Nursing is one of the most diverse and rewarding careers in healthcare. Whether you’re just starting or considering a career change, there are several routes into nursing. From traditional university degrees to practical apprenticeships, the path to becoming a registered nurse is more accessible than ever.
In this guide, we’ll explain what qualifications you need to be a nurse in the UK, the different types of nursing specialisms, and what to expect from training. We’ve also included first-hand insight from nurses at Elysium Healthcare to show what a nursing career can look like in practice and the career paths and progression possible at Elysium.
In a nutshell, to become a nurse in the UK, you’ll need:
- An NMC-approved nursing degree (or degree apprenticeship)
- GCSEs and A levels (or equivalent qualifications)
- Registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)
- Key personal qualities like compassion, resilience and communication
The Core Requirement: A Nursing Degree
To become a nurse in the UK, you’ll need to complete a nursing degree approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). This degree can focus on one of four specialisms:
- Adult nursing
- Mental health nursing
- Children’s nursing
- Learning disabilities nursing
The specialism is up to you. So, if you have an interest and would like to progress into other roles in a particular area, doing the right degree now can help you in the future. However, with the right training, you can progress into any role, just like Kyle did:
“I worked through the ranks from newly qualified nurse to Staff Nurse, Team Leader, and then became Ward Manager. I was in the secure services side for around 7 years but decided to move on so I could work more within the community-based services.”
Read Kyle’s full interview to learn how he went from a nurse to a registered manager in 10 years.
Most nursing degrees take three years to complete and include both academic study and hands-on clinical placement experience in hospital and community settings.
Entry Requirements for a Nursing Degree
To get onto a nursing course, you’ll usually need:
- Two or three A levels (including a science subject such as Biology or Psychology)
- GCSEs in English, maths and science (usually grade 4/C or above)
- A minimum of 104–120 UCAS points, depending on the university requirements.
Many universities also accept equivalent qualifications, like:
- A T Level in Health
- An International Baccalaureate
- Relevant BTECs or diplomas in health or science
- Access to Higher Education Diplomas in Nursing
Entry requirements vary, so always check individual entry criteria carefully. Universities are often happy to consider other qualifications or work experience in a healthcare setting.
Studying Nursing at University
During your undergraduate nursing degree, you’ll develop core clinical skills, gain practical experience, and study modules covering:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Mental health, wellbeing and recovery
- Communication and psychological care
- Legal and ethical practice
- Working with young people, those with physical disabilities, and other healthcare professionals
Financial Support for Nursing Students
Worried about the cost of studying nursing? Students on undergraduate nursing degrees may be eligible for:
- An NHS bursary (in Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland)
- A £5,000 grant in England for eligible students
- Additional financial support for childcare, living costs, or travel
This funding isn’t usually repayable and can make a real difference when planning your training.
Alternatives to University: The Degree Apprenticeship Route
If university isn’t for you, you can still become a nurse by applying for a nursing degree apprenticeship. This option lets you earn while you learn, working in a healthcare setting and studying part-time.
The apprenticeship route usually takes four years and is a fantastic option for those looking to develop a career while balancing other responsibilities. You’ll still qualify as a registered nurse through an NMC-approved nursing course.
Nursing Associates: A Stepping Stone to Nursing
Another route into nursing is becoming a nursing associate. This is a regulated role that bridges the gap between healthcare support workers and registered nurses. You can work as a nursing associate and later progress to a full nursing degree through a top-up course or nursing degree apprenticeship.
Nursing associates work in a range of community settings, supporting people with mental health, complex needs, or long-term conditions. It’s an ideal option for those who want a hands-on role while they gain qualifications.
Debi, a registered nurse based at Elysium’s Moorlands Neurological Centre, started with us as a support worker, but always wanted to be a nurse. With the career progression available at Elysium, she made it happen:
“Elysium were so supportive throughout the time I was studying. The biggest burden when choosing to study is the financial costs, however this was all covered by Elysium and I was still paid my salary. This allowed me to excel in my career and remain a member of staff.”
Read more about how Debi became a nurse at Elysium in her interview.
Advanced Nursing Qualifications
Once you’re a qualified nurse, you may wish to progress your career by completing a postgraduate nursing degree. These can help you move into areas like:
- Critical care
- Palliative care
- Becoming a nurse practitioner
- Working in education or leadership
At Elysium, career progression is taken seriously, and we’re here to help you move your career forward. Nkoyo started her career as a registered nurse and is now the Ward Manager at Braeburn House. Nkoyo has undertaken a lot of training in her career at Elysium:
“I have had the opportunity to train as a Safeguarding and PREVENT trainer for Elysium. I also completed Education and Training qualifications which further enhanced my training skills, confidence and competencies.
I am currently undertaking Level 5 Coaching Professional Apprenticeship, that is my current project at the moment. In the field we are in, organisation, the style of leadership is changing and coaching is helpful in a stressful environment. It helps us be able to understand my colleagues and be the best support I can be as a manager.”
What Personal Qualities Do You Need?
As well as meeting the entry requirements, successful nurses typically demonstrate:
- Compassion and empathy
- A commitment to good health and well-being
- Adaptability and resilience
- Excellent communication
- Teamwork and organisation
A passion for care is also vital. As Nkoyo says:
“I have always had a passion about caring and listening to people and do as much as possible to try to help them, even from a young age. It was a real passion for me.”
A passion for care means you’ll be able to make a genuine difference in people’s lives. You’ll also be working closely with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals, so compassion and people skills are as important as academic qualifications.
The Bigger Picture: A Real Difference, Every Day
There’s no one way to become a registered nurse, and whatever route you take, you’ll be joining a profession in high demand that touches lives every day. So, if you want to a career that makes a real difference, a career in nursing is waiting for you.
Already a nurse looking for a career change? Take a look at the nursing roles at Elysium. A career in nursing is a challenging, rewarding, and life-changing experience. If you’re ready to provide compassionate care and support to those in need, we’d love to hear from you.
