Bell College in Dumfries is based at Dudgeon House on the Crichton University Campus, although the main campus for the college is at Hamilton in Lanarkshire. The college is able to offer opportunities in nursing and midwifery education at pre and post registration levels.
Now pre registration programmes for nurse and midwives are moving towards degree level for the majority of students. In 2001 Bell College had one of the first validated degree programmes in Scotland, via Strathclyde University. Progress after a common foundation programme of a year can be made towards registration in mental health or adult branch of nursing. There is a diploma and degree pathway within the three year long course. There is now direct entry to midwifery education and the midwifery course is delivered at Hamilton with students completing placements in Dumfries and Galloway.
Working in partnership with NHS Dumfries and Galloway and the Independent Health Sector, pre-registration students at Bell College complete practical placements throughout the region. The balance of the course is 50% theory and 50% practice. Practice placements are audited and students are visited and supported in placement by link lecturers and they have a practice based mentor.
A wide range of Continuing Professional Development study days and courses are offered from Dudgeon House including study days for carers, part time BA degree modules and there are also Masters degree programmes running in conjunction with the Hamilton campus, these include specialist practitioner qualifications.
For more information contact Shirley Burns Tel: 01387 702100 or e-mail: s.burns@bell.ac.uk
www.bell.ac.uk