What's next now I've got maths?

[canyoubreakagaincandle]

I would like to get into nursing one day but cannot currently due to extreme caring commitments

I have just completed both Maths and English Level 2. A requirement for two local unis for both

I was wondering I could do anything else? I won't be able to look to study for a clinical role for about 7/8 years.

Very much itching to do something else academic in the meantime. I really enjoyed myself and there's nothing quite like finding out the exam went well

My previous role has been in corporate PA roles. Good money but hated it. I started basic training for a HCA position and fell in love with it from an A&E ward handover placement type of set up

What is Level 2? Is it A Level equivalent, or GCSE?

You'll need Level 3 qualifications (BTEC/A-levels/Access course). If you can't take a full-on course right now, you could do some relevant FutureLearn courses: www.futurelearn.com/subjects/healthcare-medicine-courses

How about something practical like Sign Language?

Level 2 is equivalent to a C/4 @ GCSE

I would ring the admissions at the universities you are interested in, they are usually really helpful people and will be asked to talk about requirements when not coming from a traditional route. Often people do an access course and then go on to nursing but you may be able to study some modules or subjects part time over the next few years and build it up that way.

Be aware that some components may have a time frame on them and have to be within a certain number of years before you apply for nursing so don't get caught out doing something now that you won't be able to use. Again admissions can help with this.

Level 2 is GCSE level.

What are you interested in? And what other qualifications do you already have? Are you ready for level 3?

That is, you could pick any subject, it doesn't have to be connected to nursing. I subscribe to the 'all education is good' notion. And when you do start nursing having evidence of ability to study (on top of other responsibilities) will stand you in good stead.

Have a look at your local FE college's website. Chat to a careers advisor.

Sorry, should've clarified!

Yes there's an Access to Nursing/Midwifery etc that I need to do at some point, but due to funding etc I think you have to have a place in higher education otherwise you have to pay it back

Plus you run the risk of the intensity of it not being relevant enough to count as recent study for when the time comes to apply for uni (if that's what happens and there aren't more nursing apprenticeship/associate routes)

Sign language is a great idea. That's a brilliant skill to have! I do know Makaton because I learnt it all for my own child who doesn't care for it

I live in Cambridge if that helps

BSL is a wonderful idea.

Don't bother with anything on the access really then as you'll end up repeating and being bored

Something Public Health related? Or something related to understanding research as you'll be expected to be able to read journal articles and study write ups and understand what it all means and critically evaluate it.

Have a look at Future Learn online. There are loads of courses on there. Some are free and others you pay for but even many of the paid for ones you can get limited access to for free which usually means you can access all the content but only for a limited time and then you would have too sign up again.