Search
Header navigation

Nursing Career Pathways

Two students in a classroom talking

What Is an Access to Higher Education Diploma?

An Access to HE Diploma is a flexible, online Level 3 qualification for adults without A Levels, providing a recognised pathway into university degrees, particularly in nursing and healthcare. Completed in 9–12 months, it prepares learners for higher education through subject-focused study and assignment-based assessment.
Career Pathways
Proud to be Cygnet Nurse logo

Proud To Be A Cygnet Nurse - Kerryanne’s Story

Kerryanne Johnstone shares her 20-year nursing journey, leadership approach and passion for supporting people with learning disabilities to achieve their goals.
Career Pathways
Cropped photo of a group of nurses walking together in a corridor

Access to HE Nursing: A Route into Nursing Without A Levels

The Access to HE Diploma (Nursing) is a flexible, online Level 3 qualification for adults without A Levels, providing a recognised pathway into UK nursing degrees. Completed in 9–12 months, it prepares learners for university while fitting around work, childcare and other commitments.
Career Pathways
Soft focus photo of a group of people walking outdoors.

From Nursing Placement to Occupational Health Advisor: My Journey So Far

From student nurse placement to qualified Occupational Health Advisor, Alice True reflects on her four-year journey, professional growth, and passion for Occupational Health.
Career Pathways
Proud to be a Cygnet Nurse

Proud To Be A Cygnet Nurse – Two More Stories

Cygnet’s “Proud to Be a Cygnet Nurse” campaign celebrates the inspiring stories, compassion and dedication of nurses across its nationwide mental health and specialist healthcare services. This supplementary blog shares two more personal stories, highlighting the difference Cygnet nurses make every day.
Career Pathways
Group of student nurses in a corridor

Level 2 Qualifications for Nursing: GCSEs, Functional Skills and GCSE Equivalency Explained

Level 2 English and Maths are essential for nursing degrees, with GCSEs, Functional Skills and GCSE Equivalency offering different routes to meet entry requirements. Understanding which qualifications your chosen universities accept helps you choose the right pathway towards an Access to HE Diploma and a nursing degree.
Career Pathways
People sat in a group talking

My Journey Into Occupational Health: Finding A New Direction In Nursing

Discover how Rachael Sutton transitioned from hospice nursing to occupational health, finding better work-life balance, career growth and renewed passion for nursing.
Career Pathways
4 candidates sat in chairs waiting to be interviewed

The Making Of An Occupational Health Clinician

Occupational Health clinicians often arrive from diverse careers, bringing transferable skills such as communication, resilience, autonomy and commercial awareness. These varied experiences strengthen their ability to manage complex workplace health challenges.
Career Pathways
Proud to be a Cygnet Nurse

Proud To Be A Cygnet Nurse – What’s The Story?

Cygnet’s “Proud to Be a Cygnet Nurse” campaign celebrates inspiring nurses, career development and compassionate care across its nationwide mental health and specialist healthcare services.
Career Pathways
Popular tags
Popular tags