Prospective students in Worcester have been urged to kick off a career in nursing with a local degree, ahead of the university applications deadline.

Those enrolling on courses would join thousands of local nurses and midwives already employed with the NHS, with England’s most senior nurse hailing the opportunity to work “in one of the most rewarding careers”.

The UCAS deadline for undergraduate courses is today (January 15). Last year there were 345 nursing degree places on offer at the University of Worcester.

The restoration of a grant for nursing students means that successful applicants will receive £5,000 a year to support them through their studies.

After graduation, new nurses would go on to join a 4,840-strong NHS nursing and midwifery community in Worcestershire.

Ruth May, chief nursing officer for England said: “The UCAS deadline looms and with the return of a £5,000 bursary, a high starting salary and a chance to work in one of the most rewarding careers there is, students have just days left to apply to be a nurse.

“Our NHS Long Term Plan will deliver thousands of new clinical placements in higher education, so more trainee nurses than ever before will be able to get first-hand experience on the front line as part of their studies.“Studying to become a nurse was undoubtedly the greatest decision I ever made, and with so many nursing degree options around and one of the highest degree employability rates, now is the perfect time to join our NHS family.”