Forth Valley College students begin pioneering NHS nursing course
The first students have joined Forth Valley College's Fast Track to Nursing programme, backed by a £64,758 Scottish Government Test of Change grant.
Developed with the University of Stirling as part of an NHS collaboration, the six-month intensive programme lets learners progress directly into Year 1 of the BSc Nursing degree, Adult or Mental Health, on completion.
The Test of Change grant funds a pioneering initiative tackling issues facing the nursing sector, as identified in a Scottish Government Nursing and Midwifery report released last year, among them, a dwindling number of specialist staff nurses.
The first group of students began their studies in August, with a second cohort due to start in January 2027.
The funding supports the programme's design, development, and planning phase, including curriculum creation, recruitment strategies, and partnership coordination.
Once operational, Fast Track will provide a clear, supported pathway for individuals with the potential to succeed in nursing but who don't currently meet university entry requirements.
This SCQF Level 6 full-time course is aimed at people who have a passion for nursing but lack the qualifications needed to access the undergraduate programme at the University of Stirling.
The pathway welcomes learners from a range of backgrounds, including school leavers progressing from senior-phase health and social care courses, adults re-entering education after time away, and career changers wishing to transition into nursing from another industry.
Students who complete the course and achieve a pass will be offered a place on the BSc Nursing programme at the University of Stirling, with no further interview required.
Sarah Higgins, FVC's vice principal of learning and student experience, said: "This course is designed to address the shortage of nursing undergraduates across Scotland. Forth Valley College will support and encourage students who complete the programme to join the BSc Nursing degree at the University of Stirling, in Adult or Mental Health Nursing.
"This is a valuable initiative in bridging the gap in nursing undergraduates, offering a tailored curriculum that combines foundational core skills with essential academic skills development. It provides an accessible pathway for individuals passionate about nursing, giving them the tools to succeed on the undergraduate nursing programme at the University of Stirling."
For full eligibility and course information visit the FVUC NHS Partnership website.