The newly-appointed chief nursing officer (CNO) for England has urged students collecting A-Level results this week to consider degrees and apprenticeships in healthcare through clearing.
On Thursday, 15 August, thousands of sixth-form and college students across the country will receive their final results.
“Nursing is one of the most rewarding and diverse careers going”
Duncan Burton
For some of these students, the decision to take their previously-held offer from a university may no longer be possible, or they may change their mind and decide to look at what else is available. In both cases, they can enter University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) clearing.
England CNO Duncan Burton today (12 August) put out a statement encouraging anyone on results day entering clearing to consider nursing or midwifery.
“Nursing is one of the most rewarding and diverse careers going and alongside midwifery, these professions offer people the chance to make a real difference to people’s lives every day,” he said.
“Thousands of students are already on track to start nursing and midwifery degrees this September, but for any students still deciding on their next steps or rethinking their original choices, I would urge you to consider applying for a healthcare course through clearing – it’s not too late.”
Mr Burton emphasised that, for those not wishing to take on a degree at university, there are options in healthcare support worker posts, or via degree apprenticeships.
NHS England said there were still “plenty of spaces” available on nursing and midwifery courses across the country and encouraged those who may enter clearing this Thursday to consider them.
The CNO’s comments come shortly after figures from UCAS showed yet another decline in the number of people applying for nursing courses across the UK.
According to UCAS, applications this year had fallen to their lowest in half a decade having decreased 5.5% compared to the 2023-24 academic year cycle, and 26.7% since 2021-22.
This is despite hefty targets for increasing the number of nurses being trained at university and in apprenticeships outlined by last year’s NHS Long Term Workforce Plan, which the new government said it would continue to back.
Clearing is now open and remains open until 21 October.
Emily Patrick, a final-year adult nursing student at Anglia Ruskin University who secured her spot via clearing, backed Mr Burton’s appeal.
She said: “One of the best things about being a student nurse is feeling you are part of a team.
“I am so proud to be a student nurse. Knowing that I have made a difference to patients makes the hardest days easier. Simple gestures such as a hug from a patient, or a family member makes it all worthwhile.”
Health and social care secretary Wes Streeting said also urged students to consider healthcare courses through clearing.
“The NHS saved my life and I will forever be grateful to the dedication of its hard working staff. Join the team and together we can save our NHS,” he said.