How to Become a Nurse in the NHS

The main route

Most people become a registered nurse by completing an approved nursing degree. Nursing degrees combine university study with supervised practice placements, so applicants need to be ready for academic work and direct patient care.

The four main fields are adult nursing, children's nursing, learning disability nursing, and mental health nursing. Some universities also offer dual-field routes.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements vary by university. NHS Health Careers says applicants are likely to need level 3 qualifications such as A levels, T levels, BTECs, or equivalent routes, plus GCSEs including English, maths, and usually a science subject.

Universities set their own criteria, so the practical step is to check individual course pages rather than relying on one generic rule.

Alternative routes

Registered nurse degree apprenticeships can provide a work-based route, but you normally need to secure an apprenticeship position with an employer. Nursing associate roles can also provide a route into nursing, with further training sometimes allowing progression to registered nurse.

Application angle

Before applying, prepare examples that show care values, communication, resilience, reflection, teamwork, and realistic understanding of nursing work. If you already work as a healthcare assistant or support worker, connect that experience to the field of nursing you want to enter.