Level 3 Access to Higher Education Diploma in Nursing Course Online

CostPlease contact provider - This course is eligible for funding via an Advanced Learner Loan. Getting a loan doesnt depend on your income and there are no credit checks. Advanced Learner Loans dont get repaid until you earn over 27,295 per year.
Duration12 months
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryOnline
StartFlexible
Awarding bodyOCN London Region

About this course

Level 3 Access to HE Diploma (Nursing) Course. Study online, at your own pace, over 12 months. You'll need a Level 2 Maths and English qualification (GCSE or equivalent) to enrol. As part of the enrolment process, you'll complete a telephone interview and a written assessment to confirm the course is the right level for you. The course covers human biology, the NHS, the roles and responsibilities of a registered nurse, and academic skills to prepare you for degree-level study. An Advanced Learner Loan is available to cover the cost, repayable only once you earn over £27,295 a year.

Who this course is for

Access courses are designed for people who have been out of education for some time - so they're the perfect option if you left school without the qualifications you'd need to go straight to university. They provide you with a good level of knowledge and skills so that you feel prepared to start a degree. Whether you're a career changer, have been out of employment and education for some time, or you're looking to pursue a subject you're passionate about - an Access to HE course could be the right option for you. This course is ideal for anyone aiming to study midwifery or a related health degree at university. It's designed for those returning to education or looking to build the academic, scientific, and professional knowledge needed to progress into higher education. Whether you're aiming to become a nurse or work more broadly in health and social care, this course will help you build the knowledge, confidence, and qualifications needed to take that next step.

Entry requirements

You will need a Level 2 Maths and English qualification (GCSE or equivalent) - copies of your certificates will be requested as part of the enrolment process. If you don't have your Level 2 qualifications in Maths and English, we can support you through Functional Skills qualifications. As part of our enrolment process, you will need to complete a telephone interview and a written assessment which will ensure that the course is the right level for you.

What you will learn

  • You'll study human biology, including cell biology, respiration, circulation, nutrition, digestion, and the nervous system.
  • You'll explore the roles and responsibilities of a registered nurse.
  • You'll learn about the structure of the NHS and the wider healthcare system.
  • You'll develop academic study techniques to prepare you for degree-level learning.
  • You'll examine health inequalities, poverty, and stress in a healthcare context.
  • You'll cover numeracy skills in a health and clinical setting.
  • You'll study the urinary system, the muscular and skeletal system, the endocrine system, human immunity, and reproduction.

How you will learn

You study entirely online, working through units at your own pace. As part of enrolment, you'll complete a telephone interview and a written assessment to confirm the course is the right level for you. Assessment is unit-based throughout the course. You'll need regular access to a laptop and the internet to complete your studies.

What you will need to bring

You'll need full use of a laptop and reliable access to the internet. You'll also need to provide copies of your Level 2 Maths and English certificates as part of the enrolment process. Learning Curve will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Registered nurse (RN): degree required; this qualification supports your university application.
  • Healthcare assistant: entry-level clinical support role in NHS or private settings.
  • Nursing associate: a stepping stone toward registered nurse status.
  • Mental health nurse: specialist nursing role requiring a nursing degree.
  • Community nurse: district or community-based nursing after degree completion.
  • Midwife: degree-level role; some universities accept Access to HE applicants.
  • Paramedic: degree-entry role; Access to HE Diploma accepted by many universities.

What you could study next

The natural next step after this level 3 access to he diploma (nursing) qualification is applying for a BSc Nursing degree (Adult, Mental Health, Child, or Learning Disabilities). Most UK universities accept the Access to HE Diploma (Nursing) as a direct entry qualification. You could also consider a BSc Midwifery or BSc Paramedic Science if your interests develop during study. Some learners go on to a Foundation Year programme if they want additional preparation before a full degree.

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