The Access to Nursing and Health course is a QAA approved full-time course designed for mature students. It is particularly suitable for people who have been out of education for some time and need to develop or rediscover their confidence and academic skills before progressing on to nurse or health training.
Level 3
There are no entry requirements other than an interest in the course and the opportunities that it offers, coupled with a good standard of written English / reading comprehension. Students will be required to attend a group information / selection evening prior to joining the course. Students will also normally be expected to demonstrate substantial experience of life outside of formal education as well as genuine commitment to this very intense course of study.
36 weeks
All students study the following subjects:
Level 2:
> English
> Maths (including Nursing Maths)
> and IT
Level 3:
> Study Skills
> Human Biology
> Health Studies
> and Psychology
Students with relevant previous qualifications (e.g. a GCSE in Maths taken within the last 5 years) might be able to map these over, lightening the load a little.
Students learn in a number of ways and engage in a wide variety of activities, from traditional class discussions to up-to-the-minute interactive technologies. There are opportunities for individual and group work, and as mature learners Access students are encouraged to express and debate their thoughts and opinions on the topics under consideration.
Lively guest speakers are regularly invited in to give learners insights into a range of potential careers and opportunities.
The course is continuously assessed by regular assignments and time constrained tests. You will experience a variety of assessment methods during your time on the course, such as essays, reports, presentations, observed discussions etc.
Successful completion of the course will allow you to progress on to a range of training opportunities within the nursing and health professions, including nursing and midwifery degrees.
You will need a large lever arch folder for your main portfolio, plus separate folders for each individual subject you are studying.
You will also need the usual stationery (pens, pencils, rulers etc) and A4 lined paper / notepads for taking notes. Notepads smaller than A4 are not suitable. Additional required materials are detailed in the course handbook.