AHEC, GCSE and Stuck for career.

[WorkingtoUNI]

Hi guys.

Just a quick thread. I need some advice please.

I'm 21. Have 2 children and husband works full time. He earns £1700-2000 a month.

I've decided to go back to education.
Left early had first child at 17.

I came out of school with 8 GCSE.
Passed English with a C.
Maths and science missed by a few marks so got a D.

I'm currently starting college in September for maths and biology. This will give me the levels to go onto a Access to Higher Education Course.

I really want to be a doctor. But i know I have no chance without the 10 years medical school etc.. I haven't got 10 years to study.

I LOVE the NHS. As a child I wanted to be a midwife. But growing up realising the pay is sickening and the thought of the bad outcomes of the job, really gets to me.
Or a nurse. The thought of looking after people in a care team like A&E would be great.

The things putting me off being a nure is the pay is shocking especially for the hours you slave. Being a doctor is everything I would want to do, although long hours, amazing pay. But again I don't have the time to study.

I want to work in healthcare, be a nurse/doctor.

I'm young enough to choose my career path perfectly, I dont want to screw up and end up in a job I know isn't going no where, that's barely paying the bills.

So I guess my question is:

What healthcare profession would you recommend, from an Access to Higher Education Course, working in the NHS, that pays descent.

I can only access the Higher EDUCATION course because of my age, so this is the only thing that can get me a well paid helping career, that I've always wanted to do, And will be a better like for my beautiful children.

Thanks guys.

Perhaps some type of work experience will help you make up your mind.
Having GCSE Biology only won't be enough for training as a doctor - they would definitely want Chemistry and possibly Physics as well.
Speaking to nurse friends with children the problem with nursing seems to be the long hours/shirt work rather than the level of pay. You would need to think about how you would manage childcare and the costs of childcare.
There are other NHS careers e.g the therapists i.e. occupational therapy, speech therapy that may suit you. Also being a dietitian, working in a hospital pharmacy or being a radiographer may also be possibilities. (Assuming they would accept only biology GCSE as well).

Go for it. I just applied for a Health and Social Care course at my local college today. Consider how you can manage childcare and logistics as well. Research NHS careers to get a idea of what you want to do and what is expected of you too. Also it is a good idea to find out as much information as you personally can. Do not worry about it too much. You’re still young. I’m the same age as you and I’m a working mom to twins one girl and one boy. I’ve decided to switch my careers. Bored of working in a office miles away from home.