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December 23, 2021

What Subjects do I Need to Become A Nurse?

Written by Adam Looker

The importance of nurses cannot be understated. They are a cornerstone of the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) as they not only provide medical assistance but also support patients and their families. 

There are different types of nursing, and if you are keen to become a Nurse in one of multiple sectors, then you will need certain qualifications, some of which you can obtain if you study nursing online. 

There are many avenues of employment as a Nurse depending on what specifically interests you. All of the pathways require you to be a compassionate individual that has a genuine desire to help others. You’ll also need an in-depth understanding of healthcare, which is why a degree is needed to become fully qualified. The degree needs to be accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council as you will be required to register with the NMC to work professionally as a Nurse. 

But before you’re able to get into university and realise your ambitions you’ll need to get accepted onto the course. This requires you to have a range of qualifications, which may include an Access to Nursing course. These qualifications will support your application and match your desire to make a difference.  

The subjects you need may vary as different skillsets are favoured for different styles of nursing. Adult nursing is different to paediatric nursing, which is different to mental health nursing, and so on and so forth. Despite this, it’s never too late to get started. Whatever stage you’re at in life or qualifications you need, you can still reach your goals of becoming a Nurse. Continue reading to learn what subjects you need and how to study nursing online. 

Minimum Requirements to Become a Nurse

Nursing degree requirements vary depending on the university and the specific course. This is because universities are able to set their own entry requirements. So, always double check if you have a specific institute in mind.

However, most will usually ask for the following:

  • 5 GCSEs, including Maths and English or Functional Skills Level 2, as well as a GCSE in a Science subject at grade C/4 or above 
  • At least 2 A Levels in one of the following subjects: 
    • Biology
    • Chemistry
    • Physics
    • Applied Science
    • Health and Social Care
    • Psychology
    • Sociology
    • Physical Education
    • *Please note, some universities may specify qualifications in Biology or Chemistry
  • Instead of A Levels, most universities will accept an Access to Higher Education Diploma. By studying an Access course for nursing instead of A Levels, you will gain a foundation of knowledge, as well as study skills for degree-level learning 

English and Maths qualifications prove your literary and numerical capabilities needed for higher education. Relevant A Levels or an Access to HE Diploma will set you up with fundamental knowledge to build on. Keep in mind that you can gain these accredited qualifications when you study nursing online. 

Although, it’s best to make your application stand out to give yourself the best chance of being accepted. Specific subjects may even be requested depending on what nursing route you choose to follow.  

What is an Access to Nursing Course? 

An Access to HE Diploma is a common alternative to A Level study for those seeking entry to university. An Access course for nursing is the equivalent to 3 A Levels, so you could theoretically go to university in a much faster time than if you went down the A Level route. 

The Access to HE Diploma (Nursing) covers a wealth of essential topics, so if you opt to study nursing online, you will explore the following:  

  • Cell Biology 
  • The History of the NHS 
  • Human Nutrition & the Digestive System 
  • The Roles and Responsibilities of the Registered Nurse
  • Introduction to Psychology
  • Approaches to Health
  • The Human Muscular and Skeletal System

Your Access to Nursing course will also cover: 

  • Social Factors in Health and Social Care 
  • The Brain & Nervous System
  • The Human Endocrine
  • Inequalities in Health and Illness
  • Human Immunity
  • Poverty and Health
  • Human Disease and Prevention
  • Equality and Diversity within Healthcare

An Access to Nursing course is ideal if you lack relevant A Levels or don’t have any at all. Access to HE Diploma online courses provide you with essential knowledge and also prepare you for higher education. 

This is because it will also develop your academic writing skills through regular assignments. That way when it comes to completing work at higher education, you’ll already be at the standard required from the get-go. 

Study Online Nursing

Study Nursing Online and Gain the Subjects You Need for Specified Nursing Roles

Below, we have highlighted the various types of nursing roles you can embark on, and the subjects you need to study. 

Mental Health Nursing

Mental health nurses specialise in working with patients with mental health issues such as eating disorders, psychosis, and OCD. They help patients overcome challenges and maintain a state of wellbeing.  

If you want to study nursing online and focus on the mental health sector, then a Psychology qualification would make your application stand out and prove your interest in this field of work. You could take either Psychology A Level or GCSE, depending on what your application is lacking. 

Our Access to Nursing course also has a unit dedicated to Psychology within its modules. There’s also room to specialise further if you study nursing online once you’re qualified. 

Online Courses 

Before embarking on degree-level study, you may want to strengthen your knowledge of the mental health sector by studying mental health courses online. As well as being able to study nursing online, you can extend your skillset if your desire is to specialise in this area of nursing. With Stonebridge Associated Colleges, you can explore a range of regulated courses, including: 

  • TQUK Level 2 Certificate in Awareness of Mental Health Problems 
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder 
  • Psychotherapy 
  • Awareness of the Mental Capacity Act Level 3 Award 
Degree 

There are various avenues to consider when it comes to enrolling on a nursing degree. If you are starting from scratch, rather than study nursing online and then progress on to a nursing degree, you can study a degree in mental health, if it has been approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council. 

You may be able to join a nursing degree during the second year of a course if you have an existing degree in one of the following: 

  • Psychology 
  • Life Sciences
  • Social Work
  • Health-related subject

Paediatric Nursing

Paediatric Nurses, also known as Children’s Nurses, play a key role in assessing the nursing needs of children. You’ll need to consider their medical, social, cultural, and family circumstances when providing care. This will be highlighted to you when you study nursing online as part of a related course. 

You’ll need to be an excellent communicator whilst working with children. Some may be anxious or too young to explain to, so it’s your responsibility to interpret their needs accurately. 

Qualifications suited for this pathway would be early years diplomas, which you could achieve before going on to study nursing online via an Access to Nursing course. Some of the online courses we deliver include: 

  • Diploma for the Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator) NCFE CACHE Level 3 
  • Caring for Children (CACHE) Level 1 Diploma 
  • Childcare and Education 
  • Children and Young People’s Workforce Early Learning and Childcare Level 3 
Becoming a Nurse
Degree 

An Access to Nursing course could help you get a place on a Children’s Nursing course at university, should the establishment deliver courses accredited by the NMC. You may be able to join the course in its second year if you already have a degree in the following subjects: 

  • Psychology 
  • Life Sciences 
  • Social Work 
  • Health-related subject 

Learning Disability Nurse

Being a Learning Disability Nurse requires you to teach people skills to look after themselves in daily life. You’ll help them overcome challenges, both physically and mentally, so that they’re able to manage their health. 

You need to be able to interpret and understand behaviours whilst engaging with vulnerable people. Organisational skills are also crucial so that you can liaise with other healthcare professionals and coordinate healthcare reviews or care plans. 

A Special Educational Needs (SEN) qualification will help show your interest in this pathway of nursing. Before you study nursing online via an Access course for nursing, you can develop essential skills and techniques that will help you support individuals with disabilities. Our range of SEN courses include: 

  • Special Educational Needs (SEN) – Advanced 
  • Level 3 Certificate in the Principles of Special Educational Needs 
  • Autism Awareness 
Degree 

Once you have obtained your Access to nursing qualification or the relevant A Levels you need, you can apply for an NMC-accredited degree in Learning Disability Nursing. If you have one of the below degrees already, you may be eligible to enter the course in its second year: 

  • Psychology 
  • Life Sciences 
  • Social Work 
  • Health-related subject

It may be possible to complete an ‘integrated practice’ degree, which will allow you to register as a Learning Disability Nurse as well as a Social Worker. However, you will need to make sure that the course is recognised by both professional bodies. 

Study Nursing Online Today

Stonebridge Associated Colleges is one of the UK’s leading distance learning providers. We offer a broad range of online courses from GCSEs to Access to HE Diplomas. 

All our online courses have flexible payment options to help you spread the cost and dedicated tutors for guidance. 

If you are keen to study nursing online and take significant steps towards a rewarding career, then speak to one of our Course Executives by calling 0121 392 8288. If you’re still mulling over your options, then check out our top 5 reasons to become a Nurse. 

Whether you are keen to enrol on our Access to Nursing course or have questions about how to study nursing online, you can also contact us online. 

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