Some 250 nurses are celebrating their success in gaining First Level Registration status at a ceremony held in the majestic surroundings of Winchester Cathedral this week.

The celebrations are the culmination of two years hard work for students who have continued in their normal nursing posts whilst studying.

The distance learning Emap Healthcare course is co-ordinated by King Alfred's College, Winchester, and welcomes students from across the country.

Ruth Croker, course leader for Open Learning at the College, explained that the course, which gives academic credit as well as a nursing qualification, is a great achievement: "A great deal of personal commitment is required of the students as they work and study whilst managing family, home and other personal commitments.

"Students have to therefore be extremely motivated, but benefit from meeting locally with their allocated tutor counsellor and students from the same geographical area.

"Managers appreciate their nurses gaining in confidence and competence and value the requirement to relate theory to practice within the workplace. In addition, the students' enthusiasm, awareness of wider issues and the adoption of a holistic approach influence others within their nursing teams."

King Alfred's Open Learning Centre began offering the Conversion Course in September 1991, and continues to enjoy two intakes per year.

The Centre has also offered the Diploma Pathway since February 1994 and the Older Person Modules since February 2001.

To date, 1640 students have successfully completed the Conversion Course with the College.