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Training to be a nurse
This page outlines the initial training involved in becoming a nurse.
Introduction
To work in the NHS, nurses must hold a degree or diploma in nursing (a “pre-registration” programme), which leads to registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), enabling them to practice as a nurse.Nursing attracts people from all walks of life and so groups of student nurses are made up of a mixture of ages, sexes and cultures.
Degrees and diploma programmes comprise of 50% theory and 50% practice, with time split between the higher education institute (HEI), which runs the course, and practical placements in a variety of healthcare settings.
New entrants to the nursing profession from September 2013 will have to study a degree. However, diploma courses will be phased out between September 2011 and early 2013. For example, some universities will only offer the new degree programme from September 2011, where others will continue to offer the diploma and current degree programmes throughout 2011 and 2012. By September 2013, all nursing programmes will be degree-only.
Universities are currently working with their placement providers to decide when they will move over to the new programme and applicants will need to contact their local universities nearer the time of their application to see which programmes they are offering. This announcement does not affect those currently undertaking nursing courses or those applying for courses for 2010.
Branches of nursing
Pre-registration degrees and diploma programmes are offered in four “branches” – adult, children (paediatric), learning disability and mental health. Some courses offer the chance to combine social work with mental health or learning disability nursing. Usually, you will need to decide which of the four branches of nursing you wish to train for, before applying for a programme. A small number of HEIs may offer you the flexibility to choose your branch after having started the course. You are therefore strongly recommended to contact the HEI(s) that you are considering before making your application.All nursing degrees and diplomas consist of common foundation programmes (CFP) that are taught across all four branches of nursing, usually for one year on full-time courses, before specialisation.
If, for example, you choose to go into mental health nursing, the placements during your second and third years of study (on a full-time course) will be mainly concentrated in that environment, and will focus on patients with mental health problems. However, certain aspects of training will be common to all branches of nursing.
For information about entry requirements into the following programmes, click here.
Pre-registration programmes
1. Pre-registration diploma of higher education in nursing (Dip HE nursing)
- On completion, students are awarded both an academic and a professional qualification, through integrated study of theory and supervised nursing practice.
- Supervised nursing practice is 50% of the programme and takes place in both community and hospital settings.
- The programmes are normally three years in length, beginning with a 12 month common foundation programme (CFP), followed by around two years in one of the four branches of nursing: adult, mental health, learning disabilities or children’s nursing.
2. Pre-registration nursing degree
- On completion, students are awarded both an academic and a professional qualification, through integrated study of theory and supervised nursing practice.
- Supervised nursing practice is 50% of the programme and takes place in both community and hospital settings.
- The programmes are normally three years in length, beginning with a 12 month common foundation programme (CFP), followed by around two years in one of the four branches of nursing: adult, mental health, learning disabilities or children’s nursing.
- Some degree programmes last for four years.
3. Accelerated programmes for graduates who hold a health related degree.
- These shortened programmes are modified from existing nursing programmes and lead to qualification in adult, mental health, learning disabilities or children’s nursing.
- Accelerated programmes are at least 24 months in length. A minimum of six months is undertaken in the CFP and at least 18 months in the appropriate branch programme.
4. Part-time study
Part-time pre-registration nursing programmes are provided by some universities and normally last for five or six years. They are available to staff working in the NHS – usually as an assistant or an associate practitioner with qualifications up to NVQ level 3 (or equivalent). You’d be employed by the NHS, which would provide support in terms of time off to attend on a part-time basis.After your pre-registration programme
Once you’ve successfully completed your pre-registration programme and registered with the NMC you can apply for nursing posts. With some experience, you can look to develop your career further, which may mean further study/training.Healthcare is constantly developing, technology improving, and the needs of the population changing. Once qualified, it is necessary to keep yourself up to date with health care issues and practice. This will be required by the NMC, and encouraged by your employer. For information about post registration education and practice (PREP) requirements, click here
For information about furthering a career in the NHS, click here
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