This results day, NHS organisations are urging students to consider a career in the health service.
NHS England says there are still healthcare degree places remaining as students are getting their A-level, T-level or BTEC results today.
Already this year, 33,560 people in England have applied for a nursing degree, and 7,290 have applied to become a midwife, but there are still places available through clearing.
Students are reminded that nurses and midwives are able to earn while they learn. Student nurses, midwives and allied health professionals could be eligible for the NHS Learning Support Fund and receive at least £5,000 towards their costs a year.
Louise Ashley, interim regional chief nurse for the NHS in the East of England, said: “Nursing and midwifery are such rewarding and diverse careers. With more than 50 different specialties to choose from, a career in nursing and midwifery offers both variety and great personal satisfaction.
“There are also healthcare career options for anyone who doesn’t want to go to university. You can start as a healthcare support worker and move through the apprenticeship route to becoming a registered healthcare professional.
“Whatever your next steps are, I urge you to consider applying for a nursing or midwifery course through UCAS Clearing now – search for ‘NHS nursing careers’ to find out more.”
Andrea Boland, deputy director of nursing in NHS England North West’s Workforce, Training and Education Directorate, said, “A nursing or midwifery degree gives you career prospects. You can teach, lead or specialise in your passion. In nursing alone there is a diverse range of careers with over 50 different jobs and specialties that students can look into while studying and 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.
“If you’re still undecided what your next steps are, or perhaps rethinking your original options, I would urge you to consider applying for a nursing or midwifery course through UCAS clearing, and to search NHS nursing careers to find out more. You can also register your interest in an NHS career and we’ll support you every step of the way.”
London Ambulance Service is reminding students about the range of career and training opportunities available at the country's busiest ambulance service.
There are degrees in paramedic science, but other routes into the profession are also available. There are also opportunities in call handling, education, support services, mechanics, and more.
Chief Paramedic and Quality Officer Pauline Cranmer said: “I know that A-Level results day can be a wonderful or challenging day for many depending on their results. London Ambulance Service aims to be a welcoming and embracing workplace for all who are committed to having a fulfilling and amazing career. I would urge anyone thinking about their next steps – whatever their results today – to have a look at the career opportunities we have.
“When I finished school, I really felt that I was at a crossroads and I wasn’t sure which way to turn. I wanted to do something meaningful, but knew that I didn’t want to spend all of my working life in an office. When my in-laws showed me an advert for the London Ambulance Service, I thought I would give it a go. I started 30 years ago as a Technician, and very quickly knew it was the right call. I then qualified as a paramedic, and since then my career has been really varied, with lots of different opportunities and some amazing friends and colleagues made along the way."
