1. Who can I talk to about changing my career?
Contact Careers Wales which can give support and advice to adults changing direction. They will know what your local study options are likely to be, if study is needed. Another source of advice is Next Step, which can help you move forward in your work and life.
If your change in career demands a university course, university open days are a good way of investigating a potential future career. You can usually book on to an open day using the university's website. Most people take along a friend/family member.
2. How do I apply for a job in NHS Wales?
All job vacancies are advertised on the NHS jobs website.
3. Is there a work based route to my chosen profession?
Some professions offer part-time or in-service routes, but currently this is the exception rather than the rule. For further information on specific roles, please visit the detailed NHS role information section.
Programmes leading to qualification and registration as a healthcare professional are largely based in universities, but include practical experience. As a general rule, most courses are 50% theory and 50% practice over a three year course. The practice placements take place in a variety of NHS community settings as well as in hospitals.
4. Will my qualifications count?
Usually entry qualifications for university healthcare courses need to have been gained three to five years before starting the course.
If your qualifications are older than three years old then it is likely the university will want you to refresh your study skills by studying at an appropriate level. This means at A level standard or above, although not necessarily an A level. Study could also be at a higher level, for example with the Open University or similar.
Vocational qualifications may not be recognised unless they are in health and at level 4. The reason for this is that some vocational qualifications do not include a large amount of general education - so universities cannot judge whether your study skills would allow you to cope with their course. Please contact the university to check whether your qualifications are appropriate.
5. What if I haven't got the right qualifications for university?
To qualify as a registered health professional, you will have to study at university.
If you have formal qualifications, check to see if they are sufficient for you to enter the course by checking the university's website or the UCAS website. The various courses will specify exactly what subjects and grades they require.
If you need to add to your current qualifications, most adults will find an access to health and social care course is the best choice. These courses are not your only option as you may only need to top up your existing qualifications but they are often the easiest and quickest. Local Further Education Colleges will offer access courses, for a list of available courses please click here.
Local Further Education Colleges will offer A Levels or you may want to consider the Open University(OU). The OU offers a modular diploma in health and social care, which might interest you. You do not need to complete the entire diploma, universities will advise which modules they would need you to complete.
Please check with the university department that your further study will be acceptable for entry onto their course before you pay for any additional course
6. Would an access course suit me?
The most popular route to a university healthcare course for the over twenty-ones is an access to health and social care course. These further education courses develop students' study skills to the standard needed.
A student completing an access course will have the same level of study skills as someone who has just completed their A levels and are therefore well prepared to enter university.
Access courses are usually about 16 hours of contact time per week spread over one year (September - June) plus homework. Early booking is recommended as the courses are very popular and are often booked up before September. Please click here for your nearest course, or contact Next Step.
7. How can I fit an access course around work?
If you cannot study an access course during the day due to work commitments, you may want to consider studying part-time. This will usually be two evenings a week and will take two years to complete.
8. I am nervous about studying. What can I do about it?
If you are unsure of your study skills or nervous about returning to study, you may want to consider a return to study course. This course will give you a gentle introduction to studying before you start the access/further education course which will lead to university entrance. Most areas of Wales offer return to study courses for those uncertain of their academic skills. Contact Next Step, for your nearest course.