healthcare assistant or nursing

Hi, i'm currently doing a levels and not sure which route is better. Should I become a HCA and then work my way up to be a nurse by applying for the nursing apprenticeship after a few years or should i go straight into the nursing degree (either adult or mental)?
i would rather be debt free but at the same time the degree route is quicker and being a HCA doesnt guarantee me a spot for the nursing apprenticeship. if anyone knows about the apprenticeship please tell me. Do i need to go to uni still?

Reply 1

Tracey_W

Original post by hcaornurse

I would probably suggest that you apply for the nursing degree at university and see what happens with your application and if you where unsuccessful in getting offered a place then perhaps you should think about applying for a HCA nursing position until you finally get accepted for university as don't give up on applying for university ok.

You'll have to get your local hospital trust to take you on as a apprenticeship nurse which is your main concern.
Below are some links to look at okay.

NHS Health Careers
https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk › ...
NHS apprenticeships

GOV.UK
https://www.gov.uk › publications
Nursing degree apprenticeship: factsheet

Prospects
https://www.prospects.ac.uk › nursi...
Nursing apprenticeships | Prospects.ac.uk

NHS registered midwife