Recruitment and selection of students

The programme is only open to individuals who are supported by employers working in partnership with the OU, and you must be working in healthcare practice in a caring role. You must meet the NMC minimum entry requirements for pre-registration nursing programmes, which include numeracy, literacy and good character and health (see below). Following a review of your application, you will be offered an interview if you meet the entry requirements and are shortlisted. The interview process includes one or more representatives from the OU and an employing organisation. Service users are involved in the recruitment and selection process.

The current NMC entry requirements include:

• functional skills English level 2 or equivalent (e.g. key skills adult literacy level 2; GCSE English Grades A, B or C / 4 -9 ; CSE English Grade 1; Standard Grade 1 or 2; SCQF level 5 in English)
• functional skills mathematics level 2 or equivalent (e.g. key skills adult numeracy level 2, GCSE mathematics Grades A, B or C / 4-9, CSE mathematics Grade 1; Standard Grade 1 or 2; SCQF level 5 in mathematics)
• good character evidenced through self-declaration, an enhanced criminal disclosure and two references, one of which must be from your current employer
• good health evidenced through self-declaration of health status, occupational health screening, review of previous sickness and absence record and two references, one of which must be from your current employer.  

In addition to meeting the NMC entry requirements, at your interview we will assess the alignment of your personal values with those set out in the following documents:

For applicants in England: The NHS Constitution

For applicants in Scotland: Everyone Matters (pdf)

For applicants in Wales: NHS Core Principles (pdf)

For applicants in Northern Ireland: Transforming Your Care (pdf)

So, if you're not familiar with these then do take time to find out about them.