How do I become a nurse or a midwife?

I really want to become a nurse or a midwife but I'm not sure I want to go to university to do the training. I've heard I could get a diploma in nursing while working hands-on in a hospital but can't find any information about it. It really sounds like the sort of training I'd like, do you know how I can get into it and is there any funding available?

Although it isn't possible to do a straight diploma in midwifery and then become qualified, it is possible to do a diploma in nursing whilst working hands-on at the same time. Once you've got a diploma in nursing (and you're a registered nurse) then you can do a short course in midwifery. This type of  training isn't offered by all Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) so you can contact your local PCT to find out whether they have this type of study available. If the PCT in your area does not run the diploma you could think about moving to an area that does, or you could take a degree in nursing instead. This would also involve some hands on experience. You can search for nursing degrees on the UCAS website. Once you become a registered nurse you can do a shorter midwifery course if you still want to become a midwife.

The other way to become a midwife is by taking a degree course in midwifery. You can search for these courses on the UCAS website as well.

You can contact the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) on 020 7333 9333 to find out more information on becoming a nurse or midwife. In order to apply for a nursing or midwifery course it would be a good idea to contact UCAS.  You can find further information on their website about applying in 2009 for courses that may interest you.

If you'd like to to discuss your career options with someone, the Careers Advice Service on 0800 100 900 (opens in a new window)  may be useful. Their learning advisors will be able to discuss your options and best sources of potential funding with you. The NHS provides student bursaries and you may also be able to get a student loan if you attend a university course. The Educational Grants Advisory Service (EGAS), also provides advice and information on non government sources of funding available for post-16 education. You can call them on 020 7254 6251.