Get Ready for Nursing and Health Professions (Schools)

• Introduction
• Healthcare Professions – Overview of nursing and AHP careers.Professional Values and Ethics – Understanding compassion, empathy, and patient-centred care as wells as communication Skills and Health and Safety in Care Settings
• The course will introduce the student to Basic Healthcare Skills – Practical skills such as taking vital signs and patient observations including addressing individual needs and promoting holistic care approaches.
• Understanding roles and responsibilities within healthcare teams is a key component with the course giving the opportunity to explore career planning and progression with Guidance on educational pathways and career opportunities.

AHPs are the third biggest workforce in the NHS in NHS Scotland offering a diversity of career pathways. AHP’s focus on assessing, diagnosing, and treating individuals to improve their health and wellbeing. 
They work across various healthcare settings and provide essential support services.

Key AHP roles include:

• Therapeutic Radiographers
• Physiotherapists
• Speech and Language Therapists – Specialising in treatment, rehabilitation, and communication support.
• Podiatrists and Occupational Therapists – Assisting with mobility and daily living activities.
• Art and Music Therapists, Dietitians, and Paramedics – Enhancing mental health, nutrition, and emergency response.

This course introduces students to these professions, helping them develop teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills while exploring future career paths.

Nursing

Nurses are the largest professional group within the NHS, providing care across hospitals, GP practices, and community settings. 

The four main areas of nursing practice are:

• Adult Nursing – caring for adults with various health conditions
• Children’s Nursing, specialising in infant and adolescent care
• Learning Disabilities Nursing, supporting individuals with learning disabilities and Mental Health Nursing, addressing mental health needs in communities.

Students who complete the Get Ready for Nursing and Health Professions (SCQF Level 5) course can progress to:

• Forth Valley College: Gateway to Nursing and Health Professions (Level 6)
• Forth Valley College: NPA Social Services and Healthcare (Level 6)

Further progression in the subsequent year includes:

• HNC Healthcare Practice (Level 7)
• University Undergraduate Nursing and Allied Health Professions (AHP) programs (Entry criteria dependant)

• Pupils should have achieved 3 Nat 4 qualifications, including English or an English-related subject, or working towards them at Nat 5 level this current academic session.

Further advice for School College Programme and Foundation Apprenticeship applications:

• Please ensure you have an online account before starting your application
• If you created your account prior to March 2025, you will need to register a new account
• Before starting the application process, please ensure you already hold or are working towards the relevant entry qualifications required for the course you are applying for
• Ensure you use your own personal email address when creating your online account
• Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an automated email immediately
• If you do not receive an acknowledgement e-mail immediately, please check your SPAM/Junk folder
• Please include as much detail as possible in your personal statement such as; the reason you are applying, future career plans, relevant experience, hobbies and interests
• Disclosing support needs in your application will not affect your chances of being offered a place on a course at Forth Valley College
• If your application is successful, you will be invited to an information session
• If your application is unsuccessful, you should speak to a guidance teacher or SDS school liaison officer.
• If you are unable to attend the information session or wish to withdraw your application, please email the School Partnership team - school.partnership@forthvalley.ac.uk