To become a registered nurse in the UK, you must complete a nursing programme approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). There are several pathways to achieve this:
Undergraduate Degree in Nursing
- Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Nursing: A three-year full-time program combining theoretical study with clinical practice in various healthcare settings.
- Bachelor of Nursing (BNurs): Similar to the BSc, focusing on practical skills and academic knowledge.
Nursing Degree Apprenticeships
- Allows you to earn while you learn over a four-year period.
- Combines working in a healthcare setting with part-time study at a university.
- Apprenticeships are employer-led, so you'll need to secure a position with a participating employer.
Access to Higher Education (Nursing) Diploma
- Designed for individuals without traditional qualifications (like A-levels).
- A one-year program that prepares students for entry into university nursing courses.
- Covers essential topics like human biology, health studies, and social sciences.
Postgraduate Routes
- Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) or Master's in Nursing: For those who already hold a degree in another field.
- Accelerated programs typically take two years to complete.
Universities require prospective nursing students to have suitable educational achievement before they start the degree course, these entry requirements are explored in the next section.