How to become Children's nurse
You can get into this job through a university course or an apprenticeship.
University
You can do a degree in children's nursing approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council. You might be able to study another area of nursing alongside children's nursing on some degree courses.
You might 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.
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
Apprenticeship
You might be able to apply for a Registered Nurse Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship, if you work in a healthcare setting like a hospital.
The degree apprenticeship 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 higher or degree apprenticeship
More Information
Volunteering
You might find it helpful to get some paid or voluntary experience in healthcare before you apply for nurse training. It might also be useful to have experience working with children or young people.
More Information
Registration
- you'll need to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council
Further information
You can find advice about how to become a children's nurse from the Royal College of Nursing and Health Careers.