The number of student nursing applications in Scotland have fallen by almost a quarter in the last year.
According to UCAS, as few as 5,070 people had applied to study nursing by January this year, compared to 6,690 in 2022.
This figure is lower than any other UK nation, which is raising the alarm for the Scottish government - especially amidst the NHS staffing crisis.
It is hoped more applications will be made over the coming months, before the autumn term begins.
Having said this, acceptance rates for the undergraduate course fell by 8% last year, so concerns for the longevity of healthcare services in Scotland remain high.
Eileen McKenna, RCN Scotland associate director, said the figures were "very worrying" considering there are currently 4,600 vacancies for registered nurses in Scotland.
"The Scottish government must act now to ensure nursing is seen as an attractive and rewarding career," she said.
"They need to reward today's experienced staff with a fair pay rise and demonstrate that a career in nursing shouldn't come with a personal financial sacrifice.
"They need to ensure nursing students have adequate financial support to allow them to prioritise their education and cope with the rising cost of living."
Scotland has also seen a 13% increase in the number of practising nurses resigning from work.
Fairer pay for nurses is still in a stage of negotiation, however strike action, unlike the rest of the UK, remains on hold while talks continue at an “accelerated” pace.
We expect to have a decision by the end of the month.
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