How do you become a nurse?
There are many reasons why you might want to become a nurse, with one key reason being the fact that it is an incredibly satisfying profession that is all about helping and supporting others. In addition, it's also one where there are lots of opportunities, with 94% of students who opt to study nursing receiving a job within just six months of finishing their course. There is also financial support for those who need it and the chance to meet lots of different people while completing training that is both learning based and hands on. So, how do you do it?
Studying nursing
There are many different universities offering a nursing degree and each one will have its own set of entry requirements. Most course providers will require you to have at least two A-levels, often three, or an equivalent qualification at Level 3. On top of that you will also need to have gained GCSEs in subjects like English, Mathematics and one are of Science. The best university for you will depend on a range of different factors, from the entry criteria for the course to the location of the university and the other amenities that are on offer there.
Post-grad and applications
If you’re a post-grad and you want to switch to study nursing after another course then you can get an Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning, which means your post-grad study can be reduced from three to two years.
Any applications for full time nursing courses will need to be made via UCAS. If you’re looking to do a part time course then you should contact the university where you want to study. From January 2021 there will be the opportunity to complete a nursing qualification online - or to opt for blended learning that combines online and in-person study. You’ll be able to find out more about these courses by contacting individual universities.
Becoming a nurse without a degree
There are a number of different routes to becoming a nurse, from extensive studying to on the job training. Take time to understand which route will be best for you and take that next step in starting out in an exciting and worthwhile career.
Studying nursing
There are many different universities offering a nursing degree and each one will have its own set of entry requirements. Most course providers will require you to have at least two A-levels, often three, or an equivalent qualification at Level 3. On top of that you will also need to have gained GCSEs in subjects like English, Mathematics and one are of Science. The best university for you will depend on a range of different factors, from the entry criteria for the course to the location of the university and the other amenities that are on offer there.
Post-grad and applications
If you’re a post-grad and you want to switch to study nursing after another course then you can get an Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning, which means your post-grad study can be reduced from three to two years.
Any applications for full time nursing courses will need to be made via UCAS. If you’re looking to do a part time course then you should contact the university where you want to study. From January 2021 there will be the opportunity to complete a nursing qualification online - or to opt for blended learning that combines online and in-person study. You’ll be able to find out more about these courses by contacting individual universities.
Becoming a nurse without a degree
- Nursing degree apprenticeships - If you don’t have time to study full time then an apprenticeship is a more flexible option. This still involves study and obtaining the degree but it is balanced with on the job learning. Most apprenticeships take four years to complete although this may be reduced if you already have prior learning and experience. To get started under a nursing degree apprenticeship you’ll normally need to have at least a Level 3 qualification.
- Nursing associate roles - Joining the nursing profession as a nursing associate is a great way to get a foot onto the first rung of the nursing ladder. Whatever your background you can begin the process of training to be a registered nurse by starting out as a nursing associate. The work that you can do as a nursing associate is very broad and you may find that roles are available in a diverse range of settings in primary, community, acute and social care. Although you’re not a registered nurse as an associate you can train on an ongoing basis to get to that level.
There are a number of different routes to becoming a nurse, from extensive studying to on the job training. Take time to understand which route will be best for you and take that next step in starting out in an exciting and worthwhile career.
