Students in Cornwall asked to consider a career in the NHS
For students who may be considering their career choices, a future in healthcare could be the life-changing career they’re looking for.
Senior hospital leaders across the country are urging local students applying for UCAS, as well as anyone not sure of their current career path, to consider joining the NHS through a healthcare degree.
In 2024, over 20,000 people in England accepted a place on a nursing degree. This included nearly 1,000 more school leavers compared to 2019 and before an unprecedented spike in applications during the pandemic. 3,420 people also started their journey to become a midwife in 2024.
Bernadette George, Director of Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Care Professionals for the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, said:
“It’s always heartening to see so many young people choosing to pursue a career in the NHS. Being a nurse, midwife or allied healthcare professional is one of the most rewarding and diverse careers, with over 50 different jobs and specialties for students to look into 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.
“For those who are still deciding on their next steps, or perhaps rethinking their original choices, I would urge you to consider applying for a nursing, midwifery or allied health professionals’ course through UCAS, and to search NHS careers to find out more.”
There are also great career options in the NHS for anyone who doesn’t want to go to university but would still like a future in healthcare. Healthcare support worker roles don’t require a degree and give the chance to gain practical on-the-job experience with patients while offering fantastic progression opportunities.
Student nurses, midwives and allied health professionals could also be eligible for the NHS Learning Support Fund and receive at least £5,000 a year. Mental health and learning disability nursing students can also access an additional £1,000 a year in funding.
UCAS application deadline is the 29 January 2025. 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. Contact a university directly to find out what specific qualifications are needed.
If you think the NHS could be the career for you, search ‘NHS careers’ to find out more about the range of roles within the NHS and how to apply.
Discovery Day
For anyone interested to learn more, the RCHT will also be hosting a Discovery Day – an “Introduction to Careers” event at the Knowledge Spa, Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro. This event takes place on Saturday 18 January.
While not a recruitment event, the Discovery Day aims to showcase some of the great opportunities that are available in the health and care sector. For anyone considering a career in health and care, then this is an event not to be missed.
The Discovery Day is free, but everyone attending will need to register for a ticket. Find out more about careers in the NHS.