Yes, you can. You have to go through a few science subjects such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, microbiology, chemistry, and a little bit of basic mathematics in order to study nursing in full.
Nurses – much like doctors – must be a font of all medical knowledge. They are required to triage patients, administer treatments, perform low-level procedures, carry out tests and provide general care.
They make up the largest element of our healthcare system and carry out a range of different tasks in the course of their duties.
Being a nurse is a demanding but rewarding role, caring for the sick, infirm, or individuals with mental health issues.
According to official figures NHS is short roughly 40,000 nurses. This obviously presents hospitals with something of a crisis when it comes to providing adequate care.
However, for those considering changing careers and training to become a nurse, there has never been a better time.
Of course, you will still have to get a degree in nursing. As with all degree courses you will need to meet the minimum requirements to enrol.
But what do you do if you lack the relevant qualifications?
How to start your training
To be a nurse you need to complete an undergraduate degree in nursing. This is non-negotiable purely because you need to know how to care for patients safely.
As with any course you need to meet the minimum requirements. Universities have the power to specify their own entry requirements, but you are likely to need at least two (usually three) A-levels.
You don’t need to be a scientist to be a nurse. A good understanding of biology is a bonus but not always essential to get on to the course. Your nursing degree will cover human biology extensively.
Courses often specify preferred or essential A-level or equivalent subjects, such as one science – usually biology. Or a social science such as sociology or psychology.
Equivalent qualifications at level 3, SQAs and Scottish Wider Access Programme certificate are also accepted.
You’ll also need supporting GCSEs including English, maths and a science (usually biology or human biology). But check with your chosen universities to confirm entry requirements.
There may be some flexibility if you have relevant work or voluntary experience and/or qualifications in related fields.
Some universities offer a foundation year for those without the necessary entry qualifications.
Foundation courses allow you to start university straight away but adds a full year to your studies – and an extra year of tuition fees too.
This can make an already expensive process prohibitive. You also may not be ready to start studying university from a financial, familial or employment perspective.
Did You Know : Top 15 Free Online Learning Platforms
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Free Online Education Degrees : Coursera:
Coursera partners with universities and organizations worldwide to offer a wide range of courses. While many courses are free, a fee is often required for certification.
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Free Online Education Degrees: edX:
Founded by MIT and Harvard, edX offers high-quality courses from top universities and institutions around the world. Certificates are available for a fee.
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Free Online Education Degrees : Khan Academy:
Khan Academy provides free educational content in various subjects, especially mathematics and science, using instructional videos and practice exercises.
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Free Online Education Degrees : Udacity:
Udacity focuses on tech-related courses and nanodegree programs, offering free content as well as more in-depth paid programs.
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Free Online Education Degrees : MIT OpenCourseWare (OCW):
MIT OCW provides a vast array of MIT's course content for free, covering a wide range of disciplines.
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Free Online Education Degrees : Harvard Extension School:
Harvard Extension School offers a selection of free online courses. While some courses are free, others may require payment for a certificate.
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Free Online Education Degrees: Stanford Online:
Stanford Online offers a variety of free courses in different disciplines, including computer science, engineering, and business.
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Best Free Online Courses : Carnegie Mellon Open Learning Initiative (OLI):
OLI offers free online courses and resources designed to improve learning outcomes through research-based methodologies.
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UC Berkeley offers free online courses on a variety of subjects, ranging from computer science to humanities.
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LinkedIn Learning provides a variety of video courses on professional development, technology, and creative skills. It offers a free trial period.
Did you know : International Scholarships 2024
There are several international scholarships available for South Africans to study abroad. Here are a few examples:
- Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Program: This program provides fully funded scholarships to study at selected universities in Africa, Europe, and North America. It is open to African students, including South Africans, who are committed to giving back to their communities.
- Commonwealth Scholarships: The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission offers scholarships for postgraduate study in the UK for citizens of Commonwealth countries, including South Africa. The scholarships cover tuition fees, travel costs, and a living allowance.
- Fulbright Foreign Student Program: The Fulbright program offers scholarships for South Africans to study at U.S. universities for a Master’s or PhD degree. The scholarship covers tuition, travel, living expenses, and health insurance.
- Erasmus+ Programme: The Erasmus+ programme offers scholarships for South Africans to study in Europe for a Master’s or PhD degree. The scholarship covers tuition fees, travel, and living expenses.
- Australia Awards Scholarships: The Australian government offers scholarships for South Africans to study at Australian universities. The scholarship covers tuition fees, travel costs, and a living allowance.
These are just a few examples of the many international scholarships available to South Africans. It is important to research the eligibility requirements and application deadlines for each scholarship program.