As the country’s largest provider of Nursing and Allied Health Professions (AHP) education, Glasgow Caledonian’s students are already making an impact on Scotland's health services — and their role will only grow.

Through its School of Health and Life Sciences (SHLS), Glasgow Caledonian University is a major provider of all new nursing and AHP graduates entering the NHS in Scotland. These include vital roles such as physiotherapists, paramedics, radiographers, podiatrists, occupational therapists, oral health practitioners, dietitians and orthoptists.

“Our world-class healthcare education prepares the next generation of nurses and AHPs to contribute to the multifaceted clinical teams in which they will spend their careers,” says SHLS Dean Professor Anita Simmers.

“By harnessing the combined strength and depth of expertise across the University’s healthcare disciplines, we have positioned Glasgow Caledonian as a hub for innovation, inclusion and impact in healthcare education.”

The scale and scope of Glasgow Caledonian’s contribution to the NHS is unrivalled in Scotland. From the moment students walk through our doors, they are prepared not just to join the NHS - but to lead it into the future. The University’s interdisciplinary approach, led by dedicated staff with a breadth of knowledge and years of experience, ensures its students are well-prepared for the dynamic, team-based nature of modern healthcare.

Our student allied health professionals play a critical role in the success of our NHS now and in the future.

Neil Gray, Scotland’s Health Secretary

As Scotland’s population ages and chronic conditions become more prevalent, the NHS is evolving and so too is health education. Glasgow Caledonian is actively addressing these challenges through strategic curriculum design, state-of-the art simulation training, strong links to clinical placements, cutting-edge research and extensive partnerships with NHS Scotland, local authorities and third sector organisations.

In response to the growing demand for integrated healthcare, the University has launched a new Department of Allied Health Professions. Bringing together a wide range of AHP disciplines, the department offers both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, as well as Masters-level qualifications for existing healthcare professionals.

Dr Alexandra Mavroeidi who heads up the new department believes it is a “bold step” forward. “This new department demonstrates our commitment to addressing workforce shortages and improving public health outcomes across Scotland and beyond,” she says. “We are preparing graduates who are ready to meet the rising challenges of chronic illness, multimorbidity and health inequalities.”

Every year, around 2,000 students come through the University’s doors to study a range of AHP subjects. Programmes are designed in collaboration with NHS clinicians, policy advisors, students and patient representatives - ensuring they’re truly fit for purpose.

Alongside our AHP education, Glasgow Caledonian University continues to lead in nursing and public health. The Department of Nursing, Community and Public Health is home to more than 3,500 students across fields such as adult, child, mental health and learning disability nursing, as well as public and community health. Its biggest programme, BSc/BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies, has an annual intake of around 800 students.

Dr Val Ness, Head of the Department, says the University’s focus is on “equipping students with the skills and confidence to provide care in all its forms and settings”.

The University’s impact certainly hasn’t gone unnoticed. During a recent visit, Scotland’s Health Secretary Neil Gray described our contribution as “vital” to the future of the NHS. “Our student allied health professionals play a critical role in the success of our NHS now and in the future. The range of facilities at Glasgow Caledonian and the work being done in health research is vital to ensuring that our students are ready and well equipped to join our health workforce,” he said.

And students’ experiences speak volumes too. BSc (Hons) Human Nutrition and Dietetics student Kyle Kennedy, the first in his family to attend university, reflects on his transformative journey: “There is no doubt I’ve found my passion at Glasgow Caledonian. Every day is rewarding.

I’ve worked with stroke and neurological patients during placement, and it’s powerful to see how different allied health professionals come together to improve patient outcomes.”

With its bold academic vision, commitment to equity, and focus on real-world readiness, Glasgow Caledonian is not just producing graduates; it is shaping the future of healthcare in Scotland and beyond. Students are transforming their own lives while also making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.