Best Short Courses in Nursing & Midwifery UK 2026

The most widely used alternative entry route to UK nursing degree programmes — for adults without A Levels.

The Access to Higher Education Diploma is an Ofqual-regulated Level 3 qualification that provides mature students (usually 19+) with a pathway to university without traditional A Level qualifications. For nursing, the Access to HE Diploma in Health Studies, Health Professions, or Science is the most relevant — it covers human biology, anatomy and physiology, sociology, psychology, and academic writing skills.

Most UK nursing degree programmes accept Access to HE (Health/Science) with an overall Merit or Distinction grade as equivalent to A Level requirements. The diploma is delivered at further education colleges throughout the UK, typically over one year part-time (one or two evenings per week plus self-study). It may be available free under the Free Courses for Jobs scheme for adults without a Level 3 qualification — check your local FE college.

The only paid route to NMC registration in England — 2-year Level 5 apprenticeship delivered through NHS employers.

The Trainee Nursing Associate (TNA) apprenticeship is a Level 5 programme that leads to NMC registration as a Nursing Associate. It is delivered by NHS Trusts and independent health and social care employers in partnership with approved education providers. TNAs are employed throughout their training, earning a salary while studying — making it the only route to NMC registration that does not require university tuition fees or student loans.

The programme covers nursing theory, clinical skills, and supervised practice across multiple care settings. On completion, TNAs are registered with the NMC as Nursing Associates and can apply for a shortened top-up degree to progress to Registered Nurse status. TNA places are allocated by NHS Trusts — typically recruited from existing Healthcare Assistants within the Trust.

For nurses and midwives who have left the NMC register and want to return — funded places available through NHS England.

The NMC Return to Practice programme is for nurses and midwives whose registration has lapsed (or been voluntarily removed) who wish to return to practice. If off the register for more than 5 years, a structured Return to Practice programme must be completed at an NMC-approved provider — involving supervised clinical placement hours (minimum 450 hours) and evidence of meeting current NMC proficiency standards.

NHS England periodically funds Return to Practice placements in response to workforce pressures — with funded stipends for nurses returning to NHS settings. Programmes are typically 3–6 months and available at NHS Trusts and universities with NMC-approved programmes. Contact NHS England workforce regional teams or your local Trust workforce development department for current funded cohort availability.

Post-registration clinical skills development — extends scope of practice and supports Band 6+ progression.

For registered nurses, short CPD courses extend clinical scope and support career progression. The most commonly undertaken specialist short courses include: IV Therapy and Cannulation (typically 1 day, required by most acute Trusts), Urinary Catheterisation (1 day, male and female), Venepuncture (1 day), ECG Interpretation (1–2 days), Medicines Management, Wound Care Assessment, and — for experienced nurses — the Independent and Supplementary Prescribing programme (usually a postgraduate module, 26 weeks).

Many of these short courses are funded by NHS Trusts as part of mandatory clinical skill requirements or Band 6 development programmes. Nurse prescribing is a significant career and salary enhancer — independent prescribing nurses can expand their autonomous practice considerably and are increasingly valued in primary care, urgent care, and specialist nursing roles.

The professional body for UK midwifery — CPD programmes, e-learning, and specialist midwifery training.

The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) is the professional body and trade union for midwives and maternity support workers in the UK. The RCM offers an extensive CPD programme for registered midwives covering intrapartum care, fetal monitoring, postnatal assessment, perinatal mental health, caseloading models, leadership in midwifery, and clinical skills maintenance.

RCM i-learn is their online learning platform providing free and low-cost e-learning modules for RCM members — covering areas including obstetric emergencies, safeguarding, medicines management, and professional practice updates. RCM membership (free for student midwives, approximately £20–£30/month for registered midwives) provides access to i-learn, the RCM journal, practice guidance, and professional support services including legal assistance.