Becoming a Nurse is a highly rewarding career choice if you want to help others and make a difference. It is a demanding and challenging job that requires dedication, skill, and commitment. 

In this article, we will discuss why you would want to become a Nurse and how we can help you to achieve it! 

There are many reasons why someone may choose to become a Nurse. Many people are drawn to the job because it allows them to make a positive impact in the community and develop life-saving skills to help others.  

Whatever the reason, becoming a Nurse is a noble profession that requires a high level of compassion, kindness, and competency. Nurses work closely with the community, building relationships with patients to help improve their condition and maintain a safe environment for them to recover. 

At Weston College, we can help you to achieve your goals. We offer several courses, which can act as the starting point of your career. Our courses are part of our Career Excellence Hubs, which gives you fantastic access to employers, whether that be for industry insight talks, work experience or trips. 

To begin your nursing journey, follow these steps: 

1. Meet Entry Requirements 

Typically for a Nursing course, you are required to achieve 5 GCSEs (including English, Maths, and Science) Grade 4/C and above.  

You are also required to complete 3 A Level qualifications or equivalent, whether this be a BTEC course, T Level, or Access to HE Diploma.  

At Weston College, we offer a range of course options that you can complete that will start you on the pathway to Nursing. This includes a range of Health and Social Care courses, across varying levels, which will build your skills and knowledge, ready for a career in healthcare. 

Click here to see our range of Health and Social Care courses. 

We also offer A Levels such as A Level Biology which is often a requirement to work in most areas of healthcare as it provides a strong foundation in biological sciences. Other recommended A Level subjects that Weston College provide include Chemistry, Psychology, and Sociology, as these will give you a more holistic understanding of the human body and the thoughts and behaviour of society. 

Click here to see our A Level subjects. 

Alternatively, we offer many Apprenticeships at varying levels to give everyone the opportunity to study and begin their journey into healthcare. Apprenticeships are a paid, hands-on alternative to classroom study where students get the opportunity to train alongside industry professionals. They provide essential skills required to work in healthcare and prepares people to enter the workplace.

Click here to see our range of Apprenticeships. 

2. Apply to University

To become a qualified Nurse, you need an undergraduate degree in Nursing or equivalent. This will involve a mixture of academic and practical study to provide you with the required clinical experience to become a Nurse. 

Always check the entry requirements for your chosen universities, as subjects and grades required can vary depending on the chosen institution. 

At University Centre Weston (UCW), we offer a range of healthcare degrees that you can choose from depending on your desired career path. Whether you wish to become a Nursing Associate, a Paramedic, or an Assistant Practitioner, there is a degree for you. 

Alternatively, you can complete the Level 6 Registered Nursing Degree Apprenticeship which is a paid degree qualification that provides you with a high level of hands-on experience in the workplace. 

Click here to see the available courses at UCW. 

3. Completing your Degree

During your Nursing Degree, you will typically be required to specialise in a chosen field, whether this is in adult, child, mental health, or learning disability nursing.  

You will also be required to complete a range of different placements in healthcare settings to give you practical experience. 

4. Register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)

After graduating, you’ll apply for registration with the NMC and receive a unique Nursing PIN. This code legally authorises you to work as a nurse in the UK. Your registration information, including any conditions on your practice, will be recorded on the publicly accessible NMC register. 

5. Apply for a Nursing job

Once you are registered, you are encouraged to apply to various Nursing roles within the NHS or other healthcare organisations to increase your chances of securing a full-time position as a nurse. Within your role, you can specialise further in your career if you wish and continue your professional development. 

If you’re interested in becoming a Nurse or a Healthcare Professional but aren’t sure where to start, join us at our next Open Evening to chat to a member of the team, they will be happy to help. 

An archipelago of floating islands installed in Bridgwater’s historic tidal basin have sprung to life, with the help of some of our learners who part took in The Prince’s Trust Pathway’s for Young People course.

Three floating ecosystems were installed by Biomatrix Water Solutions after the company was invited by the WWT Bridgwater Blue Heritage Project to bring the historic site to life.

As part of Bridgwater Blue Heritage, the learners worked with volunteers to plant flowers and shrubs on 3 rafts, which would then be put into docks to promote wildlife, biodiversity and fish breeding areas.

The ecosystems are designed to create a thriving habitat for birds, fish, and pollinators, while improving water quality and softening the edge of the dock basin. By restoring a touch of wildness to this tidal space, the floating ecosystems help to reconnect the community with nature and honour the legacy of the waterways.

Biomatrix Water Solutions said: “A heartfelt thank you goes out to the local volunteers from The Prince’s Trust at Weston College, and to Steve and Stan from WWT, who braved the wind and rain to help bring this project to life.”

Emma Hutchins, Head of Bootcamps and Pathways for Young People, said, “We are so proud of everything our learners have achieved over the 12-week programme – it is evident that they have all developed confidence within themselves whilst simultaneously learning skills that will help them through life, particularly skills in the workplace. This could not be done without the incredible King’s Trust, and our wonderful staff who have supported the learners throughout their time on the programme.”

Find out more about our Pathways for Young People courses here.

To celebrate the successful completion of the first year of their two-year T-Level in Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction, a group of Weston College learners recently enjoyed an educational day out in Bristol.

The group travelled to Bristol, meeting at Temple Meads station before making their way to the Welcome Building – a 207,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art office development. They were given a guided tour by Senior Building Manager, James Puffitt, and Facilities Manager, James Ashton, who provided a detailed insight into the building’s design, features, and sustainability credentials.

The tour covered all areas of the development, from the photovoltaic solar panels and a backup generator on the rooftop, down to the cycle storage, showers, and lockers found on basement level. The building is fully electric, with heating and cooling powered by the Bristol Heat Network, which draws energy from the city’s river network. Learners were able to view both an unoccupied floorplate and a newly completed fit-out, preparing to welcome a new tenant the following week.

James Puffitt noted, “I was pleased the students took something away from the visit. They are our future, so it's important to inform and inspire them where we can.”

After a short break, the group visited a live construction site at One Friary, Temple Quay, where Beard Construction is carrying out a 60,000 sq. ft. office redevelopment. Site Manager, Jordon Marlow, led the learners on a guided tour of the site, where they watched a crane lift in action and observed different stages of construction, including structural steelwork, concreting, and metal decking. One of the learners is currently completing their industry placement on this site as part of the 315-hour work experience requirement of the T-Level course.

The day concluded with lunch at Bristol Harbourside, offering the learners time to reflect on what they had seen and learned and celebrate the end of the academic year with their peers.

Daniel Comerford, Construction Professions Lecturer at Weston College, commented, “I’ve been very impressed with the progress the learners have made since September. This visit was a great way to round off a successful first year, and I look forward to seeing how they continue to develop in their second year.”

If you’re interested in applying to one of our Construction courses in September, click here.