The NHS offers rewarding opportunities in nursing and midwifery

Clearinghouses are now available for these professions and the NHS is committed to reminding students of the rewarding opportunities in healthcare.

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

Andrea Boland, assistant director of nursing at NHS England North West’s workforce, training and education department, said: “A degree in nursing or writing gives you career opportunities.

“You can teach, lead or immerse yourself in your passion.

“In nursing alone there is a wide variety of careers with over 50 different jobs and skills that students can explore while studying and after graduation.

“Midwifery also provides hands-on training with the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of patients in a variety of different areas while learning.”

Students who choose to go to university to study nursing or midwifery may also be eligible for the NHS Support Fund, which offers up to £5,000 a year, as well as additional payments to study mental health or learning disability nursing.

Prospective students can apply for these scholarships until October 21.

Entry requirements for nursing and midwifery degree courses will vary, but students may need at least two A Years or equivalent.

Lauren Caulfield, a midwifery student at the University of Manchester, said: “I’m a student midwife and it’s a rewarding role.

“Supporting women and doing what I can to ensure positive outcomes is very important and adds value to their experiences.

“The process is very simple, and if you want to make a meaningful difference, apply for permission to be part of this rewarding journey.”

Lucy Garuba, a senior student nurse at the University of Manchester, said: “Embracing my cultural background has enriched my nursing journey.

“If you come from a poor family, consider nursing as a career option and be proud of your identity.

“Be an inspiration to others to promote diversity within the nursing profession.”

Sarah Thompson, a specialist public health student nurse at the University of Central Lancashire, has been with the NHS for 20 years, starting as a social care nurse in the health visitor team.

She said: “I always wanted a big family, and although I was always passionate about my role in helping families in my area, I always felt that I could progress in my career.

“In 2020 during this epidemic, I got sick for a few weeks.

“Seeing the inspiring nurses and doctors doing so much during the Covid pandemic touched my heart.

“I wondered about becoming a nurse but my family is big and having a child with complex needs, I never thought I would be able to fulfill my dream.”

Then she saw an advert for an 18-month apprenticeship with Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Northumbria University.

“After long discussions with my husband and family, and a lot of encouragement from colleagues, I quit my job after 17 years to become a nurse.

“I graduated in 2022 and became a staff nurse,” she said.

However, it was difficult to give up health visiting, so she enrolled in a Public Health Nurse course at the University of Central Lancashire to become a health visitor.

“I am due to become a health visitor in September this year.

“Everyone says they don’t know how I do it, but I honestly believe that anything is possible if you have courage and determination.

“I am proud to be a role model for my six children and continue to be part of our wonderful NHS,” she said.

UCAS clearing is now open.