A-level students in East of England asked to consider an NHS career

School leavers getting their A-level, T-level or BTEC results today are being urged to consider joining the NHS through one of the final healthcare degree places remaining.

Already this year, 33,560 people in England have applied for a nursing degree, and 7,290 have applied to become a midwife. But with plenty of spaces still available through the university clearing system, there is still room for those who are undecided to join more than 420,000 people across the country already in these professions.

With student nurses and midwives able to earn while they learn, NHS England today is reminding school leavers in the East of England who may be considering their choices that a future in healthcare could be the life-changing and highly rewarding career they’re looking for.

Student nurses, midwives and allied health professionals could be eligible for the NHS Learning Support Fund and receive at least £5,000 towards their costs a year.

Nursing and midwifery are such rewarding and diverse careers. With more than 50 different specialities to choose from, a career in nursing and midwifery offers both variety and great personal satisfaction.

There are also healthcare career options for anyone who doesn’t want to go to university. You can start as a healthcare support worker and move through the apprenticeship route to becoming a registered healthcare professional.

Whatever your next steps are, I urge you to consider applying for a nursing or midwifery course through UCAS Clearing now – search for ‘NHS nursing careers’ to find out more.

Louise Ashley, interim regional chief nurse for the NHS in the East of England

Sally Nuttall started her career in nursing after going through Clearing in 2004. 20 years on, after a wide variety of different placements and roles – including community nursing, district nursing, primary care and even lecturing at her local university – she is now a senior clinical manager for midwifery at NHS England in the East of England.

I didn’t get the grades I had hoped for on results day, but I wanted a career where I could make a difference, with good development opportunities.

I chose adult nursing because of the vast number of specialisms and the exposure I would get to different training placements.

If you are unsure about what to do next, take a look at a rewarding career in the NHS.

I never went into nursing with a career plan. Starting with that first decision 20 years ago to go through Clearing, my only ‘rule’ has been to be open to new opportunities and make decisions based on what makes me happy, whilst working with awesome and passionate people. Looking back, my A-level results were a silver-lining as I otherwise may not have considered what’s been a fantastic career in nursing – with still so many new experiences ahead of me.

Sally Nuttall, senior clinical manager for midwifery for the NHS in the East of England

Emily Patrick, aged 22, a final-year adult nursing students at Anglia Ruskin University, applied for her degree through the clearing system after switching from a politics degree. She starts her NHS career in intensive care this September.

I am so proud to be a student nurse – one of the best things is feeling you are part of a team. Knowing that I have made a difference to patients makes the hardest days easier. Simple gestures such as a hug from a patient or a family member makes it all worthwhile.

Emily Patrick, adult nursing student at Anglia Ruskin University

Despite record numbers of doctors and nurses now 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.

UCAS Clearing is now open and prospective students will be able to apply for courses until 21 October. Entry requirements for nursing and midwifery degree courses vary, but students will likely need at least two A-levels or equivalent. Students are advised to contact a university directly to find out what specific qualifications are needed.

To find out more about jobs in the health services and how to apply, search NHS Health Careers online or visit the link below:

Health and care careers in mid and south Essex

Are you looking to get into a career in health and care and want to explore the hundreds of roles and entry routes available to you? Find useful information on the many varied career options in mid and south Essex to help you decide on the right career for you:

Thinking of starting a career in healthcare but not sure where to start? Joining the NHS in Essex as a Health Care Assistant (HCA) is a great launchpad to a rewarding career!

A Health Care Assistant, or HCA, is a key role in the NHS which supports nurses and other staff to deliver excellent care to our patients. You can find HCAs across all sorts of different services, from mental health inpatient wards to elderly wards to community clinics.

It is a fabulous role to get into if you are thinking of starting a career with the NHS but unsure of where to start or prefer to learn on the job.

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