How to become a nurse
You can get into this career through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
University
You can do a degree in adult nursing approved by the Nursing & Midwifery Council.
Some degree courses let you study another area of nursing alongside adult nursing.
You may 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.
You can train for a career as a nurse in the armed forces. You can find more information at:
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
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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
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
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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.
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Registration
- you'll need to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council
Further information
You'll find more advice about how to become a nurse from the Royal College of Nursing and Health Careers.