Nurse

You can do a degree in adult nursing approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council .

You might be able to get extra student financial support through the NHS Learning Support Fund .

You may be able to join the second year of a nursing degree if you already have a degree in:

• a health-related subject
• psychology
• life sciences
• social work

Full-time courses usually take 3 years.

Armed forces

You can also train to be a nurse in the armed forces. You can find more information at:

• Army
• Royal Air Force
• Royal Navy

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science

• 2 or 3 A levels, including a science, or a level 3 diploma or access to higher education in health, science or nursing

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

You could apply for a Registered Nurse Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship if you work in a healthcare setting, like a hospital.

This takes around 4 years and is a mix of academic study and on-the-job training.

You'll need the support of your employer to do a degree apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

You could work as an assistant practitioner or nursing associate and study for a shortened nursing degree to qualify as a registered adult nurse.

You'll find it helpful to get some relevant experience before you apply for nurse training.

You could:

• get work experience in health or social care
• search for opportunities with NHS Volunteering
• find openings through The National Council for Voluntary Organisations and Do IT

If you're already a registered nurse, for example in mental health nursing, you may be able to complete a conversion course to become an adult nurse. Courses normally take between 1 and 2 years.

Registrations

you'll need to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council

Career Tips

You'll be expected to show how you would use NHS values in your work, when applying for a course or apprenticeship.

Further Information

You can find advice about how to become a nurse from the Nursing & Midwifery Council and Health Careers .

As a nurse, you could:

• assess patient needs to see if they require immediate attention
• draw up treatment care plans
• check patients' temperature, blood pressure and pulse rate
• administer certain medicines, treat wounds and set up drips
• monitor patient progress and update medical records
• build trusting relationships with patients
• work closely with doctors and the wider healthcare team
• advise patients and their families on how to give ongoing care at home

You could work in an NHS or private hospital, at a health centre, at a hospice, at an adult care home, at a client's home or in a prison.

Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding.

You may need to wear a uniform.