution code and course code, all of which can be found on the internet) and a personal statement section. Information here should be related to nursing, why you want to be a nurse, what qualities you have, skills you can bring to nursing etc. If you are currently in sixth form/college, some have an online application, where you are able to apply through the college and your form goes direct to your personal tutor, where they write your reference, and then it goes directly on to UCAS.
2)NMAS (nursing and midwifery admission service). NMAS deals with applications for diplomas in nursing. Their role is similar to UCAS.
The next step to becoming a nurse will be attending interview. These can be in the form of group interviews, an interview with one interviewer or an interview with two or three interviewers. You may be asked to participate in a discussion or write an essay. As for any interview, dress smartly, and come prepared. Be early. Bring any documentation you are asked to bring, such as identification, examination certificates or other supporting information. Answer questions honestly, with more than simply yes or no. Talk to the interviewer, have an impact (in a positive way) and make them remember you. Elaborate on your personal statement, highlighting important aspects. Ask the interviewer/s any questions you may have about the course. Be confident.
Once you have successfully completed your 3 years at university (and they fly by) you will have to register with the NMC in order to obtain a PIN, which you will need before you start work as a nurse. This registration will need to be renewed every year, and the NMC guidelines for renewal adhered to, which invloves further study (beyond mandatory training).
Finally, if you are worried as you will be a more mature student, don't be. Many student nurse are older than students on other courses. About half the people in my class are over 35.
