Mental health nurse

You can do a degree in mental health nursing approved by the Nursing & Midwifery Council.

Some degree courses let you study another area of nursing alongside mental health 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.

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
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

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

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
• guide to apprenticeships

You'll find it helpful to get some paid or voluntary experience in healthcare, or with a charity that offers mental health services, before you apply for nurse training.

You may be able to qualify through an 18-month mental health nursing conversion course if you're already a registered nurse in a different branch. You'll need to speak to your employer if you want to do this.

Registration

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

Career tips

It's possible to do a degree in mental health 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.

Further information

You'll find more advice about working and training in nursing from the Royal College of Nursing and Health Careers.

You'll need:

• knowledge of psychology
• knowledge of medicine and dentistry
• counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
• customer service skills
• sensitivity and understanding
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• excellent verbal communication skills
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

As part of your daily duties, you may:

• assess and supporting patients
• encourage patients to take part in role play, art, drama and discussion as therapies
• provide physical care, if the patient is too old or ill to look after themselves
• give medication

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

Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.

You may need to wear a uniform.