Courses
ATU expands tertiary nursing access route with new progression pathways
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) announces an expansion of its Tertiary Access Route into Nursing, offering learners broader progression opportunities across multiple nursing disciplines.
Students entering the Tertiary Access Route to Nursing can now progress not only into the BSc (Hons) in General Nursing, but also into the BSc (Hons) in Mental Health Nursing and BSc (Hons) in Intellectual Disability Nursing, providing greater choice and flexibility for those pursuing a career in this vital profession.
Nursing is a career built on compassion, commitment, and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives every day. By expanding the range of progression pathways available, ATU is ensuring that learners can explore and pursue the area of nursing that best aligns with their interests, strengths and career aspirations.
Claire Fiddaman, Programme Development Co-ordinator Tertiary Education at ATU commented, “The enhanced pathway reflects ATU’s ongoing commitment to widening access to higher education and responding to the evolving needs of healthcare services nationwide. The Tertiary Access Route into Nursing has been such a success since its inception in July 2023. The pathway continues to support students who may not meet traditional entry requirements, offering a supportive learning environment that prepares them for successful progression into nursing degree programmes.”
Dr Justin Kerr, Head of School of Nursing at ATU added, “This development opens up even more opportunities for learners who are passionate about a career in nursing. By broadening the progression routes available, we are empowering students to choose a pathway that best reflects their interests while contributing to critical areas of healthcare across Ireland.”
Highlighting the learner centred nature of the pathway, Louise Welby, Senior Manager, FET Galway Roscommon Education Training Board, said “The strength of the Tertiary Access Route lies in its ability to meet learners where they are at. By offering small classes and dedicated supports in your local GRETB FET centre, we provide a nurturing environment that builds confidence and academic skills. This ensures that every learner has a solid foundation before progressing to ATU. These pathways are essential in providing credible, flexible options for anyone in our communities aspiring to a career in nursing.”
Applications to the Tertiary Access Route to Nursing are now open, with successful applicants benefiting from a clear, supported pathway into professional nursing education at ATU.
For more information on the Tertiary Access Route to Nursing and progression opportunities, visit atu.ie/tertiary-degrees or apply now at https://gretb.ie/further-education-training/tertiary-degrees/
Photo caption: (L-R) ATU students Saoirse Hayes and Caoimhe Mc Cauley.
For media enquiries, contact:
Aidan Haughey
Communications Manager
Tel: 086 086 6913
E: aidan.haughey@atu.ie
