Glossary of Terms
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
A
Access
Accelerated Programme for Graduates
Accredited Prior (Experiential) Learning - AP(E)L
Accredited Prior Learning - APL
C
Cadet Schemes
Common Foundation Programme
Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme - CATS
D
E
N
NMAS - Nursing and Midwifery Admissions Service
NMC - Nursing and Midwifery Council
Nurse Cadet Scheme
P
U
Access
Access to Higher Education programmes are designed to enable mature students (aged 21 and over) from under-represented groups to enter higher education. People without formal prior qualifications, or who wish to return to study after a break, are particularly encouraged to apply.
Aswell as the generic programmes, there are also programmes which are designed to lead to a specific named route within higher education (eg Access to Law or Access to Nursing). Programmes are normally taken over one year full-time, or two years part-time. The majority of programmes are run by Further Education colleges, but your local adult education centre, community centre or university may also provide them. Back to top
Accelerated Programmes for Graduates
Graduates who already have a health-related degree may be eligible to apply for a shortened programme in the Diploma in Higher Education in Nursing.
The length of the shortened programme is normally a minimum of 2 years. However with effect from October 2000, graduates prior knowledge and experience can be mapped against the UKCC's outcomes, and the graduates previous learning can be used to specify the length of the course.
Graduates who may or may not have already received a local education authority grant to support their degree studies may still be eligible for the current non-means tested bursary.
Accredited Prior (Experiential) Learning - AP(E)L
Accredited prior experiential learning (APEL) is where a student's work experience in a relevant field may be taken into account, in lieu of more formally recognised qualifications.
The Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS) means that practitioners can gain credit for learning from either formal programmes, learning demonstrated in practice, or life experiences. Credits are accumulated to count towards a qualification, and can be transferred from one university to another. Individual universities have different methods of accepting CATS.
Certificate of Higher Education.......120 points at level 1
Diploma of Higher Education..........240 points e.g. 120 points at level 1
and 2
Bachelor degree.............................360 points e.g. 120 points at
level 1, 2 and 3
Accredited Prior Learning - APL
Accredited prior learning (APL) is where a university may take into account courses previously taken by the applicant.
The Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS) means that practitioners can gain credit for learning from either formal programmes, learning demonstrated in practice, or life experiences. Credits are accumulated to count towards a qualification, and can be transferred from one university to another. Individual universities have different methods of accepting CATS.
Certificate of Higher Education.......120 points at level 1
Diploma of Higher Education..........240 points e.g. 120 points at level 1
and 2
Bachelor degree.............................360 points e.g. 120 points at
level 1, 2 and 3
Nurse Cadet Schemes
This scheme was introduced to strengthen and widen access to pre registration nursing and midwifery education. It enables people without prior formal qualifications to train within the hospital setting to a standard considered appropriate for entry into a pre registration course. The cadetships normally run for up to two years. For details on where the cadetships are currently available click here. Back to top
Common Foundation Programme
Every pre-registration nursing diploma includes a first year called the Common Foundation Programme. This is an intensive programme which provides a general introduction to the principles of modern nursing and essential care skills including a combination of interpersonal and practical skills. The learning is supported by a variety of placements in community and hospital settings.
On completion of the Common Foundation Programme the student will then begin studying in their chosen branch of nursing which they will usually have chosen on application - Adult nursing, Mental Health nursing, Learning Disability nursing or Children's nursing.
Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme
The Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS) means that practitioners can gain credit for learning from either formal programmes, learning demonstrated in practice, or life experiences. Credits are accumulated to count towards a qualification, and can be transferred from one university to another. Individual universities have different methods of accepting CATS.
Certificate of Higher Education.......120 points at level 1
Diploma of Higher Education..........240 points e.g. 120 points at level 1
and 2
Bachelor degree.............................360 points e.g. 120 points at
level 1, 2 and 3
DC Test
These tests are designed to enable people who do not otherwise satisfy the minimum statutory entry requirements to undertake pre-registration nursing or midwifery programmes.
The tests cover areas such as Numerical Ability, Verbal/Non-verbal Reasoning and English Comprehension.
An information booklet (cost £2.00) is available from institutions offering the tests or from:
Nurse Selection Project
School of Education
University of Leeds
Leeds
LS2 9JT
ENB
The English National Board for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting (ENB) used to be responsible for approving higher educational institutions in England to conduct nursing, midwifery and health visiting education programmes. In April 2002 they were replaced by the Nursing and MIdwifery Council (NMC). For more information visit the About Nursing - Governing Bodies Section of this website.
NMAS
The Nursing and Midwifery Admissions Service acts on behalf of the National Health Service Executive to process applications for full-length, diploma-level pre-registration nursing and midwifery programmes at universities and colleges of higher education in England (to apply for degrees in nursing you should contact UCAS). They can be contacted at:
Nursing and Midwifery Admissions Service
Rosehill
New Barn Lane
Cheltenham
Gloucestershire
GL52 3LZ
Enquiries: 01242 544949
Application pack requests: 01242 223707
Website: www.nmas.ac.uk
NMC - Nursing and Midwifery Council
In April 2002, the UKCC and National Boards were replaced by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) as the body by which trained nurses and student nurses are bound and protected.
Address details:
NMC
23 Portland Place
London
W1B 1PZ
T: 020 7637 7181
F : 020 7436 2924
E: advice@nmc-uk.org
The key tasks of the NMC are to:
maintain a register of nurses, midwives and health visitors
set standards and guidelines for nursing, midiwfery and health visiting education, practice and conduct
provide advice on professional standards
undertake quality assurance for nursing and midwifery education
Consider allegations of misconduct or unfitness to practice due to ill health
Nurse Cadet Scheme
This scheme was introduced to strengthen and widen access to pre registration nursing and midwifery education. It enables people without prior formal qualifications to train within the hospital setting to a standard considered appropriate for entry into a pre registration course. The cadetships normally run for up to two years. For details on where the cadetships are currently available click here.
PREP
PREP stands for Post Registration Education Practice and refers to the standards set out by the NMC for the continuing professional development (CPD) of registered nurses, midwives and health visitors. All nurses, midwives and health visitors must demonstrate that they meet the requirements in order to maintain their registration with the NMC. There are two separate PREP standards: the PREP (CPD) standard and the PREP (practice) standard.
Registrants must document in their personal professional profile the ways in which their learning informs their practice.
Nurses, midwives and health visitors who do not meet this standard must undertake a return to practice programme approved by a National Board before they can renew their registration. Back to top
UCAS
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is the UK central organisation through which applications are processed for entry to full-time undergraduate courses, HNDs and university diplomas. (For pre-registration nursing diplomas you should apply through NMAS).
UCAS Address:
Rosehill
New Barn Lane
Cheltenham
Gloucestershire
GL52 3LZ
Applicant enquiries: T: +44 (0) 1242 227788;
E : enq@ucas.ac.uk
General enquiries: T: +44 (0) 1242 222444
Minicom: T: +44 (0) 1242 544942
The minicom service is designed for people with hearing difficulties.
W: www.ucas.ac.uk
UKCC
The UKCC used to be the regulatory body for nursing midwifery and health visiting. In April 2002 it was replaced by the Nursing and MIdwifery Council (NMC). For more information visit the About Nursing - Governing Bodies Section of this website.
