Nursing with no GCSEs?

[Eighteight]

I really would love to go into nursing . My issue is I have no GCSEs at all ( moved here from south Africa when I was 15 ) I managed to go to college to do design which got me into university to do a degree in textiles which I got a 2.1 . I know it’s not a relevant course but would they consider this if I applied to do the access course ? Even then if I did the access would I be wasting my time ? I thought about doing GCSEs alongside but honestly it scares me as I did no school in this country at all . I also have 3 kids and a job to work around which I’m willing to do it’s just finding time to work , do the course and potentially GCSEs 😣 sounds pretty daunting tbh . I’ve spoken to admissions for the access and they don’t really say much about the GCSEs but just to apply anyway . Has anyone gone on to get a nursing placement without any GCSes and just access alone ? Thanks

You wouldn't need to do an access course with a degree

You could do a post grad nursing course which is 2 years.

Shir sorry for quoting the op! 🤦‍♀️

A colleague who did a nursing apprenticeship had to do a functional skills qualification in maths because she didn't have the required GCSE grade. I'd get in touch with the course provider you're interested in and ask them - it may be that the access course covers this. Good luck

Is it worth doing functional English and Maths as well just in case, that's gcse equivalent and would apply if you decided to do something else.

I think you’ll need maths and English. But not necessarily a GCSE - the functional skills qualification may be enough. But check with your local university that offers nursing courses.

Aw fab I havnt heard about a functional skills qualification thank you . I’ll look more into it . I’ve thought about doing nursing for years but having no GCSEs has put me off tbh as I thought they would just not consider me plus the unrelated degree I have x

Some universities won't accept Functional Skills on nursing courses

I teach GCSE re-sit to adults. Most of my students are from over seas

Nurse Lecturer here. NMC requirements ask for GCSE pass in English and Maths, however functional skills at level 2 are acceptable as an alternative

Hi thank you . So if I did an access course along with the functional skills would this be enough do you think ? I was also looking into volunteering at my local hospital?

Hi. Check with the admissions department at the University you are planning on applying to but I should imagine that all will accept the functional skills (level 2) in place of the GCSEs for mathematics and English. Access course is acceptable also. Good luck

There is an Access to Nursing course which can offer the English and Maths alongside.

You need functional skills level 2 in maths and English if you don't have the GCSEs.