How to become a health visitor
You can get into this job through:
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
Apprenticeship
If you are a qualified registered nurse or midwife you may be able to do a specialist community public health nurse (Master's) degree apprenticeship.
This typically takes 18 months to complete as a mix of 50 percent workplace learning and 50 percent academic study at an accredited university.
Entry requirements
To do this apprenticeship, you'll need:
- to be a registered nurse
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Work
You need to be a registered midwife, adult, child, mental health or learning disability nurse to apply for health visitor training.
You then complete a course in Specialist Community Public Health Nursing - Health Visiting, approved by the Nursing & Midwifery Council.
Courses are at degree level, can be full-time or part-time and last between 1 and 2 years.
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Registration
- you'll need to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council
Career tips
When applying for jobs you'll be expected to have an understanding of how NHS values apply in your work.
Further information
You'll find more details about how to become a health visitor from Health Careers.