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 get additional student financial support through the NHS Learning Support Fund.
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.
You could contact the voluntary services co-ordinator at your local NHS trust for further advice.
You can also find volunteering opportunities 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
Further information
You'll find more advice about how to become a nurse from the Royal College of Nursing and Health Careers.