A NURSING course starting at Forth Valley College will aim to address Scotland’s shortage of nurses.

The fast track to nursing class will hopefully raise levels of applications to a nursing degree amid a significant drop in recent years.

Held at FVC’s Falkirk campus, the level 6 full-time course is aimed at individuals who wish to study nursing but may not yet have the qualifications required for direct entry at University of Stirling.

Jane Muir, curriculum manager in the department of care, sport, business and communities, encouraged anyone interested in nursing to apply.

She said: “The course is designed to address a shortage of nursing undergraduates at the University of Stirling and college support will be given to students to complete a UCAS application for University of Stirling Autumn 2024 intake for the degree in adult/mental health nursing.

“This course is a valuable initiative to bridge the gap in nursing undergraduates, offering a tailored curriculum that combines foundational core skills knowledge with essential academic skills development.

“It serves as an accessible pathway for individuals passionate about nursing, providing them with the tools to succeed in the undergraduate nursing program at the University of Stirling.”

The number of UCAS applicants for nursing courses in 2023 in Scotland was reported as down 24 per cent, which is the biggest drop in applicants for nursing across the UK.

Applicants are asked to have at least one higher at C or above, preferable in English or biology or equivalent.

Successful applicants will start in January. Further info can be found by emailing Jane on jane.muir@forthvalley.ac.uk.