A nurse can work in public or private GP practice, hospitals, retirement homes and a range of other places. Actually, when you become a nurse you can work in any place where there are people from schools, college, university, occupational health services, hospices and the pharmaceutical industry sector. Nurses work individually and part of larger teams to help people to get well, provide advice and conduct health checks.  There are many job roles of a trained nurse and many opportunities for career advancement.

Nurse qualification

Take a degree or diploma, qualify to become as a nurse.

UK University in all 4 home nations has courses and they also arrange the required practical placements in local hospitals as part of your training.

Half you’re training is spent on practical training at a hospital.

Common Foundation Programme forms the first part of training then you choose a specialisation.

Years of training

Diploma courses full time 3 years

Degree takes 3 or 4 years

Funding

Student loans for applicants for fees and or maintenance allowance for each year of your course.  Residents in England apply through Student Finance England.

NHS funded degree course available if you qualify can receive a means tested bursary and fees paid and funded diploma courses receive a non income assessed bursary.

Funding, Further information

NHS Student Grants Unit http://www.nhspa.gov.uk/sgu

Wales

National Leadership and Innovation Agency for Healthcare (NLIAH) http://www.nliah.wales.nhs.uk

Scotland

The Students Awards Agency for Scotland
www.student-support-saas.gov.uk

Northern Ireland

The Department of Higher and Further Education Training and Employment
http://www.delni.gov.uk

Entry requirements

Personal attributes and traits of a good listener, understanding and good working with others are important.  A-C grades in English, Mathematics and other relevant subjects are standard entry requirements for university courses.  Universities accept a range of qualifications. 17 years and over is also a requirement.

Good health and a medical are usually required.

Enhanced Disclosure.

Where to apply

UCAS central applications online for both diploma and degree courses.

Other information

NHS Careers

http://www.nes.scot.nhs.uk/nursing

National Leadership and Innovation Agency for Healthcare
http://www.nliah.wales.nhs.uk

Queen's University Belfast
http://www.qub.ac.uk