learndirect Blog

When searching for any course – whether it’s online or in a traditional setting – it’s so important to make sure the qualification is recognised. There is a perception that qualifications gained through online courses are somehow not as good as their bricks and mortar counterparts. This isn’t the case. All course have to go through the same accreditation process which means an A Level from one educator is worth the same as one gained somewhere else. This ensures that...

If you’re considering a career as a dental nurse, it’s perfectly natural to wonder where your career could take you once you’re qualified. Of course, you need to overcome that all important first hurdle, but there’s nothing wrong with planning ahead. Dental nursing is a rewarding career that allows you to diversify into a number of different specialisms. This includes studying to be a hygienist or gaining additional qualifications to assist in dental surgery. There are some...

Working as a dental nurse is a busy but rewarding role. Each day you will wear many hats including a capable and prompt assistant to the dentist. And a source of comfort to an anxious patient. You will need to make sure patient records are up to date, prepare instruments and field questions over the phone. It’s a job that takes diligence, attention to detail and an overriding desire to provide excellent care to those in need. It also takes a qualification recognised by the General...

For many of us the idea of education is intrinsically linked with big imposing buildings with endless corridors and musty smelling classrooms. It also means rigid timetables, classes and rules. It is these ideas we carry with us when we consider training or going back to school to gain a qualification. However, a growing number of school leavers and mature students are favouring distance learning as a viable alternative. Thanks to the ubiquity of the internet and a range of...

No two days are the same when you’re a dental nurse. Every patient will have different requirements ranging from their treatment to how they are feeling. It’s no secret that the dentist’s chair is a source of anxiety for many, so a part of the job is putting people at ease. This in addition to supporting the dentist with procedures, prepping between appointments and a host of other duties. If you are considering a career as a dental nurse, you will need a firm grasp of dental...

There are those who view online courses with an heir of mistrust. For whatever reason, the idea that you can gain a qualification without sitting in a physical classroom is uncomfortable. It’s not helped with high profile scandals like the now defunct Trump University allegedly defrauding its students. Of course, there will always be criminals out there looking to con the unsuspecting but that isn’t exclusive to the online learning sector. In fact, unlike other online...

If you’re considering a career as a dental nurse and you don’t have the qualifications, then you’ll need to embark on a programme of study. To register as a dental nurse, The General Dental Council requires all dental nurses to have gained a recognised qualification. This can be something like an Access to Higher Education Diploma or a NEBDN National Diploma in Dental Nursing. Providing it meets the GDC’s standards then it’s really a case of taking the course that is the best...

Becoming a dental nurse is a great way to earn a living. Although you’ll focus on oral health, your workday will be ever-changing as each patient requires individual treatments and procedures. You’ll be providing excellent service alongside a team of other dental care professionals. Not only will you be required to assist with medical procedures, but you’ll also be there to support the patient. As dental practises can be a source of anxiety for many it’s important that dental...

A Dental Nurse supports the dentist in all aspects of a patient’s treatment and care. They work alongside dentists, clinical dentists, technicians, and hygienists. It is their job to reassure patients, while providing direct support with the treatment itself. If you are thinking about becoming a dental nurse, you’ll have to be responsible for looking after patient records, preparing instruments, making sure everything needed for the procedure is in place and responding quickly to...

Becoming a dental nurse is a very rewarding and varied role. Not only is there a lot of opportunity for growth and development in the job. It also isn’t a long process to get qualified in the first place. With many roles in healthcare requiring years of training and study. Some dental nurses can find themselves fully qualified and working in as little as a year. So, if you’re after a new career with little downtime whilst you learn then dental nursing could be for you. A career...

Self-directed learning – in the broadest sense – is the process through which an individual takes responsibility for their learning. This is broken down into: assessing the needs and readiness for learning, identifying learning goals, engaging in the learning process and self-evaluation. In short it is a comprehensive methodology designed to empower people to take ownership for their personal development. Rather than leaving it up to others. Within the context of distance...

University lecturers are some of the most inspiring intellectuals of our society. Not only do they nurture the inquisitive minds of their students, but they also make impactful contributions to their area of study. As a university lecturer you’ll be constantly researching and expanding your knowledge through your work. You’ll be required to publish academic books or scholarly articles to enhance your institutions profile. As well as teach students through lectures, seminars,...

Working as a doctor is one of the most rewarding yet challenging careers you can have. From diagnosing mild ailments to creating treatment plans for chronic illnesses and life-changing diseases, doctors shoulder considerable responsibility. They work on the frontline, tending to people’s immediate medical needs, and are the cornerstones of healthcare systems everywhere. Doctors not only work to improve lives through medical intervention, but they help save them too. As such,...

Engineering is a broad field of study, which combines the application of maths and science to design, build and test structures. From the cars we drive to the device you’re reading this blog on, engineering surrounds us. Engineering is not only useful to the modern world, it’s intrinsic to the way we live. As such, it is one of the most important and in-demand careers in the world. Despite this, there is a significant skills shortage in the engineering workforce. This is...

Bricks and mortar colleges have always been the traditional option when choosing education. Being in a classroom setting and learning alongside a group of peers is usually the norm in our younger years. However, if you’re looking to get back into education it’s not always an option. As we get older, we naturally accumulate more responsibility which is harder to break away from. Whether that’s working full time or getting through a child’s terrible twos, it’s not easy to find...