The pandemic has seen public displays of support for key workers, including the weekly #clapforcarers initiative and rainbow displays in homes and businesses.
During the period from 1 April until 11 May, visits to ARU’s Midwifery course page rose by 132% on the same period in 2019. For Adult Nursing, the number of visits was up 93% on the same time last year.
There have also been significant increases in traffic to course pages of other health subjects such as Mental Health Nursing, Child Nursing, Medicine and Paramedic Science.
Applications from prospective students for Nursing courses and Midwifery have also increased year-on-year.
It follows a wider trend, with the NHS Careers web page reporting a significant increase in people showing an interest in a career in nursing.
Professor Nigel Harrison, Pro Vice Chancellor and Dean of the Faculty of Health, Education, Medicine and Social Care, said: “Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic we have seen unprecedented recognition of the vital services provided by our healthcare workers. It has shone a light on the incredible job that people in these professions do every day.
“This recognition is fully justified, and we are pleased to see that more people are showing an interest in entering these professions.”