How to become a learning disability nurse
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
University
You can do a degree in learning disability nursing approved by the Nursing & Midwifery Council.
Some degree courses let you study another area of nursing alongside learning disability nursing.
You may be able to join a nursing degree on the second year of a course if you already have a degree in:
- a health-related subject
- psychology
- life sciences
- social work
Full-time courses usually take 3 years.
If you already have a relevant degree, you might also be able to study for a postgraduate qualification through a postgraduate programme.
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
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
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Apprenticeship
You may be able to do a degree apprenticeship in nursing if you work in a healthcare setting like a hospital.
The apprenticeship takes around 4 years and is a mix of academic study and on-the-job training.
You must be supported by your employer to take this route.
Entry requirements
To do this apprenticeship, you'll need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship
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Volunteering
You'll find it helpful to get some paid or voluntary experience in social care or healthcare work before you apply for nurse training.
You could contact the voluntary services co-ordinator at your local NHS trust for further advice.
You can also find volunteering opportunities with people with learning disabilities, through The National Council for Voluntary Organisations and Do IT.
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Registration
- you'll need to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council
Career tips
It's possible to do a degree in learning disabilities nursing and social work. You'll need to check that the course is recognised by the relevant professional bodies. Course providers can advise you on this.
When applying for degree courses or an apprenticeship, you'll be expected to show an understanding of how NHS values apply in your work.
Further information
You can find out more about becoming a learning disability nurse from the Nursing & Midwifery Council and Health Careers.