Routes into Nursing

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There are a few different routes into Nursing for Support Workers as outlined below.

You will find information about Nursing careers on the NHSScotland Careers website

To become a nurse in Scotland, you must complete a Nursing and Midwifery Council approved nursing programme of education. 

You may find the future nurse career pathways poster helpful.

Routes into Nursing for Support Workers

Traditional degree route can take 4 years depending on the degree you choose. Anyone with the relevant qualifications can apply. 

Open University (OU) route allows you to remain employed in your current role while undertaking the nursing degree programme over a four-year period on a part time basis.  The programme includes online learning and local placements.

HNC route allows successful learners to access year one of a Nursing degree programme or go directly into 2nd year of the programme if they meet specific criteria.  Some Boards offer the HNC route to existing HCSWs, you should ask your local practice education team for more details.

HNC Healthcare Practice (previously HNC Care & Administrative Practice) is a recognised entry option for Nursing Degree programmes. Units (Mandatory) included in this qualification (12.0 credits):
•Safe Working Practice for Care - SCQF 7(J4DM34) (1.0)
•Therapeutic Relationships: Understanding behaviour - SCQF 7(J4DN34) (1.0)
•Sociology and Health in Scotland - SCQF 7(J4DP34) (1.0)
•Professional Standards for Care Practice - SCQF 7(J4DR34) (1.0)
•Understanding Personal and Professional Development - SCQF 7(J4DS34) (1.0)
•Clinical Skills for Care Practitioners - SCQF 7(J4DT34) (3.0)
•The Human Body in Health and Illness - SCQF 7(J4DV34) (2.0)
•Exploring Mental Health - SCQF 7(J4DW34) (1.0)
•Graded Unit 1: Healthcare Practice - SCQF 7(J4JY34) (1.0) 

Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP) - this route is for adult learners who have been out of education for three or more years. It helps bridge gaps in your education and leads to a university nursing degree.  There are no entry requirements and duration is one year, followed by entry into a SWAP-partnered university nursing programme. 

For a list of institutions approved to provide pre-registration nursing programmes please search the Nursing and Midwifery Council approved programmes list.  

Professional Development Awards are also available which would help develop your academic writing and research.  Lists of all participating Colleges can be accessed  at Colleges Scotland website.

 

Return to Nursing Practice 

This route is for former qualified nurses and is a process for readmission to the nursing and midwifery register. The NMC has a number of requirements for this. You can find detailed information on this process on the Nursing and Midwifery Council website

Please note: Return to Practice is designed for candidates that have previously held an NMC registration in the United Kingdom. If you have studied nursing and midwifery out with the UK and have never held an NMC registration you must follow the process outlined by the NMC -Trained outside the UK 

You may have questions around funding for career pathways or learning and development in general. You will find information on the funding options in the finding a qualification to support career development page.