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Access to Nursing Courses

What is an Access to Nursing Course?

Do you want to be a nurse but don’t have the necessary educational requirements to enter a training programme? Undertaking an Access to Nursing course will get you started on the path to becoming a Registered Nurse.

Do I Need to Take the Access to Nursing Course?

There is no standard entry requirements for the degree or diploma courses but the normal basic requirements are five GCSEs (or equivalent) for the diploma course and two A-levels (or equivalent) for the degree course. However, the exact entry requirements are set by the Higher Education Institution (i.e. university or college) and can vary so contact a variety of Universities before deciding whether to apply for the Access to Nursing Course.

Entry requirements for the Access to Nursing Course

The Foundation programme is aimed at individuals who may have few or no formal qualifications but who can demonstrate a clear commitment to pursuing a career within their chosen profession. Personal, professional and educational experiences will be considered to determine motivation and ability to progress onto the degree programme. This means that your life experience and the extent that you are determined to pass the course will also be taken into account. This is when being a mature student can act in your favour!

Modules

You will generally undertake ten modules (modules are blocks of study), eight of the modules have a credit rating of ten credits and two modules have a credit rating of 20 credits. You need to gain 120 credits to start on your chosen degree or Diploma of Higher Education programme. The modules will be similar to these, but may vary between different universities.

10 Credit Modules

• Core Skills
• Core Skills 2
• Human Biology 1
• Human Biology 2
• Psychology
• Sociology
• Study Skills
• Vocational Study

20 Credit Modules

• Foundations of Health
• Introduction to Research

Students on these courses will be assessed using a range of tools such as, formal examination, presentations, assignments and the creation of a portfolio of learning.

Applying for the Access to Nursing Course

You will need to complete an application form, which enables you to submit a Personal Statement. This statement gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your motivation and enthusiasm for undertaking the course, as well as allowing you to list any relevant qualification and skills you possess. This is where you need to demonstrate just how much you want to succeed in this course and the nurse diploma or degree course that follows!

You will be required to attend an interview, you will need to be in good health and to be prepared to undergo a CRB (criminal record bureau) check if you are offered a place on the course.

Prior to commencing your programme of study you may find it helpful to familiarise yourself with some core IT skills:

• Basic word processing
• Storing and retrieving files
• Communicating via e-mail
• Searching the web for information, e.g. online shopping, booking a holiday, homework.
• Using ProNurse to research your nursing career!

How Much Will it Cost Me to Take the Access to Nursing Course?

If you are under 19 when the course starts you should not have to pay course fees, but you may have to buy some materials and equipment as appropriate. If you are over 19 when the course starts you will have to pay fees of around £1300 + exam fees. However, funding is available.

For the Foundation Programme you should contact your Local Authority (LA) to apply for financial support. The main three types of financial help you can apply for are:

Money towards tuition fees – This will be based on an assessment of your income/ financial position and that of your family if appropriate.

Student Loan – We recommend that you apply for a student loan even if you do not think you will need to use it. Supplementary grants – Extra help may be available for students in certain circumstances. This includes, for example, disabled students, those with dependents including lone parents, those incurring travel costs in certain circumstances.

University Bursary -You may also be eligible for a means-tested bursary.

Visit the web sites of your chosen university and your local education authority to get all the information about courses in your area.

There is more information about funding for nurses in our All About Funding for Nurses article

More information about becoming a nurse…

So You Want To Become A Nurse?

10 Steps to Become A Nurse

How Much Do Nurses Earn?

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