
Nurses are more in demand than ever before. By making a career change now, you can access numerous job openings in the healthcare industry. Employment potential is high and after graduation from a nursing course, most graduates get into paid work.
Do you no longer enjoy what you do? Many people find that they’re looking for challenges that their current job simply can’t provide. The history of nursing reveals that men and women have always been drawn to roles where they can make a difference. It’s not too late to train to become a Nurse and start a new career.
If you are keen to embark on this journey, then continue reading! We describe the steps that you can take to become a Nurse and how studying nursing online is beneficial. We delve into our Access courses for nursing, as well as future prospects.
What Steps Do You Need to Take to Become a Nurse?
To work as a Nurse in the UK, you need a degree, and you also need to be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and be DBS checked. Universities across the UK offer adult nursing BSc courses and you’ll spend three years being professionally trained to work in a healthcare environment. Higher education offers the chance to find out where your strengths lie and develop your personal skills.
Going to university as a mature student can be daunting, especially if you’re juggling a young family, but countless people come to nursing in later life. You might be surprised to learn that a third of new students are older than 21.
At Stonebridge Associated Colleges, we believe that success can come at any age, which is why we offer all the support you need to reach university and continue your nursing education. Through Access to nursing courses, you can study nursing online and prepare for university life.
Studying with Stonebridge
Are you concerned that you don’t have the skills or qualifications to start a nursing career? If you’ve always wanted to be a registered Nurse but don’t have A Levels or a formal education, we can help. Through distance learning, you can study nursing online.
We provide the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Nursing) course, which is the equivalent of 3 A Levels. Most universities accept these qualifications as part of their entry requirements, but you should check with your chosen establishment before applying. Our Access courses for nursing cover a multitude of topics that will provide you with academic knowledge and university preparation. The course covers the following topics:
- Health and wellbeing
- Cell biology
- The history of the National Health Service (NHS)
- Human nutrition
- The roles and responsibilities of a registered Nurse
- Psychology
- Nervous system
- Social factors in health and social care
You will also explore the following when you study nursing online:
- Dementia
- Skeletal system
- Social drugs and medicines
- Mental health
- Human immunity
- Poverty
- Human disease and prevention
- Equality and diversity within healthcare
Once your Access to nursing course is complete, you’ll meet the entry requirements of many nursing courses. Please note that you will also need a grade C/4 or above in both GCSE Maths and English to enrol on our Access to nursing course.
Access to Higher Education Diplomas offer flexible study options. You can keep your current job and fit in learning around family life by working online from home. Our students benefit from part-time study and have a full year to finish their Access to nursing course. Alternatively, if you prefer fast-track study methods, you can gain your qualification in as little as 9 months.
With dedicated personal tutor support and access to our innovative Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), you’ll have the tools to prepare for a nursing course at university. Our adaptable qualification will not only build your healthcare knowledge base, but also update your academic skills.
Gain Access to nursing courses across the country and take the next step in your career!

What Responsibilities do Nurses Have?
Supporting patients and reassuring friends and relatives is a key part of nursing, which you will become well aware of when you study nursing online. Hectic hospital environments often leave people feeling neglected, so regular conversation is crucial.
Nursing is also practical, and you’ll need to carry out tasks including giving injections, taking blood pressure, cleaning wounds, and working closely with Doctors to track progression. When you study nursing online, you will learn that the role combines assessment, analysis and evaluation. You could be addressing medical problems at every level, from minor injuries to long-term illnesses.
So, what makes nurses great at what they do? It’s common to worry that you don’t have what it takes to enter a fast-paced healthcare setting, but you may already have useful transferable skills.
To progress in nursing requires qualities including patience and the ability to work in a team. Any nursing job has the potential to be practical, interactive, and rewarding.
Where Can Nurses Find Employment?
You could work as a Nurse in the UK or overseas. Nurses are employed by NHS trusts and can be based anywhere, from A&E departments to intensive care units (ICUs). There are also job opportunities in private hospitals, at doctor’s surgeries, in nursing homes and even in schools or prisons. Once you study nursing online you could build a career in a wide variety of settings.
Nursing is a broad sector, and many people choose to specialise in areas such as mental health or working in children’s wards. You’ll develop a unique set of employability skills as you learn how to monitor patients, communicate with a team, and assess injuries.

Planning Your Career Path
A degree in nursing will give you the academic credentials and practical experience to develop a successful career in a variety of nursing healthcare professions. Many people study nursing online late in life and nursing studies are often the next step for someone working in health and social care. Equally, higher education courses can be a fantastic choice for anyone who wants to completely overhaul their career.
Unlike many university degrees, an adult nursing course often leads directly to a job. Students frequently take on voluntary work to add to their experience during their studies. This can include work in a hospital or care home. It can also help to speak to nurses about their employment path and get a feel for common progression routes.
There are opportunities for nurses to take their career to the next level by becoming a Team Leader, Nursing Consultant or Nursing Sister. If you decide to return to study, a master’s degree can give you the qualifications you need to work as an Advanced Nurse Practitioner.
You could also be promoted to a managerial role and eventually apply to become a Director of Nursing. You’ll start on a salary of around £25,000 per year and with experience could take home up to £31,000. Nursing Consultants can expect to earn up to £48,000. Check average nurse salary here.
Many nurses move into other areas of medical care including health visiting and midwifery. A nursing degree can also be used to pursue roles in other professions, including fields such as the social sciences. You could become a Social Worker, Police Officer or Counsellor, or inspire the next generation of nurses in an educational job.
The Future of Nursing
As technology advances, nurses will need to keep up with developments, but they will also have many more tools at their disposal. Access to digital information will make it easier for nurses to offer patients the right care.
As health services in the UK adapt to change and the increasing demands of a growing and ageing population, nurses will play a vital role. Nursing is a diverse career path that brings with it numerous opportunities to progress and specialise. If you are looking to study nursing online, then you can contribute to the ongoing effort.
Take the first step towards your new career by beginning an Access to Higher Education Diploma (Nursing) and join our many employable graduates already finding success. Get in touch by calling 0121 392 8288 or contact us online to discover more about Access to nursing and enquire about our distance learning qualifications. Alternatively, click below to learn more.

Nice share. This information about Nursing courses is very useful. Keep writing such blogs and sharing with us as well.
Hi
I have nvq 2/3 health and social care..
What more qualification do I need to start new career as a nurse.
Kind regards.
Amanda.
Hello Amanda,
If you could provide us with a phone number or email address and let us know an appropriate time, we will get one of our advisers to give you a call back and fill you in on the details.
Stonebridge
Hi I am 42 yrs with accounting background from.Mauritius and I don’t have A Levels. Can I study the access to higher education?
Hi Nazreen,
Thank you for your message. There may be other qualifications that we would require you to undertake before starting on an Access to Higher Education Diploma. Please feel free to email us or give us a call to discuss this further.
Kind regards.
Hi i am looking to train as a Nurse but dont have my GCSE in maths or English how would i even start to train?
I am 24 aswell is that too old to train in a new field as a Nurse?
Hello,
If you could provide us with a telephone number and an appropriate time, we can give you a call to discuss your options.
Stonebridge.
Hi there I’m interested in a nursing career,but my problem is I don’t have GCSE subjects,where can I start pls?.Thanks Latoya
Hi Lotoya,
If you’re looking for GCSE equivalent qualifications, Functional Skills would be ideal for you. They’re respected by employers and are even accepted by many universities in lieu of GCSEs. Studying Functional Skills is a great way of learning all the practical skills you need for life and work, whilst getting a recognised qualification under your belt.
To find out more about studying Functional Skills with us, please call our career advisers on 0121 392 8288.
Best wishes,
Stonebridge Associated Colleges
I want to study nursing in the university,my GCSE result is in my country and I study diploma in engineering.I want to become a qualify nurse and I don’t have my result here.How do I go about it and where will I start from.
Thanks
Hi Ms Oluwakemi, our Access to Higher Education Diploma can help: https://www.stonebridge.uk.com/course/access-to-higher-education-diploma-nursing
Can an international student apply?
Hi Omar,
Thanks for the comment. You can understand certain courses, if you can please give us a call on +44121 392 8288, we can discuss the course options further with you.
Thanks.
I haven’t got my science GCSE so I’ve chosen Business and health as social care, can I still become a nurse?
Hi Lucy, only GCSE Maths and English are required, so you would be eligible for one of our Access to HE courses. Stonebridge
Hi, I don’t have my maths gcse but I have my English gcse and I also have my nvq level 3 in Anatomy and Physiology would this make me eligible? Thanks Steph
Hi Stephanie, you will need to gain a C or above in GCSE Maths, but this can be achieved alongside an Access to HE course. Stonebridge
I have level 2 in both maths and English my GCSE grades ate not that good due to not paying attention would a level 2 get me on the course
Hi Rachel, we would always suggest having the GCSEs, however please contact your university of choice to confirm their entry requirements. Stonebridge
I have maths and English in GCSE . I wanted to pursue a nursing career
Hi Maxine, an adviser will be in touch. Stonebridge
I am from Canada and we don’t have GCSE’s or A levels. I gained good grades in all subjects through high school. Can these grades be translated to what I need here or must I take something more to qualify me?
Hi Rachel, we would recommend contacting each university you are interested in to check their requirements. Stonebridge
Hello
I’m an Iranian student in Iran.i’m having a diploma in science and my score is18/47 and now i’m educating in pre-university and i will get my pre-university certificate on june2018.these Are my questions:
1:could you apply for nursing for undergraduate students?
2:what are the certificates should i have?
3:is there any way that you help me to study there?
4:can i do it without a-levels?cause it’s much expensive for me.
Sorry about my question that i’m asking
I’ll be thankful for your attention to my questions and helping me.
Hi Erfan, an adviser will contact you. Stonebridge
HI, I am from Nigeria. I studied English in my first degree but I want to study nursing in the UK…please how can I go about it
Hi Adenike, an adviser will contact you. Stonebridge
Hi I studied hairdressing and had to do an access course contains maths, I.t. And English, I also achieved an English higher(Scotland), would I still have to re do my maths gcse, as well as doin an access course to nursing?.
Hi, please give us a call and an adviser can talk through your options 0121 392 8288. Stonebridge
Hi. I’m in Zimbabwe and would love to study nursing. I have 5 GCSE subjects but do not have math instead I have accounts. I would love to do an access to higher education diploma (health) through distance learning. Please advise as to how I can go about it.
Hi Sibusisiwe, an adviser will be in touch. Stonebridge
Good Morning!.. I have a 2 year computer programming diploma in the Philippines. I’m currently working in a wellness center here in Qatar (not a healthcare related position). I wanted to take a Nursing course by next year. How can i do it?
Hi Aileen, we will email you with more information. Stonebridge
Hello Sir / Madam,
Please could you help me to find best direction to be a Nurse in uk. As I had a Nursing certificate at back home. Rather than that I worked as a Nurse for 6 years there. I got a Bussiness and Administration Level one certificate in uk . Now I am at Esol level 2 to improve my English a bit more. Colud you please let me know how I can start to be a nurse again?
Hi Suzan, we will email you. Stonebridge
hi I have a diploma level2 in health and social. would that count for the GCSE in maths and English?
Hi Toni, we will send you an email. Stonebridge
Hi. I’m Blessing. I want to study nursing in Uk. My GCSE maths is a pass. What do i do? I have a degree in medical laboratory science from Nigeria.
Hi Blessing, an adviser will contact you. Stonebridge
hi i have my maths and english level 3 i also have my level 2 and 3 NVQ also level 4 in end of life support. how do i go about starting my nursing course? do i need to do an access course first? i am also worried i wont be able to afford to come out of full time work while i study as i have 4 children, what help amd funding is availible. i am 29 so i am an older student
Hi Danielle, an adviser will contact you. Stonebridge
the NVQ2 and 3 are in health and social care
Hello,
I am interested in becoming a nurse. However, I have a BA in English Literature with a minor in translation (English-Arabic). I live in Jerusalem but I have UK birth certificate. I want to move to the UK permanently. I don’t have any GCSE grades. Can I still apply? Are there any accommodations?
Hi Yasmine, an adviser will be in touch. Stonebridge
Hi I did my GCSE in English and maths got cs in both and have done my NVQ level 2 in health and social care plus worked as a health care assistant for 6 years how do I go about getting on to a nursing course and studying from home
Hi Fiona, an adviser will contact you. Stonebridge
I have my Maths and English both level 2 .Can I be a nurse
Hi Shahina, an adviser will contact you. Stonebridge
Hi I have a c in both English and maths as well as 8 other GCSE’s I also have two a-levels and currently doing my level 3 nvq in adult health and social care. And planning to do my level 5 after this could I become a midwife and how would I go about that.
Hi Sophie, we will email you with information. Stonebridge
Hi, I’m a British Citizen hoping to relocate to the UK permanently in 2018 and also gain admission to study nursing *mental health nursing to be specific* I do not have GSCE but WASSCE, Can I still apply and how?
Hi Orugbaoghene, an adviser will contact you.
Are GSCE taken at O lvel or A level?
Hi Orugbaoghene, GCSEs are taken prior to A-Levels. Stonebridge
Hi i done healrh and social care level 2 did my maths and english with it got cs in both how do i go about getting on to nursing wirk as a care assistsnt at the moment
Hi Fardos, an adviser will contact you. Stonebridge
I have got Maths and English gcse which I have got Cs. In College I have studied Btec Extended Diploma level 3 in Health and Social Care. i have done work experience in 2 different school settings. I’m currently studying education at university but im not really engaged with the subject as i always wanted to do something which involved medical. what I’m worried about is that I don’t have gcse science. does that stop me from being a nurse?
Hello Sanjida.
If you could provide us with a phone number or email address and let us know an appropriate time, we will get one of our advisers to give you a call back and fill you in on the details.
Stonebridge.
Hi Am looking to do my nurse
Training, am 46 this year with 30years experience in health & social care working in many different environments, I haven’t got any gcse but have L3 nvq, am worried as I need to work and pay my mortgage, so would like to no if I could get any financial support or I could still work
Look forward to hearing from you
Sharon topping
Hello Sharon.
If you could provide us with a phone number or email address and let us know an appropriate time, we will get one of our advisers to give you a call back and fill you in on the details.
Stonebridge.
hi have health and social care level 2 A* but I don’t have GCSE .
Hello.
If you could provide us with a phone number or email address and let us know an appropriate time, we will get one of our advisers to give you a call back and fill you in on the details.
Stonebridge.
hi..i would love to study adult nursing. I have WAEC from ghanana and also a Bsc degree in Natural Resources Management from ghana. Do i qualify?
Hello Uget.
If you could provide us with a phone number or email address and let us know an appropriate time, we will get one of our advisers to give you a call back and fill you in on the details.
Stonebridge.
How soon would I be able to get on this course or could I start the degree alongside completing my theory for English and maths through college.
I have not studied for 20 years + and only have car.
Hello Karen.
If you could provide us with a phone number or email address and let us know an appropriate time, we will get one of our advisers to give you a call back and fill you in on the details.
Stonebridge.
I have not studied for many years. I am looking to do my English and maths to bring these up to date and am considering doing the access to nursing diploma. Am I able to do this course alingside studying for these two subjects. Do universities also do the nursing through university as a part time course to complete alongside working fulltime? I live in the Cambridgeshire area.
Am I able to do all this for entry in 2018 or 2019?
Hello Karen.
If you could provide us with a phone number or email address and let us know an appropriate time, we will get one of our advisers to give you a call back and fill you in on the details.
Stonebridge.
I have diploma in health and social care l have functional skills in my maths and english.
Hello Philile,
If you could provide us with a phone number or email address and let us know an appropriate time, we will get one of our advisers to give you a call back and fill you in on the details.
Stonebridge
I need to study Opd nursing
Hi, thanks for the opportunity. I am Silverline and lives in Nigeria. I had my Masters in International Management at the Teesside University and would love to start a new career in nursing. How can I come in, what do I need to know and more especially is it possible for me considering I’m not leaving in UK
Hello,
If you could provide us with a phone number or email address and let us know an appropriate time, we will get one of our advisers to give you a call back and fill you in on the details.
Stonebridge
Hi Im ioana with a Level 3 Business Management Diploma can enter a university or college to study General Nursing? I look forward to your response. I want to start studying this year.
Hello Ioana,
If you could provide us with a phone number or email address and let us know an appropriate time, we will get one of our advisers to give you a call back and fill you in on the details.
Stonebridge
Hi I would like to train to become a nurse to then further a career in the nhs , I have a young family and I would like to know my options for courses and funds etc , can I work from home while I have a job ? Or will I work as a nurse and be payed while studying , any advice would be gratefully received thank you , Jessica .
Hello Jessica,
If you could provide us with a phone number or email address and let us know an appropriate time, we will get one of our advisers to give you a call back and fill you in on the details.
Stonebridge
Hi ive finished my first year of my bachelor of Nursing in Australia and havebeen travelling the last year and a half. I want to finish the last of my degree abroad; what are my options?
thank you
Hello again Grace,
Unfortunately we do not offer degree programmes, so would be unable to assist you if finishing the last year of your degree. We wish you good luck with your studies.
Stonebridge.
Hi my name is Michelle mckelvey and I really want to train to become a nurse I have know qualifications in maths or English I work as a care assistant in a nursing home could anyone help me on what steps to take to become a nurse please
Hi Michelle,
If you could provide us with a phone number or email address and let us know an appropriate time, we will get one of our advisers to give you a call back and fill you in on the details.
Stonebridge
Hello Everyone,
My partner has her Level 3 in Health and Social care and is really passionate about wanting to become a Nurse. She has done 3 years of experience in residential care and is looking to get into a job within nursing.
Is anyone able to help with what should be the best next steps to get her to achieve this?
Thanks,
John
Hi John,
If you could ask your partner to provide us with a telephone number as an appropriate time then we can give her a call and discuss her options.
Stonebridge
Hi
I am from south africa. my qualifications are currently being processed with Naric. English is my home language and I passed sufficiently. Maths on the other hand-I may need to do GCSE Maths. Is it possible to do the Gcse math and the nursing access program together…in the same academic year. Thank you
Hello,
If you could provide us with a telephone number and an appropriate time, we can give you a call to discuss your options.
Stonebridge.
Hi I’m a second year psychology undergraduate I have my access to health at distinction level , can you tell me more about the nursing course
Hello,
If you could provide us with a telephone number and an appropriate time, we can give you a call to discuss your options.
Stonebridge.
HI
I have health and social care level 2, english level 2,GCSE biology (d) and currently am doing GCSE math and english but am not sure if i can pass the english
my question is is there any course to study in university?
Hello,
If you could provide us with a telephone number and an appropriate time, we can give you a call to discuss your options.
Stonebridge.
Hi, i am looking to train as a Nurse but i don’t have my GCSE in maths
And English. How would i even start to train?
My age is 39.
Hello,
If you could provide us with a telephone number and an appropriate time, we can give you a call to discuss your options.
Stonebridge.
Hi ,
I am 50 and live outside the UK I have been a Health Care Aide for 10 years. I want to become a certified nurse I but I do not have math just English at CXC level nor do I have biology.However, I did a few courses in Elder Care and Nurse’s Assistant. Can you tell me if I can pursue your nursing program?
Hello,
If you could provide us with a telephone number and an appropriate time, we can give you a call to discuss your options.
Stonebridge.
Hi
I don’t have GCSE C grades in maths, English or science, I do however have an NVQ level 2 and 3 as well as 3 year distance learning towards a BSc psychology degree and NCFE LEVEL 2 in understanding work I’m in Mental Health, would I be able to study to become a nurse?
Hello Keira,
If you could provide us with a telephone number and an appropriate time, we can give you a call to discuss your options.
Stonebridge.
Hi I am leydi vides 18 year old girl I wish to be a nurse but it seems that i don’t have any opportunities but maybe you can help me i have only been graduated from primary school. I would like to be a nurses and help other people and my family do you have a possibility to help me
Hello Leydi,
If you could provide us with a telephone number and an appropriate time, we can give you a call to discuss your options.
Stonebridge.
Hello ,i am Mejury from Zimbabwe, i want to study nursing in UK, i have 5 Ordinary including Maths and English. i have a total of 5.5 scores in IELTS (International English Language Testing System). Please help me , i am ready to start even this year. how can i apply to you? can i have your details.
Hi Mejury,
If your qualifications are equivalent to GCSEs, then you can enrol on an Access to Higher Education in Nursing to help you get into university and qualify as a nurse.
For more information on Access to Higher Education Diplomas and studying with us, please call our careers advisers on 0121 392 8288.
Kind regards,
Stonebridge Associated Colleges
Hi, I’m 55 years old! I always wanted to be a nurse but I didn’t leave school with any qualifications, I then have my family, I have worked in customer service for over 25 years and I was wondering is it to late for me to study to become a nurse??
Any help would be appreciated.
Lorraine
Hi Lorraine,
Anything is possible if you put your mind to it! At Stonebridge, we have helped hundreds of people just like you qualify and achieve their dream career. So, in short, no – it’s not too late to become a nurse!
Since you haven’t got any qualifications, a potential first step is to get Functional Skills qualifications in English and maths. These are recognised alternatives to GCSEs and will enable you to enrol onto an Access to Higher Education Diploma in Nursing. Once you have completed this diploma, you will be able to apply to university without A-levels.
If you would like to talk through your options or find out more, call one of our career advisers on 0121 392 8288 – they will be more than happy to help!
Good luck and we hope you achieve everything you want to,
Stonebridge Associated Colleges
Hey I’m interested in getting into nursing but I don’t have very good GCSEs so I’m wondering what I need to start with
Hi Chelsea,
If you have GCSE English and maths, you can enrol for an Access to Higher Education Diploma in Nursing to help you get to university and qualify as a nurse. If you haven’t got these GCSEs or an equivalent qualification, studying Functional Skills English and maths would be a great place to start.
For more information on our different courses and your potential options, please call our career advisers on 0121 392 8288.
Good luck,
Stonebridge Associated Colleges
Hi my name is Agnes,i have 5 O levels without maths and science,what should I do to be eligible for this course ?
Hi Agnes,
Please contact customer.services@stonebridge.uk.com or ring one of our advisers on 0121 392 8288 for information on course eligibility.
Kind regards,
Stonebridge Associated Colleges
Hi i have just completed my Level 5 Diploma leadership and management health and social care. how to go about completing my nursing
Hi Helen,
Thanks for the message. To progress into nursing, there will be some courses that you will need to enter that profession. Our Access to Higher Education Diploma (Nursing) will be able to provide you with more information – https://www.stonebridge.uk.com/category/he-access-nursing
For further help, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Kind regards.