Recruitment is beginning for a Bachelor/Master of Nursing degree course starting in September 2016.

The three-year course is delivered by the Isle of Man Government’s Learning, Education and Development division in partnership with the University of Chester.

It leads to registration as a nurse and is completed entirely on-Island.

This year, for the second time, the intake will be 20, demonstrating a commitment by the Government to educate more home-grown nurses.

Fourteen students will specialise in nursing adults and six in mental health.

Based at Keyll Darree Education Centre, with the excellent facilities of Noble’s Hospital and mental health services on the doorstep, students divide their time between lectures and hands-on practice.

People from all walks of life and backgrounds are encouraged to apply, whether finishing A-levels, changing career or returning to work after a break.

Mark Haith, a Programme Leader, said: ‘We are looking for candidates with the right attitude and approach – the ability to build relationships, the resilience necessary to cope with the demands of the role and openness to change.

‘For us, a background in healthcare is only relevant if it’s held by a person who has the ability to progress through the experiences and study required by the course. We are looking for students we can help develop over three years.

‘People from different backgrounds have experience and skills that make them excellent candidates for nursing.’

Mark said: ‘There is a huge range of jobs available locally in hospital and community settings for nursing graduates.’

Mark outlined the benefits of studying for a nursing degree locally.

‘The student/staff ratio allows staff to work closely with students to provide the level of academic support needed for this demanding but fulfilling career,’ he said.

‘Our Bachelor of Nursing students achieve grades that are significantly higher than in the UK. Our most recent undergraduates all achieved upper second class or first class honours.

‘Students are eligible for an annual ?5,000 bursary,’ Mark said. ‘For career development, we offer the opportunity of postgraduate study leading to a Master’s degree in professional practice and attainment is equally impressive at this level.’

Advertisements and articles about the recruitment drive, including interviews with current students, are appearing in local media this week.

Applications should be made via www.gov.im/nursetraining by 29th January.

Interviews will be held in March.

For more information about the course, visit www.gov.im/nursetraining or contact Senior Lecturers Catherine Black Catherine.black@gov.im (adult nursing) or Mark Haith mark.haith@gov.im (mental health nursing).

Applicants need 280 UCAS points – or equivalents as outlined on the University of Chester’s website via www.chester.ac.uk/undergraduate/nursing.  They must also possess GCSE grade C or above in maths and English.

Return to Nursing Practice programmes are available for those who have taken career breaks. Contact Bernadette Devlin, Senior Lecturer, on 642927 or via Bernadette.Devlin@gov.im.