Part time degree and job queries in the NHS

So I am studying with the Open University, absolutely love it. BUT I was wondering does your job need to be related, I want to work in the NHS, but trying to find a part time role because full time will be too much and most the jobs in the NHS requirements are 7-6:30 which would be perfectly fine if I didn't have a degree to dedicate 16 hours too ... But was just wondering because I had a job offer in the health sector and they were requiring a ton of time that wouldn't allow me to even scrap 16 hours per week, so I am thinking of applying for something in education, which is 8-2/3 until I finish my degree and then get a full time job in the NHS, when I can dedicate my time to that job. I was just wondering what any of your guys advice, and does the degree need to relate to the job or is it just job sector experience until you complete this degree. Please HELP I feel like I am wasting time, I am so passionate about the NHS but I want to make sure I am dedicating the right amount of time to my degree because that's the only way I will get into it.

Your post confuses me a little. Your current job doesn’t have to relate to your degree but depending what you plan to do in the future you might need experience to get onto training programs.

What route are you wanting to take within the NHS?

I work for the NHS and find studying alongside fine. Many roles have part time options, you usually select this when applying and can negotiate after interview.

What is it you want to do after your degree?

You can do whatever you like during your degree, but obviously afterwards depending what role you want to go into they may want relevant work experience.

I would like to be a Physician Associate after my degree and I have had work experience in the NHS, my job currently is in a primary school, but was just worried that working there is not going to allow me to progress to be a physician associate in the end, but again it's the only job in my area allowing my part time work and allowing my just 16 hours studying per week. So I don't want to ruin my chances of becoming a NHS staff member but I also need to pass this degree to get into this role. So was a bit lost.

It's good to hear there is no need for it to be related to the role you want to do in the future. Thanks so much for your reply and apologies if it wasn't clear. I was stressed writing.

I see. Apologies so basically at the OU they require 16 hours of studying per week. But all the jobs I have applied to say Part time but in the interview they say full time, I am a bit confused as to why.

I want to be a Physician Associate.

I see. Apologies so basically at the OU they require 16 hours of studying per week. But all the jobs I have applied to say Part time but in the interview they say full time, I am a bit confused as to why.

I want to be a Physician Associate.

I am a current Physician associate student and I also worked in education as teaching assistant alongside my OU degree.
I also had about a year experience working with a lady with disabilities.
Most PA courses require 2.1 or 2.2 with experience in healthcare.
I ended up with a 1st and still took me 3 application cycles to get a place! So be aware it is very competitive and try to get the best degree classification you can and also healthcare experience.
I will also say the course is VERY intense, you would maybe be able to work a few hours alongside if you had no other commitments (such as children)
Also another thing to be aware of is that the post graduate loan does not cover the full tuition fees. You have to pay the shortfall which is around £8k, although this may change with regulation.
Don't let this put you off if it's what you have your heart set on though as its an amazing course! Just be prepared to put in lots of time and hard work.