THE first nurses in Scotland to gain qualifications through the Open University will take up their posts this month.
Eighteen nurses will be appointed in remote and rural hospitals after undertaking their training through the distance-learning institution.
Until now, nurses have had to undertake studies with colleges or universities in major towns and cities in
order to qualify.
But the OU's pre-registration nursing programme was set up to enable students in remote areas to train at home.
Under the four-year programme, which is only open to healthcare assistants, trainees also have to undertake practical training at their nearest hospital or health clinic.
The newly qualified nurses come from some of the most remote parts of Scotland, including Tiree and Shetland.
Elaine Walker, staff tutor in nursing with the OU in Scotland, said that the opportunity to train through distance learning has opened up a career in nursing to many students who thought it impossible.
"The OU offers a wide range of flexible and responsive learning opportunities for nurses to develop their careers and maintain their skills in a rapidly evolving healthcare system," she said.
Andy Glen, staff development manager for Shetland NHS Board, said: "Without this course, these student nurses would have had to leave Shetland to progress. To some, it would be nothing more than an aspiration, as leaving their family here may not be an option."
Anne Mackinnon, who lives on Tiree, said yesterday: "I was keen to do nursing training but it just wasn't feasible to do it on the mainland. I wouldn't be in the job I am now if I hadn't done the course."
