Gbenro’s on the right track after successful ‘Fast Track towards Nursing’ course

Date: Thursday, February 29, 2024

An aspiring Nurse who has just been accepted to study for his Nursing degree has put his success down to completing a newly launched fast track course, which aims to boost prospective Nurses’ knowledge and understanding of the profession.  

Gbenro Ogunbiyi, who currently works as a carer and also a Healthcare Assistant for Birmingham & Solihull & Black Country Mental Health Trusts, is celebrating after being accepted to study Mental Health Nursing at Prifysgol Wrecsam/Wrexham University.  

It comes after he completed the University’s Fast Track towards Nursing short course in December, which launched in September last year. 

The 12-week course, which is run from both the University’s Plas Coch in Wrexham and St Asaph campuses, aims to increase students’ knowledge and understanding of their chosen field of Nursing and help prepare them for their interview on one of the institution’s Nursing degrees.  

Speaking after being offered a place on the degree, Gbenro, 38, from Wednesbury said: “I was recommended to enrol onto the Fast Track towards Nursing short course after being rejected for the Nursing degree back in September.  

“At the time, of course I felt disappointed but actually, I’m a firm believer in things happening for a reason and now I’ve completed the fast track course and been offered a place on the degree, I completely understand that I wasn’t quite ready at that time. 

“I’m now one step closer to achieving my dream of becoming a Mental Health Nurse.  

“I feel proud to have completed the course as I now definitely feel more prepared for my next steps. Not only was our cohort incredibly well supported by our Lecturers – particularly my Lecturer, Beccy Davis – but also the knowledge I gained from the course was invaluable.  

“I’m now excited for what’s next for me and to achieve my career goal, and hopefully make a difference to the lives of those suffering from mental health issues.” 

Liana Davies, Lecturer in Nursing who delivers the Fast Track towards Nursing course, said: “A huge congratulations to Gbenro for successfully gaining a place on our Mental Health Nursing degree programme – what an amazing achievement, especially after completing the fast track course.  

“We are delighted to have had some wonderful feedback on the course so far, which aims to expand students’ knowledge of the Nursing profession, as well as boost their confidence, and in turn, increase their likelihood of success at interview for one of our Nursing degrees.  

“The course comprises three modules, which each cover an essential requirement of starting a full-time Nursing degree. They include ‘A Day in the Life’ which provides an insight into health careers, that introduces students to the diverse careers available within the health sector in Wales. The focus is on the multi-disciplinary workforce and how they work together to achieve person-centred care.  

“It also includes ‘the Confident Learner’ module, which prepares students for higher-level study and provides an alternative to the GCSE English Language requirement – for those who don’t yet have this, as well as the ‘Countdown to Numeracy in Nursing’, which is a maths-based module, specifically designed for Nursing applicants, which can provide an alternative to the GCSE Maths requirement – again for those who don’t yet have this. 

“The course is also incredibly flexible, with a blended learning approach comprising of three sessions face-to-face on campus during the first module. While, the rest is self-directed study, which students can do in their own time and at their own pace.  

“The ‘Confident Learner’ module also has an assessment element at the end but this is online study and submissions also, so again, extremely flexible.” 

The Fast Track towards Nursing course is aimed at those who have not previously met the entry requirements for an undergraduate nursing degree and if they have not studied in the past five years. Previous evidence of Level 3 study (vocational or academic) will be required for this course. 

Those who successfully complete the course are guaranteed an interview for the BN (Hons) Nursing degree in their chosen area (adult, children’s or mental health) at Wrexham University.  

The course is fully funded, and students will receive £1,000 to support them whilst they are studying. This will be paid in two amounts: £500 at the end of the first module and £500 at the end of teaching for the third and final module.  

•  There’s still time to apply for the next cohort of the course, which will start from April running until June, in preparation for the September 2024 intake on to the undergraduate Nursing degree.  

For further information about the course, visit: https://wrexham.ac.uk/courses/short-courses/fast-track-towards-nursing/#panel3