The Government has approved the implementation of a four-year pre-registration nursing degree programme next year.
The proposals, costing £176 million will facilitate the integration of nursing students into the higher education sector.
Thirteen higher education institutions throughout the State will be involved in the delivery of the degree programme from the start of the academic year 2002/3.
A total of 1,640 places will be available on the programme from next year and up to 40 sponsorships for the degree will be available each year.
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Applications will be made through the Central Applications Office (CAO).
The Government has also approved the setting up of an additional 372 nursing training places over the next four years.