The NHS in the North West is encouraging school leavers uncertain about their future career paths to consider nursing or midwifery.

Clearing places are now available for these professions and the NHS is keen to remind students of the rewarding prospects in healthcare.

So far this year, 33,560 people in England have applied for a nursing degree, and 7,290 have applied to become a midwife.

Andrea Boland, deputy director of nursing in NHS England North West’s workforce, training and education directorate, said: "A nursing or midwifery degree gives you career prospects.

"You can teach, lead or specialise in your passion.

"In nursing alone there is a diverse range of careers with over 50 different jobs and specialties that students can look into while studying and after graduating.

"Midwifery also offers hands-on training with the opportunity to make a real difference to patients’ lives through a range of different placements while learning."

Students who choose to attend university to study nursing or midwifery could also be eligible for the NHS Learning Support Fund, which guarantees a grant of £5,000 a year, plus additional payments for studying mental health or learning disability nursing.

Prospective students can apply for these courses until October 21.

Entry requirements for nursing and midwifery degree courses will vary, but students are likely to need at least two A Levels or equivalent.

Lauren Caulfield, a midwifery student at the University of Manchester, said: "I'm a student midwife and it's such a fulfilling role.

"Supporting women and doing what I can to ensure positive outcomes is so important and adds so much value to their experiences.

"The process is super easy, and if you want to make a meaningful difference, use clearance to become a part of this rewarding journey."

Lucy Garuba, an adult student nurse at the University of Manchester, said: "Embracing my cultural heritage has enhanced my nursing journey.

"If you’re from a minority background, consider nursing as a career choice and be proud of your identity.

"Be an inspiration for others to promote diversity within the nursing profession."

Sarah Thompson, a student specialist public health nurse at the University of Central Lancashire, has been with the NHS for 20 years, having started off as a community nursery nurse in a health visiting team.

She said: "I always wanted a big family and although I was always passionate about my role helping families in our local area, I always felt I could go further in my career.

"In 2020 during the pandemic, I was off sick for a few weeks.

"Seeing the inspirational nurses and medics do so much during the Covid outbreak touched me.

"I wondered about being a nurse but my large family and having a child with complex needs, I never imagined I could manage to fulfil my dream."

She then saw an advert for an 18-month nurse apprentice course with Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Northumbria University.

"After long discussions with my husband and family, and lots of encouragement from colleagues, I left my post after 17 years to become a nurse.

"I graduated with first class honours in 2022 and became a staff nurse," she said.

However, leaving health visiting was difficult, and so she enrolled on the Specialist Public Health Nurse course at the University of Central Lancashire to become a health visitor.

"I am due to qualify as a health visitor in September this year.

"Everyone says they don’t know how I do it, but I honestly believe that anything is possible if you have the grit and determination.

"I am so proud to be a role model for my six children and continue to be a part of our fabulous NHS," she said.

UCAS clearing is open now.