Your Questions Answered
What qualifications do I need?
The careers mentioned in these pages on Healthcare need a higher education qualification, usually an Honours degree. Nursing can be studied as an Honours degree or a Diploma of Higher Education, and Operating Department Practice (ODP) is a Diploma of Higher Education.
How long does it take?
Honours degrees take three years, and Nursing Diplomas take three years. ODP Diplomas take two years.
Can I work at the same time?
Some students manage to work part-time while studying, but the courses are very intensive and you will have extended practical placements, so it isn't always easy to hold down a part-time job at the same time.
How much will I earn once qualified?
The current starting salary for a Grade 5 practitioner (the average starting grade for newly qualified professionals) is £20,710.
Because of the financial support you will receive from the NHS, you will not be entitled to the standard grants and loans usually available to higher education students.
|
NHS bursary |
Tuition fees |
Maintenance |
Partial |
Tuition Fee |
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|
NHS funded Diploma of Higher Education |
|
|
× |
× |
× |
|
NHS funded |
|
|
× |
|
× |
You may still be eligible for extra financial support such as the Disabled Student Allowance, Childcare Grant, Dependents Allowance and the Access to Learning Fund. Visit www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance and www.nhsstudentgrants.co.uk to find out more about extra financial support.
How do I get the financial support mentioned in this leaflet?
Once you have been offered either a conditional or unconditional NHS-funded place by a university or college, you will be sent a letter with instructions advising you to download and complete an application form. Visit www.nhsstudentgrants.co.uk for more information.
If you are on a degree course where you recieve a means-tested NHS bursary, you will also be able to apply for a reduced amount of the non means-tested part of the Maintenance Loan through Student Finance England. You should apply for this as soon as possible after you have applied for your course (don't wait until you have been offered a place) by visiting www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance.
Means-tested bursaries depend on the amount of money you have available to support yourself. When working out how much of the bursary you are entitled to, your income as well as the income of anyone who supports you like your parents, partner or spouse will be taken into account.
Non means-tested bursaries don't depend on how much money you have available to support yourself.
Where can I find out more?
NHS Bursaries Helpline 0845 358 6655
www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/students
www.nhscareers.nhs.uk
www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance
For general information on NHS careers visit www.stepintothenhs.nhs.uk
Contact the Aimhigher Peninsula Programme Healthcare Co-ordinator on 01752 586732.