This statement presents a verified, evidence-based review of statements made by Carrie-Anne Ridsdale, also known publicly as Jayne Price, in which she claims qualifications in biochemistry at an unspecified institution, followed by a nursing qualification from Cardiff University. These statements have been made across livestreams, social media, and in community-facing contexts including charitable appeals.
The following review verifies those claims against the published academic standards of Cardiff University, the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC), and the UK higher education framework.
Claim
“I did diploma in biochem and passed with distinctions… I did a diploma in biochem to get in… it took the A&P out of the studying.”
While Cardiff does offer a Biochemistry BSc (Hons), this degree does not exempt students from core modules within nursing education, such as Anatomy and Physiology. The NMC requires that all pre-registration nursing students complete approved biosciences content that is:
- Profession-specific,
- Integrated into practice,
- Assessed to national standards.
Even if Ms Ridsdale holds a BSc in Biochemistry, this would not remove the requirement to study A&P during a nursing degree. It may assist academically, but does not confer exemption from any part of an NMC-approved curriculum.
Sources:
- Cardiff University – BSc Biochemistry
- Cardiff University – BN Nursing (Adult)
- NMC Pre-registration Standards (2018)
Claim
A degree in Biochemistry was used to gain entry to a nursing degree at Cardiff University.
Verification: While a BSc in Biochemistry is an academically rigorous, relevant science degree, it is not a formal or exclusive gateway to entry into nursing.
Cardiff University accepts a range of science-based qualifications for entry into nursing, including:
- A-levels (with a science),
- BTEC Extended Diplomas (Health or Science),
- Access to HE Diploma in Nursing,
- Some prior science degrees, subject to screening.
However, biochemistry graduates would typically still need to:
- Complete a personal statement tailored to healthcare,
- Attend a nursing admissions interview,
- Pass DBS and Occupational Health screening.
There is no automatic or preferential entry route for Biochemistry graduates, and no exemption from required modules.
Sources:
Claim
“You didn’t need to study the anatomy and physiology part of it at degree level, because you already knew it.”
Verification: This is inconsistent with NMC education policy. All NMC-approved nursing degrees include mandatory, assessed modules in:
- Anatomy and Physiology,
- Biosciences for healthcare,
- Clinical assessment and pharmacology.
No prior qualification—Biochemistry included—can exempt a student from these required components.
Source: NMC Standards for Pre-registration Nursing Education
Claim
CACHE Level 3 Award or Diploma qualifies one for entry into nursing degree programmes.
Verification: CACHE Level 3 is designed for early years education roles and does not meet the academic entry requirements for NMC-accredited nursing degrees without supplementation (e.g., science A-level or Access to HE).
Sources:
- NCFE Qualification Handbook (CACHE)
- Cardiff University Entry Requirements
Claim
“I was accepted to every university I applied for with an unconditional offer.”
Verification: Unconditional offers in nursing are rare due to safeguarding and academic requirements. Normally all offers are conditional on:
- Academic results,
- Admissions interview,
- DBS clearance,
- Occupational Health screening.
Sources:
Claim
“I was offered a learning disabilities nurse position during my university interview.”
Verification: Universities do not offer employment roles during admissions interviews. To become a Learning Disabilities Nurse, an individual must:
- Complete an NMC-approved degree,
- Be officially registered with the NMC,
- Apply through NHS/official recruitment portals.
Sources:
Claim
“I studied BA Hons Nursing at Cardiff University.”
Verification: Cardiff University does not offer a BA (Hons) in Nursing. Its nursing degrees are awarded as:
- BN (Hons) – Bachelor of Nursing with Honours
- BSc (Hons) – Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Source: Cardiff University – BN Nursing
Summary Table
| Claim | Verified Status |
|---|---|
| Biochemistry degree used for Cardiff nursing entry | Possible, but not automatic |
| Biochem removed A&P requirement | ❌ No exemption allowed under NMC rules |
| CACHE Level 3 qualifies for nursing | ❌ Not sufficient alone |
| Unconditional offers | ❌ No independent confirmation |
| Job offer during university interview | ❌ Not a valid employment pathway |
| Studied “BA Hons Nursing” at Cardiff | ❌ Course does not exist |
Government Guidance
On 12 May 2025, new guidance was issued regarding misuse of the title “nurse”:
“Anyone misleading the public and describing themselves as a nurse without the relevant qualifications and registration will be committing a crime under new measures announced by the government to protect the title ‘nurse’ in law.”
Read the full government release here.
Update: 3 July 2025
Following public scrutiny, Ms Ridsdale shared a series of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) certificates gained from a 2019 open day hosted by the British Journal of Midwifery. These are not academic qualifications and do not equate to formal training or NMC-recognised registration.
Sherlock