Nurses, much like doctors, must be a fount of all medical knowledge. This is because they are required to triage patients, administer treatments, perform low-level procedures, carry out tests and provide general care, all of which requires considerable training and scientific comprehension to understand.
Nurses make up the largest portion of our healthcare system and carry out a range of different tasks in the course of their duties. As such, being a Nurse is a demanding but rewarding role. Your day is filled with constant challenges, but you significantly benefit other people’s lives by caring for those who are sick, recovering from injury or experiencing mental health issues.
According to official figures, the NHS is short roughly 40,000 nurses. This obviously presents hospitals and other health departments with something of a crisis when it comes to providing adequate care. However, for those considering how to become a Nurse, there has never been a better time to qualify.
Of course, you will still have to get a degree in nursing, and many of the degree entry requirements will look for learners with Science A Levels. Though, all is not lost if you don’t have a Science background.
How to Become a Nurse in UK
To be a Nurse, you need to complete an undergraduate degree in nursing. This is non-negotiable purely because you need to know how to care for patients safely.
As with any course, you need to meet the minimum entry requirements. Universities have the power to specify their own, but you are likely to need at least two (usually three) A Levels. Nursing degree courses often specify their preferred or essential A Level or equivalent subjects. This normally includes one Science which is usually Biology, though a social science like Sociology or Psychology can also be desired.
You’ll also need supporting GCSEs including English, Maths and a Science (again this is usually Biology or Human Biology), though it is best to check with your chosen universities to confirm what they are looking for.
To make things clear, you don’t need to be a Scientist to be a Nurse. A good understanding of Biology is a bonus but it’s not always essential to get on to nursing courses. Your nursing degree will cover human Biology extensively, so you can start gaining that knowledge in detail once you get started on that level of study.
In the meantime, there are ways to get around not having Science A Levels. There may also be some flexibility if you have relevant work or voluntary experience and/or qualifications in other related fields.
Alternative Routes to a Nursing Degree
Some universities offer a foundation year for those looking into how to become a Nurse without the necessary entry qualifications.
Foundation courses allow you to start university straight away but adds a full year to your studies, and an extra year of tuition fees too. This can make an already expensive process prohibitive. You also may not be ready to start studying university from a financial, familial or employment perspective.
If you don’t have the relevant Level 3 Science qualifications but you don’t feel a foundation year is right for you then you’ll need to explore other routes to a nursing degree. One of the most popular being an Access to Nursing Course. This and other alternate routes are discussed below:
Access to Higher Education Nursing
The Access to Higher Education Diploma in Nursing prepares students for study as an undergraduate in nursing at university. The Access course for nursing is designed for anyone who wants to study a nursing degree but lacks the relevant qualifications.
They are recognised by almost all universities in the UK. So, if you don’t have an A Level in Biology or another Science, the Access to HE Diplomas will provide you with a sufficient Level 3 alternative to A Levels. So, with this and the relevant GCSEs, you can go on to study a nursing degree.
The Access to HE Nursing Diploma focuses specifically on teaching you everything you need to know ahead of studying your degree, including the required scientific knowledge. During your studies, you will learn about:
- Cell Biology
- Human nutrition
- The digestive system
- Growth and development
- The human musculoskeletal system
- Approaches to health
- Human disease and prevention
- The nervous system
You will also get an introduction to Psychology, social factors in healthcare, inequalities in health and illness, poverty and health and equality and diversity within healthcare.
Also, while you have two years to complete an Access to HE Diploma, most learners are finished within 9-12months.
Post-Graduate Diploma
If you have already completed a degree in a related subject, then you may be eligible for a post-graduate diploma in nursing. The related subject could be a BSc or a BA.
The diploma takes 2 years to complete but at the end of the course you will be a qualified, registered Nurse.
Returning to Practice
Any nurses wishing to return to practice may do so, but they are required to take a refresher course. Depending on how long it has been since you last practised, this could take between 3 and 12 months.
Nursing Degree Apprenticeships
Nursing degree apprenticeships offer a flexible route into nursing. These courses take 4 years to complete and require you to complete a nursing degree while learning on the job.
You will still need at least a Level 3 qualification as you will be studying at degree level. So, if you lack A Level qualifications (or their equivalent) then an Access to HE Nursing is your best bet.
Study Access to Nursing Courses with Stonebridge
Stonebridge Associated Colleges can help you study a nursing degree without a scientific background. What’s more, they are completed online for the utmost flexibility.
This means those looking at how to become a Nurse in UK can do so conveniently around their existing commitments. If you want to achieve your learning goals on your terms, all you need to do is talk to our Course Executives today. They can run you through the modules you will cover, the level of tutor support you will receive, and the payment options you can take advantage of.
Call them on 0121 392 8288, contact them online or click below to view the Access to Nursing Course in detail.
I didnt study science or biology but im intrested in doing nursing ….My question is What should i do?
Thank you for your message.
An Access to HE Diploma would be the best way forwards for you to achieve your goal of becoming a nurse. More information about the course can be found: https://www.stonebridge.uk.com/category/he-access-nursing
Alternatively, please give the team a call and we would be more than happy to discuss options.
Thanks
I have a BSc in human anatomy, what path would be favourable to study nursing?
Hi Oge,
You would have to undertake appropriate courses to become a nurse. You can start with an Access to Higher Education Nursing Diploma – https://www.stonebridge.uk.com/category/he-access-nursing
Hope that helps.
Thanks
Hi
My question when I was in my third year I realized nursing was my passion. But it was too late to change course. Now that am done with my degree I don’t know what to do. I read education and I don’t want to teach with guilt and displeasure. Kids don’t deserve it. What should I do? I would really appreciate it if you could reply me since I have nothing to show that I qualify. Thank you
Hi Priscilla,
If you want to change your focus, you would have to undertake the appropriate courses to achieve your goal of being a nurse. If your degree is not in nursing or healthcare, the best route would be an Access to HE Diploma, then progress onto university to complete the appropriate course.
Thanks
I am art inclined but i have a background of biology. What do i do to study nursing
Hi Staryl,
If you’re looking to become a nurse, the https://www.stonebridge.uk.com/category/he-access-nursing course is a great place to start. You can then progress on to university for an undergraduate degree in nursing.
Thanks
Hi! Im long time interested to do nursing but, didnt do biology and science, help please what can i do to still become a nurse my dream work.
Hi Bavaria,
Thanks for your message. You are able to get into nursing without a science background. The best route for you is to complete the Access to HE Diploma Nursing, more details about the course can be found here: https://www.stonebridge.uk.com/category/he-access-nursing
Thanks
I’m 38years old and I read Economics in a Nigerian University. I’m currently hoping to study Nursing in a UK school. I understand that I will have to do the AE diploma course but would I still need to go do an undergraduate course again? Especially considering my age.
Hi Maxxy,
Thank you for your message. As you have not studied in the UK, the Access to HE Diploma Nursing will be a great course for you. As your qualification is in Economics, you will need to complete an undergraduate degree in Nursing.
You will need to look at what the entry requirements are for the university that you want to attend to completed the undergraduate course.
Thanks.
Hello, I have a degree in sociology but I want to get another degree in nursing. Please how do I go about it.
Hi Chi,
Thanks for your message. When did you complete your previous degree? You can check directly with universities that offer Nursing degrees if they would accept you onto the course first, but they may say that you would need to complete something like an Access to HE Diploma in Nursing. If you want to discuss the Access to HE Diploma Nursing, please give us a call and we can discuss further.
Thanks
Please what is the duration for the Access to HE Diploma Nursing and fees?
Hi Chi,
An Access to HE Diploma is 9 – 12 months on average. If you can give us a call on +44 (0)121 392 8288 we can any other questions that you may have.
Thanks.
I’m 49yrs old and a caregiver so my dream is to be a nurse so can I qualify at this age
Hello Margaret,
You can undertake a Nursing course at any age. Please give us a call on speak to our Course Advisors on 0121 392 8288.
Thanks