The number of healthcare professionals pursuing higher education is continuing to increase, reports Nursing Times.

The Government's decision to make nursing an all graduate profession, with eligility for entry to profession dependent on studying an academic diploma, degree or masters programme, is thought to have contributed to the surge in numbers.

Recently another 25 healthcare professionals graduated at the Education for Health ceremony, which took place at St Mary's Church in Warwick.

Education for Health is a leading charity which focuses on the education of health professionals. The courses, which are run both nationally and internationally, are accredited by the Open University.

Monica Fletcher, Chief executive at Education for Health said: "Many nursing roles are demanding, require an advanced level of practise and clinical knowledge and are key to supporting the QIPP agenda.

The shift of nursing towards an all graduate profession gives due credit to this and the important role that nurses have in preventing disease and disease progression through the highest quality care."

Nurses have often revealed their dismay at the lack of public awareness over their profession. Many people believe tahat only those working in nurse manager jobs have attended university in order to qualify for their roles.

"Degree level education provides nurses with the decision making skills that they need to make high-level judgements in the changing NHS," Ms Fletcher added.

Jane McCarthy from Herefordshire, was just one of the professionals that graduated at July's ceremony.

"I feel much more confident in practise now and have the ability to speak to patients about clinical issues with much more certainty," she said.