THE NHS in the North West is calling on anyone not sure of their career path after A Level results day to consider a career in the NHS by becoming a nurse or midwife.

Exam results will be announced on Thursday 15 August and clearing places are available for nursing and midwifery, and the NHS is reminding students who may be reconsidering their options that a future in healthcare could be for them.

So far this year, 33,560 people in England have applied for a nursing degree, and 7,290 have applied to become a midwife.

Andrea Boland, Deputy Director of Nursing in NHS England North West’s Workforce, Training and Education Directorate, said, “A nursing or midwifery degree gives you career prospects. You can teach, lead or specialise in your passion. In nursing alone there is a diverse range of 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.

“If you’re still undecided what your next steps are, or perhaps rethinking your original options, I would urge you to consider applying for a nursing or midwifery course through UCAS clearing, and to search NHS nursing careers to find out more. You can also register your interest in an NHS career and we’ll support you every step of the way.”

Those who choose to attend university to study nursing or midwifery could also 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.

Lauren Caulfield is a Midwifery Student at the University of Manchester. She said, “I’m a student midwife and it’s such a fulfilling role. Supporting women and doing what I can to ensure positive outcomes is so important and adds so much value to their experiences. The process is super easy, and if you want to make a meaningful difference, use clearance to become a part of this rewarding journey.”

Lucy Garuba is an Adult Student Nurse at the University of Manchester. She said, “Embracing my cultural heritage has enhanced my nursing journey. If you’re from a minority background, consider nursing as a career choice and be proud of your identity. Be an inspiration for others to promote diversity within the nursing profession.”

Sarah Thompson, a Student Specialist Public Health Nurse at the University of Central Lancashire, has been with the NHS for 20 years having started off as a community nursery nurse in a health visiting team.

Having had her first baby in 2005, Sarah is a mother of six children and graduated from university with a degree in early years and health in 2008.

“I always wanted a big family and although I was always passionate about my role helping families in our local area, I always felt I could go further in my career. In 2020 during the pandemic, I was off sick for a few weeks. Seeing the inspirational nurses and medics do so much during the Covid outbreak touched me. I wondered about being a nurse but my large family and having a child with complex needs, I never imagined I could manage to fulfil my dream,” she said.

She then saw an advert for an 18-month nurse apprentice course with Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Northumbria University. “After long discussions with my husband and family, and lots of encouragement from colleagues, I left my post after 17 years to become a nurse. I graduated with first class honours in 2022 and became a staff nurse,” she said.

However, leaving health visiting was difficult, and so Sarah enrolled on to the Specialist Public Health Nurse course at the University of Central Lancashire to become a health visitor. “Juggling university work and practice is difficult but doable and I am due to qualify as a health visitor in September this year. My mentor has been amazing and the support from university and placement has pulled me through. Everyone says they don’t know how I do it, but I honestly believe that anything is possible if you have the grit and determination. I am so proud to be a role model for my six children and continue to be a part of our fabulous NHS,” she said.

Students will get world class training that supports them every step in their career. They can also land a job with the NHS and receive a starting salary of at least £27,000 a year.

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 will vary, but students are advised they will likely need at least two A Levels or equivalent.